Under Stairs Storage Solutions

The space beneath stairs is often the most underutilised area in London homes—typically housing nothing more than a vacuum cleaner and forgotten items. Yet this awkward triangular void, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian terraces common across North London, offers significant storage potential. With clever design and proper carpentry, under stairs space can become highly functional storage, work areas, or even compact rooms. This guide explores creative, practical solutions for transforming this wasted space into valuable assets.

Assessing Your Under Stairs Space

Victorian and Edwardian terraces typically have 3-5 cubic metres of usable space under stairs. Key measurements needed:

• Maximum Height: Height at the tallest point (usually 2-2.2m)
• Minimum Height: Where stairs meet floor (often 1m or less)
• Depth: Distance from stairs to wall (typically 1-1.5m)
• Width: Along the stairs (usually 2.5-3.5m)
• Access Location: From hallway, kitchen, or living room
• Obstacles: Gas metres, radiators, electrical panels to work around

Fitted Storage Cupboards

The most popular solution—custom-built cupboards maximising every centimetre:

Full-Height Doors: Traditional approach:

• Single or double doors from floor to underside of stairs
• Simple shelving inside for general storage
• Deep shelves at tall end, shallow at low end
• Cost: £600-£1,500 depending on quality and finish
• DIY-friendly option for basic carpentry skills

Pull-Out Drawers and Units: Maximises accessibility:

• Multiple pull-out drawers on runners
• Each drawer accesses different depth zones
• Nothing gets lost at the back
• More complex carpentry required
• Cost: £1,200-£2,500 for quality pull-out system
• Ideal for frequently-used items

Combination Systems: Mix of approaches:

• Pull-out drawers at accessible heights
• Cupboard space with shelves for bulky items
• Low-height section for seasonal storage
• Most flexible and practical solution
• Cost: £1,500-£3,000 for comprehensive system

Specific Storage Solutions

Shoe Storage: Perfect use of low-height areas:

• Slanted shoe racks following stairs angle
• Pull-out shoe drawers
• Can store 30-50 pairs in typical under stairs space
• Include seat above for putting on shoes
• Ventilation important to prevent odors

Coat and Outerwear Storage:

• Hanging rail at tallest section (need 1.8m+ height)
• Hooks for bags and accessories
• Shelf above for hats and gloves
• Combines well with shoe storage below

Home Office/Study Nook: For stairs with good height:

• Desk fitted into space (need 2m+ height)
• Shelving above desk for books and files
• Good lighting essential
• Power sockets for computer/charging
• Cost: £1,500-£3,500 including desk and storage
• Increasingly popular with remote working

Wine Storage: Sophisticated option:

• Wine racks fitted into space
• Can store 100+ bottles
• Cool, dark environment ideal for wine
• Glass-fronted doors showcase collection
• Cost: £1,200-£3,000 for quality wine storage

Utility and Cleaning Storage: Practical everyday solution:

• Dedicated space for vacuum cleaner
• Shelving for cleaning products
• Hooks for broom, mop, dustpan
• Ventilated section for drying mops/cloths
• Keeps cleaning supplies organised but hidden

Pantry Storage: If stairs adjacent to kitchen:

• Pull-out shelving for dry goods
• Space for small appliances
• Can free up significant kitchen cupboard space
• Consider ventilation to prevent mustiness

Pet Area: Creative use for pet owners:

• Cosy den for dogs (cats often claim it anyway)
• Bed, water bowl, toy storage
• Door or curtain for privacy
• Washable surfaces essential
• Good ventilation important

Downstairs WC/Cloakroom

For larger under stairs spaces (particularly in semi-detached or detached properties), installing a toilet is possible:

Requirements:

• Minimum 2m height at tallest point
• At least 1.5m width and 1.2m depth
• Access to soil stack for waste disposal
• Building regulation approval required
• Proper ventilation (mechanical extractor)
• Often requires relocating/raising stairs slightly

Costs:

• Full cloakroom installation: £3,500-£7,000
• Includes plumbing, fixtures, ventilation, finishes
• Building control fees: £300-£500
• Can add £10,000-£20,000 to property value

Design Considerations:

• Compact toilets and basins essential
• Wall-hung fixtures save floor space
• Light colours make small space feel larger
• Good lighting crucial
• Mirror expands perceived space

Design and Finish Options

Door Styles:

• Flush Doors: Clean, modern appearance, blend with walls
• Paneled Doors: Traditional, suit period properties
• Glass-Fronted: Showcase contents (wine, books), make hallway feel larger
• Sliding Doors: Save space in narrow hallways
• Bi-Fold Doors: Wide access to entire cupboard
• Hidden Doors: Disguised as wall panelling for seamless appearance

Materials and Finishes:

• Painted MDF: Most economical, smooth finish, any colour (£600-£1,200)
• Real Wood: Oak, walnut, ash—premium appearance (£1,500-£3,500+)
• Veneered Ply: Wood appearance, more stable than solid wood (£1,000-£2,000)
• Laminate: Durable, easy-clean, good for utility storage (£700-£1,500)

Hardware and Details:

• Quality hinges and soft-close mechanisms
• Pulls and handles matching home style
• Internal LED lighting for visibility
• Motion sensors for automatic lighting
• Power sockets if needed for charging or appliances

Lighting Solutions

Under stairs spaces are naturally dark—good lighting is essential:

• LED Strip Lights: Along shelves, inside drawers
• Spotlights: Ceiling-mounted for general illumination
• Motion Sensors: Automatic activation when door opens
• Mains Powered: Better than battery-operated for permanent installation
• Cost: £100-£300 for quality lighting system

Ventilation Considerations

Enclosed under stairs spaces can become musty:

• Include ventilation grilles in doors or walls
• Mechanical ventilation for WC installations
• Moisture-resistant materials in humid environments
• Regular airing prevents damp and odors
• Avoid storing damp items (wet coats, umbrellas without proper drainage)

Working Around Obstacles

Gas and Electric Meters:

• Must remain accessible—include access panels
• Cannot be completely enclosed
• Doors must open fully for meter readings
• Some metres can be relocated (contact provider, costs £150-£300)

Radiators and Pipework:

• Work storage around radiators
• Ensure adequate ventilation for heat circulation
• Consider relocating radiators if essential (£300-£600)
• Box in pipework neatly within storage design

Installation Process and Timeline

Professional Installation:

1. Survey and design: 1-2 weeks
2. Custom manufacture: 2-4 weeks
3. Installation: 1-3 days depending on complexity
4. Total timeline: 4-7 weeks from order to completion

DIY Considerations:

• Simpler fixed shelving and basic cupboards feasible for competent DIYers
• Complex pull-out systems, fitted desks best left to professionals
• Accurate measuring and cutting essential in awkward triangular space
• Professional finish requires good carpentry skills

Cost Summary

• Basic cupboard with shelves: £600-£1,200
• Pull-out drawer system: £1,200-£2,500
• Comprehensive storage solution: £1,500-£3,000
• Home office/study nook: £1,500-£3,500
• Wine storage: £1,200-£3,000
• Downstairs WC: £3,500-£7,000

Prices vary based on size, materials, complexity, and finishes chosen.

Maximising Value

Well-executed under stairs storage adds value beyond its cost:

• Increases functional storage without extensions
• Improves home organisation and tidiness
• Downstairs WC particularly valuable (adds £10,000-£20,000)
• Quality storage appeals to buyers
• Returns typically 80-120% of investment