Although often forgotten or under-used, the space under the stairs can have great design potential! This corner of your home can be creatively and innovatively transformed into a useful and functional space. In this blog, we'll introduce you to various ideas for converting this frequently neglected space, which often contains very little square footage. Get inspired by our suggestions for creating elegant, personalized corners under the stairs.

Create a stylish bar area and wine cellar under your staircase

For wine enthusiasts or guests who enjoy a good time with friends over a drink, converting this space into an elegant wine cellar or refined bar could be just the touch of elegance you need.

If you're leaning towards the idea of a bar for the space under the stairs, the possibilities are vast. Imagine custom-made wine racks or a built-in bar with storage space for glasses, bottles and necessary accessories. Depending on the space, you could even consider adding a welcoming counter and a few stools; you'd instantly transform this space into a functional and convivial place for entertaining your loved ones. A great idea for a small space?  You could even integrate a small, practical sink and a mini-refrigerator to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature. You can also display your finest glasses to show them off to their best advantage. 

If you're passionate about the art of wine, an under-stair wine cellar could well be the ideal solution for you. Whether you opt for a serving cellar to store your wines in optimal conditions, or an aging cellar to let your wines age, this idea will free up precious space in your kitchen while adding a touch of sophistication. Modern wine cellars are designed with a sense of aesthetics, allowing them to integrate harmoniously into an open environment.

Transform the underside of the staircase into a functional office

More and more people are working remotely and looking for a functional workspace at home, but don't have an entire room in which to set up their office. If this is your case, the solution could be right under your feet (literally!) Creating an office under the stairs is a space-saving option for meeting your professional needs while optimizing the available space.

To furnish your workspace and create a space adapted to your needs, we recommend using your desk as a starting point and adapting the other pieces of furniture around it. When it comes to storage, choose items with more than one function, such as a footstool that can be used as a chair or a footstool, while still allowing you to store certain supplies, to maximize space. Another tip would be to use shelves or wall-mounted baskets. And don't forget to incorporate lighting to prevent fatigue and promote a comfortable working environment.

For a harmonious result, we advise you to choose the style and colors of your new workspace, matching them to your staircase and the room it's in. Perhaps you could make a color statement in your choice of storage items, for example?

Create an innovative TV corner

Is your staircase in your living room? The underside of the staircase could be a beautiful space to create a welcoming TV corner! Where you place the screen depends on your preferences and the design of your space. You can opt for a classic TV cabinet on which the screen rests, or a bespoke unit that fits perfectly under the staircase. If you're looking for a more streamlined touch, you could opt for a TV that mounts directly to the wall. If you're looking to conceal the screen when it's not in use, a sliding door or specially designed cabinet could be just what you're looking for.

The height under the staircase can sometimes be restricted, but this feature can be an advantage when converting the space into a TV corner. In fact, this configuration allows you to place the screen at an ideal height for a comfortable viewing experience. By carefully choosing the location of the screen and taking advantage of the configuration of your staircase, you can create a TV corner that blends in perfectly with your space. 

Create a green space below your stairs

Plants bring natural warmth to your home, improving air quality and promoting well-being. Why not make the most of a little-used space by adding a little life with a few plants? 

Use the space under the stairs with large potted plants to create a luxurious effect, or create a hollow in the floor for an under-stair mini-garden. Opt for depolluting plants to purify and refresh indoor air. Choose planters wisely to match the style, materials and colors of your decor.

In addition to its aesthetic aspect, the benefits of adding plants are numerous, and they promote a zen and soothing environment, while transforming the space under the staircase. Even with limited height, the potential for creating a plant corner under the stairs is limitless.

To keep your plants healthy for as long as possible, we advise you to pay attention to the luminosity of the space, which may well be restricted, and to choose plants according to their needs accordingly.  Do you like the look of a green space under the stairs, but don't have enough light for the style of plants you'd like to plant there? Perhaps you simply don't have a green thumb?  Artificial plants could be just the thing to get the look you're after, with ease!

A cozy corner for your pet

Whether it's a dog, cat, feathered or even scaly companion, our pets can have a very special place in our hearts! Why not use the space under the stairs to give them a place of their own? 

You could create a corner specially designed for them, with their cozy bed, food and water bowl and favorite toys, for example. To keep the space neat and organized, include hooks or shelves for storing leashes, grooming products and other necessities.  Integrating drawers or storage bins in colors that match your décor is also a good way to maintain consistency with the staircase and the rest of the room.

If you're creating an empty staircase, you may also want to delimit the space dedicated to your four-legged friends by installing a small palisade or pet screen to match the room's decor. This will separate their resting space from the rest of the room, giving them a quiet corner to retreat to when needed, while harmonizing the overall decor. 

Intermat has your customized staircase solution

Intermat is proud to offer you a complete range of options for creating your dream staircase. Whatever your needs and preferences, we have the solution for you. From elegant materials, a variety of styles from classic to contemporary, and a wide selection of wood species, the range of choices lets you personalize every detail. What's more, Intermat can not only design your staircases, but also take care of installation.