Things to Do With the Space Under the Stairs

Storage

• Turning this unused space into a storage closet is probably the easiest and most obvious way to go, especially if the space is enclosed. Depending upon your needs, you could outfit the space with closet rods for a coat closet or storage space for off-season clothing, or install rows of wine racks for a wine "cellar." Another idea is to turn the space into "holiday central" for storing all of your holiday decorations in one handy place. If you're an avid couponer put this space to work storing all your irresistible bargains.

For Adults

• If the adults in your household need a little extra room, consider turning the space into a small office, sewing center or library. If the space is enclosed it may be too small, but if the space is open and exposed to the home, this gives you a little more room to work with. A desk or work surface, a chair and a task light is needed for an office or sewing center, while bookshelves, a cozy and a lamp are the main ingredients of a library.

For the Kids

• Kids love a place of their own, and an under-the-staircase nook is the perfect spot for a cozy clubhouse, video game center, book nook or craft center. If the space is enclosed, let the kids go a little crazy with it, as it is hidden from view. They can hang up strings of colored lights and paper the walls with their own artwork. Storage is a must for any of these kid-friendly ideas. Keep furnishings small and simple.

For Pets

• Pamper your pet with a dedicated dog or cat room. An under-the-stairs nook is a smart place to keep your pet's bed, toys, blanket and supplies out of the way of humans. You can set this area up as a small herpatorium, complete with several reptiles, their tanks and heat lamps. This way the kids can enjoy their pets and Mom can avoid them by simply shutting the door. A larger project, but worth the time and effort, is to install a large aquarium on a platform or table inside an enclosed closet, and cut a viewing window into the wall so that the aquarium appears built in. You can enter through the closet door to care for the fish.

Dual Purpose

• With a little creativity, you can share the space and give everyone in your home a piece of the pie. For example, try squeezing a beanbag chair and a small basket of children's books into the grownups' library. A sewing center for Mom can easily be converted into a crafts center or art studio when the kids get home from school. If your pets like to hang out with you as your work, find a spot for a pet bed in the office.