Photo by Christine Han
Do you ever think of how much wasted space there is under your staircase? Or wish you could make better use of your narrow entry hall? These are just a few examples of commonly underused areas of your home that are basically begging to be updated.
Whether you’re looking for additional storage area or just to add visual interest to your home, the internet is serving up major inspiration on innovative ways to rethink and renovate underused areas in your house.
by Camryn Rabideau
Under the Stairs
There’s so much valuable space under staircases, and it seems like a waste not to use it. Here are a few ways people have turned their under-stair areas into ingenious storage space and more.
1. Install Extra Cabinets
Instead of just carving out a big, unorganized closet under the stairs, why not break the space up into cabinets? It’s the perfect place to store serving ware, games, cleaning supplies, or really anything else that doesn’t have a proper home elsewhere.
2. Create a Wine Closet
No room for a wine cellar? Well, now you can have a wine closet! We’re obsessed with the idea of turning the space under the stairs into a walk-in wine storage room. The glass doors are an amazing touch.
3. Build a Hidden Playroom
Harry Potter would be jealous of this magical under-the-stairs hideaway. Not only are there ample drawers under this large staircase, but there’s also a hidden playroom—perfect for families with young children.
Under the Bed
Assuming you don’t have monsters living under there, the space under your bed is prime real estate for your storage needs. You just have to figure out the best way to make use of this area.
4. Invest in a Storage Bed
If you’re in need of a new bed, this is the perfect opportunity to purchase a storage bed. These cool designs often feature drawers and/or shelves where you can store clothes, linens, books, and more. They’re ideal for apartments where storage is lacking, and as an added bonus, you won’t have to vacuum under the bed anymore!
5. Make DIY Rolling Drawers
If you don’t feel like buying a new bed, you can always get creative and make your own storage. These rolling drawers are perfect for stashing bedroom essentials, and you can customize them to match your decor.
The Attic
Attics tend to be used as in-home storage containers, accumulating random boxes and pieces of furniture. However, with the right mindset, you can transform your attic into a cool, useful space that may soon become your favorite room of the house.
6. Create Office Space
How sweet is this office-slash-playroom? There’s still plenty of storage in the wall cabinets, but the whole room is polished, bright, and most importantly, functional!
7. Make a Serene Meditation Area
Any introvert knows how important it is to have a quiet space where you can be alone with your thoughts. With a little bit of fresh paint and a few cozy furnishings, you can turn the attic into your own little escape.
Upper Edges of Walls
The upper edges of your walls are probably pretty bare, but they’re the perfect spot for additional storage—or a playground for your pets.
8. Build a Cat Walk
Check out this cool cat walk! It gives your furry friends a great vantage point to watch over the house, and this particular design even includes some cabinets for additional storage. Just don’t put anything on those shelves that cats could knock off (because you know they will).
9. Find Additional Storage
Cabinets aren’t just for the kitchen. You can easily create more storage space for your family by installing cabinets in strategic places around your home, like in the mudroom or random nooks.
Narrow Hallways
You might think your hallway is too narrow to be functional, but you couldn’t be more wrong!
10. Create a Welcoming Entry
The key to creating a super-thin entryway display? Radiator covers! Even if you don’t have a radiator, these narrow pieces are ideal for hallways. You can fit a plant or two, a basket for your keys, or just random knickknacks that make the space more homey.
Which of these ideas would you use? Share your best storage tips for the underused parts of the home below!
(via Food52)
