photos of your kitchen and available space would help.

I personally would love a 2nd stairway to my kitchen and would find another pantry solution.

We need pics and a simple floor plan of the actual space available . also what is happening to the atual staircase

Thanks Lyn and Patricia for your responses. It is a small split level with two stairways from the entry one to the dining/living room and one to the kitchen. as it is a small space I belive the second stairway (to the kitchen) would be better used as a pantry. I would level the floor with the kitchen and clos off the wall downstairs. Just need help in deciding if the 3x4 would leave me with sufficient space for useful storage (as opposed to having all excess pantry and small appliances stored in the basement). Appreciate any ideas

We did what you are considering. We had a second staircase to the second floor/basement that we eliminated when we redid our kitchen. Zero regrets.

Ill try to post pictures

Thanks pennfire. would love to see pictures. it seems to me like a no-brainer and the best use of the space but Im having a hard time visualizing how to best plan the space

Ok, forgive the very basic labels.

the F is a built in SubZero freezer.

P is Pantry storage with pull out shelves down below and regular shelve above for leftover containers.

M is the microwave and small electronics like the blender, instapot, vac packer, etc with silver drawers underneath.

C is the china storage, this column is pull out drawers for china and glassware.

Across the top is lift up doors where I store occasional used items like large roasters, extra slow cookers, party supplies.

1. Somewhere in your house, use blue painter's tape on the floor to tape off the potential pantry outline and the shelves. Walk in and out of it and try lifting your arms to grab items.

Even if you cannot do the L shaped shelves, the extra storage would be very worth it to even having shelves straight across the back and not have to run to the basement as often.

I had excess kitchen storage in the basement for years. It is doable. But if you can gain the space in your kitchen, it's totally worth it.

What would you do with the downstairs portion of your extra staircase that would remain in the basement?

2. Our house, built in 1852 didn't even have a kitchen. One was eventually added, plus a room above and a staircase connecting the two with pie shaped stairs that turned a corner.

The owners prior to us closed off the staircase, didn't remove the stairs, and stored pantry items on the steps. Odd. The second floor part of the stairs was left open with no door and a floor for canvass storage. (She was a painter.)

When we renovated the kitchen, we entirely removed the staircase and put our Subzero fridge there instead. It completely changed our kitchen. On the second floor we added storage shelves and hung a curtain. It was linen closet over flow.

but Im having a hard time visualizing how to best plan the space

And we are having a hard time visualizing the space you have now. A couple of pictures taken from indide the kitchen would clear things up.

I have a friend selling a 1920s two story. It has two staircases. One by the front door on in the kitchen. For whatever reason I was wondering if a buyer would find it better use of space to remove the back stairs and create some closets/pantry. Please show us pictures of your space as it is now.

I still need pictures and that space is very small for a pantry so a good look at the actual spce too. IMO pantry shelves need to be only 1' deep usually so some good planning could equal great storage but closing off this space is big issue the upper floor the fact that it will ned to be sealed from the upper floor is thing needing considereation. I grew up in a home with 2 staircases and even a dumbwaiter and a laundry chute all functional and nice sometimes when us kids were in bed and wanted a snack and the adults were in the main part of the house . You need to really think about how much this is worth to you

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond.

Wow Pennfire - that space is amazing. My space is much smaller (just 6 steps) and cant expand on either side of the stairs but its great to see what can be done.

Kendrah - that looks similar to my situation. I can just remove the staircase and expand the space but I really would love a dedicated pantry and I think this may be a possible solution (even if small).

The downstairs of the staircase is actually ground level and opens to a family room. The thought is to close the wall on that side and insert an electric fireplace and some shelves above. We dont really need any extra storage in that space but I think it would upgrade the space.

Patricia - I hear you about the benefits of the extra staircase, in our home there is only about 15ft between the 2 staircases and it only goes one level down. (about 6 steps). I think the space could definitely be used better for storage.

I will try to upload some photos of the space. It is small but hopefully with some great tips and advice we can plan a layout that will be helpful.

Thanks again.

Killer games of hide and go seek and tag are the only good reasons for two staircases in any moderately sized home.

LOL Kendrah. The kids do have a great time chasing each other around the stairs. that would be a side benefit of closing it!

view from the kitchen (staircase on the right going down is the one in question)

view of the staircase from the kitchen (it is only 6 steps)

I don’t see any pics

Im not sure why the pictures are not loading. will have to try again. somehow only working from my phone

View from downstairs. the stairway on thr right goes to the basement and has to stay

Will also add that there is an unfinished attic on top of the staircase in question and theres no issue raising the ceiling to a flat 8 ft across the entire area

You answered my first question. Sounds like you will raise the ceiling. I say go for it. Again, even if there is not enough space for L shaped shelves. This is great space.