The space under a staircase often goes to waste. Turn that empty void (or dark storage cave) into a useful workspace by building out the area with a desk and some customized storage. Construct a perfectly functional office with built-in cabinetry and convenient open shelving to store bills and household paperwork. Save space and stay organized all under one staircase. Elegant home office in San Diego with a built-in desk. — Houzz Sand Kasl Imaging

KazArts Photography
Mid-sized transitional built-in desk ceramic tile home office photo in New York with gray walls

A built-in desk with storage can be hidden by pocket doors when not in use. Custom-built with wood desk top and fabric backing. Photo by J. Sinclair

John Magor Photography
Example of a study space trendy kids' study room design in Richmond with blue walls

Lose the clunky under-the-bed storage containers and replace them with this clever and convenient alternative. With eight large rolling drawers, the Storage Platform is sure to give your closet or dresser some breathing room. Pair it with the LAXseries Storage Headboard for the ultimate storage combination.

Platt Builders, Inc., Groton, Massachusetts, 2017 Regional CotY Award Winner, Residential Interior Under $75,000
Example of a huge transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and yellow floor craft room design in Boston with green walls

Super functional under stair storage cabinets. Super heavy duty glides give access to the huge storage cabinets.
Elegant staircase photo in Orange County

1st Place Residential Space Over 3,500 square feet Kellie McCormick, ASID McCormick and Wright
Example of a transitional built-in desk light wood floor home office design in San Diego

Ken Gutmaker
Mid-sized elegant freestanding desk medium tone wood floor study room photo in San Francisco with gray walls

Shoe storage under stairway
Example of a classic wooden staircase design in New York with white walls

Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States This brand-new townhouse at Pierhouse, Brooklyn was a gorgeous space, but was crying out for some personalization to reflect our clients vivid, sophisticated and lively design aesthetic. Bold Patterns and Colors were our friends in this fun and eclectic project. Our amazing clients collaborated with us to select the fabrics for the den's custom Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa and we also customized a vintage swedish rug from Doris Leslie Blau. for the Living Room Our biggest challenge was to capture the space under the Staircase so that it would become usable for this family. We created cubby storage, a desk area, coat closet and oversized storage. We even managed to fit in a 12' ladder - not an easy feat! Photographed by: James Salomon

Utilizing under-the-stairs space, this integrated system allows the whole family to stay organized elegantly. • Lago® Siena finish sets the tone for a traditional aesthetic. • Lago® Siena 5-piece door and drawer fronts with mink leather inserts contribute to the warm, traditional feel. • Aluminum frames with high-gloss Olive back-painted glass fronts provide concealed storage. • Leather mink cleat with cleat mount accessories adds texture and offers a place to hang coats. • Oil-rubbed bronzed pull-out baskets offer flexible storage for winter gear and sporting equipment. • Ecoresin Thatch backer is used as a unique back panel option. • Tiered custom height accommodates sloped ceiling. • Finger pulls and top cap shelf details add to the design aesthetic.

Office space under the stairs.
Home office - small contemporary freestanding desk medium tone wood floor home office idea in San Francisco with white walls

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal. With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones. Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe. On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms. Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

Custom floating desks inspired by midcentury classics provide ample workspace for two. Warm colors and terrazzo floors complete this serene basement home office. Photos by Geoffrey Hodgdon

Rett Peek
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional built-in desk dark wood floor craft room remodel in Little Rock with blue walls and no fireplace

Desks don't have to be a huge investment - simply use two 2 Cube Kits as a base and rest a plank of wood or an old door on top.
Example of a danish home office design in Auckland

The space under the stairs was made useful as a coffee bar and for overflow storage. Ample lighting and a sink make it useful for entertaining as well. Photos: Dave Remple

Additional pullout storage was custom designed under the stairs allowing for pantry, brooms and other utility items. When closed, the doors create a finished panelled effect, keeping the stair sophisticated and the storage hidden. Photos: Dave Remple