Making the Most of Spandrel Stairs in Your Home

In stairs, a spandrel is a triangular space underneath the staircase, when there isn’t another staircase underneath. When you have spandrel stairs in your home, you’re naturally going to want to make the most of the space that this offers to you. Get inspired with these creative ideas that will help you decide how best to utilise spandrels under stairs on your property.

Ideas for Utilising Spandrels Under Stairs

If you have a spandrel under the stairs of your home, there are plenty of ways that you can take advantage of the space:

Extra Storage Space

If you don’t have a lot of room for storage elsewhere, a spandrel can save you worrying. Depending on the size of the space, you might think of putting cupboards, chests of drawers, or even a small wardrobe in this area. You can also use it as a place for hanging up coats by installing a row of hooks and put shoes on a rack there for ease of access.

A Small Home Office

If you’d prefer not to work in your bedroom and you don’t have the space for a full office, a spandrel might be all the room you need. If you can fit a desk and chair, there is a place to plug in a laptop or computer, and you’ve got plenty of light to read by, then your spandrel stairs can double up as a home office.

A Comfortable Reading Nook

Perhaps you’d prefer not to use your spandrel stairs for work? If so, you can turn it into a spot for relaxation instead. By fitting a small shelf, a comfortable seat or seating area, and a lighting source like a lamp, you’ll create your own perfect reading nook.

A Kids’ Playspace

Spandrel stairs also make wonderful extra spaces for kids to play and store their things when not in use. By putting down a soft carpet, some bean bag chairs, and either installing some small shelves or putting in a box for toys and games, you’ll be creating a place your kids can go to play – while still being under your supervision when you’re downstairs.

A Wine Cellar

If you are a wine connoisseur, you might think of utilising the space in spandrel stairs by fitting a wine fridge or series of racks there. This is especially useful if the stairs are directly next to your kitchen or dining area, or even in the kitchen or dining area, as you won’t have to leave your food or guests to fetch drinks.

A Bar or Breakfast Bar

Similar to turning your spandrel into a wine cellar, you can also create your own home bar or breakfast bar in this space. All you will need to do is install a counter space and add in some seating. Storage for drinks or food items is optional.

An Indoor Garden Space

If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, or if the plants you want to grow wouldn’t thrive outdoors in UK weather, then a spandrel with a window might work just as well to grow plants.

A “Room” for Your Pet

If you have pets, you can always use the space under the stairs as their own “room” by setting them up with a bed, their food or water bowl, and some of their favourite toys.

Adding a WC

The idea that most people have for the spandrel under their stairs, when the space is big enough, is to fit a downstairs toilet. This is especially useful for homes which only have one big bathroom upstairs; your guests won’t have to worry about going through personal spaces when they come over and you and your family won’t have to queue in the morning or at night.

Find More Staircase Ideas with Us

If you are in the middle of remodelling or renovating your entire staircase, we have the ideas you need to come up with your ideal overall design. Our list of stair riser design ideas might be your next step for completing the look of your staircase, for instance, or maybe you need some newel post ideas that match the design you’ve already got for your balusters. You might even want to modernise your staircase and change its look entirely! 

No matter what you have in mind for your stairs, we have the advice and information you need in order to make it look good when the work is done. Take a look at our inspiration pages to get started and find the perfect look for your staircase today.

Complete Your Stairs with Accessories

If you know what you want to do with your spandrel stairs and all the space around and under them, you might want to think about the accessories you need to complete the design. We’re proud to offer particularly stylish combinations of modern and traditional stair runners, which are easily paired with stair rods available in a multitude of finishes.

Runners help to protect your staircase from damage, and the myriad of designs for runners and stair rods means there will always be something to match your design ideas. We can also offer free UK delivery for orders over £75, so they will even be good for your budget.