Clever Ways to Add Storage Around Staircases

While staircases are essential for moving between levels in your home, these hardworking areas also offer surprising opportunities for storage. Here's how to add on organization, one step at a time.

Mid-Rise Storage

Some stairwells have a landing in the middle of the staircase. If your home sports a landing like this, claim the space for book storage. Look for slim shelving that won't take up a large portion of the landing and won?t hinder the traffic flow.

Add Service at the Foot of the Stairs

Place a console table or slim desk at the foot of the stairs to provide a drop-off point for keys, mail, and other essentials. A few baskets on the floor can help gather other items.

Sink In Some Shelving

Add a small niche to the wall beneath your stair case. Inset about 6 inches, these simple shelves are ideal for collections and books.

 Stairway Shelves

Shelves along the top of a landing are perfect for storing books. If you don't have a linen closet, deep shelves like these are perfect for storing extra towels and sheets. Outfit the shelves with pretty baskets and tuck the linens inside.

Turn the Corner

Turn an underused corner into a homework or computer station. A simple desk fits snugly into the corner by this staircase. If your computer is housed elsewhere, outfit the desk with a charging station for your cell phone and other gadgets.

Transform Landing into Work Space

Looking to carve out space for a home office? If you have a large landing, you're in luck. A set of shelves, a desk, and a few organizing supplies were all that was needed to transform this ignored landing into a full-fledged work space.

Extend Display with Picture Rails

Capitalize on the length of a stairwell by attaching bands of decorative molding that function as picture rails. For a pulled-together look, place items in similar frames and mats and embellish with hanging ribbons and coordinating labels.

Step into Bookcases

Line one wall of a wide stairway with shallow bookcases. Use high, difficult-to-reach areas for decorative display or infrequently accessed volumes. Cover unusual, triangular spaces with drywall or leave open to introduce architectural interest.

Build In a Wet Bar

Use the space under the stairs in a basement as your entertaining zone. Combine small-scale appliances and a sink along the floor and extend simple shelves in the upper areas. Install recessed lighting on the slanted ceiling in order to make the most of the low ceiling.

Pack In Supplies

Large, deep shelves running beneath these basement stairs are ideal for stacking bins and boxes. The slatted shelves keep items off the basement floor and out of harm's way should the basement flood.

Make Room for Multiple Baskets

Shelving beneath a stairwell can be deep. Prevent items from being lost in the back of the shelves by corralling everything in decorative baskets. This stairwell faces the kitchen, so the baskets are an ideal spot for storing linens and cookbooks.

Establish an Efficient Pantry

Convert the space under the staircase into a small room for storing food, paper goods, and extra cooking equipment. Add a door and wrap the three walls with shallow shelves.

Work with Furniture You Already Have

No special console table for the foot of the stairs? No problem! Simply cluster together several smaller pieces of furniture, such as dining chairs, stools, and large baskets. Unify mismatched finishes with a coat of paint or stain.

Hide Away Secret Compartments

The cubbies under this staircase may look typical, but they extend on roll-out bars to reveal secondary storage spaces. Upgrade storage cubbies with roll-out hardware designed for cabinet pullout shelves and stash off-season items deep inside.

Layer on the Ledges

Build out the lower portion of a stairway wall a few inches in an exaggerated stair-step pattern. Cap these prime spots with decorative trim and use them to display wall art and show off collections.

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Make the Most of the Top

Position a wall-hugging bookcase or console table at the top of a staircase. Add decorative lighting, which not only showcases your favorite items but illuminates the stairs, a safety plus.

Pack Storage Under a Landing

Staircases with elevated landings offer special opportunities to squeeze in extra storage. Install drawers that extend deep under the flooring and fill with seasonal items or sporting goods. Embellish a solid handrail with hooks for coats and frequently used gear.

Make a Mini Room

Outfit the area under the stairs with furniture and storage pieces that suit one of your passions -- perhaps reading, studying, or crafting. Storage cubes and small end tables fit well under low ceilings and can be positioned facing out for easy access. Chairs, desks, and other furnishings that involve sitting work well with the low, angled ceilings.

Step Up the Storage

Follow the line of your staircase and place several increasingly taller bookcases along a staircase wall. This approach preserves the through-views of an open staircase while adding substantial storage and display ledges at various heights.

Distinctive Kitchen Light Fixture Ideas

Staggered Pendant Lighting

Lighting contributes to a kitchen's overall look and feel, as seen in this contemporary setting. Cylindrical pendants of varying diameters hang over the island in a staggered pattern to provide fashionable function.

Mix-and-Match Light Fixtures

Mixing and matching light fixtures creates a collected look especially appropriate for a kitchen in an old English manor like this one. This type of home is known for its unfitted kitchen -- the product of assorted freestanding furniture pieces accumulating over generations. The light fixtures seen here relate to each other while keeping with the unfitted look of this historical home.

Layers of Light

To match the sleek, contemporary look of this kitchen, an amoeba-shape ceiling soffit holding track lighting and pendants serves as a design focal point and room boundary. The yellow glass shades give the kitchen a splash of color. Ambient lighting hidden by the soffit adds another layer of light.

Vintage Lighting

Light fixtures with vintage appeal give this bright, lime-green kitchen old-fashioned character. Two matching single-lamp fixtures hang over the island, a triple-lamp chandelier illuminates the kitchen table, and sconces flank the window seat -- all adorned with antique-inspired white porcelain shades.

Spotlight Your Work Space

Kitchen lighting should be as functional as it is fashionable. Here, two wall-mount lights in a bronze finish illuminate the wide sink equipped with two faucets.

Small Pendant Lights

For a modern look, stagger small fixtures above the peninsula in a zigzag pattern to bring light to a wider area. The pendants seen here complement the open layout and contemporary style of this kitchen without obstructing the view of the cherry cabinets and stainless-steel range hood.

 Bold Lighting

Some kitchens call for bold, prominent fixtures. Here, four large, bronze-finished pendants -- two over each island -- create an industrial look and provide ample light. Curved lines soften the edges, and hardware details add visual interest.

Track Lighting and Pendant Lights

This kitchen benefits from multiple types of lighting. Track lighting was installed to spotlight functional areas around the perimeter of the kitchen. Sleek, triangular-shape pendant lights provide helpful task lighting over the island.

Old-Fashioned Glass Light Fixture

The antique look of this double-light glass pendant adds old-fashioned charm to a modern kitchen. Polished-nickel hardware echoes the stainless-steel appliances, and a heavy chain anchors the fixture to the ceiling.

Large Globe Lights

Large kitchens and hefty light fixtures go hand in hand. This kitchen, with its high ceilings and spacious floor plan, requires fixtures substantial enough to balance the space. The white spheres fit the kitchen's light, contemporary look, while the dark lines and chains add contrast.

Shapely Lighting

The white color and organic shape of these ceramic fixtures are the perfect complement to a kitchen with bold geometry and a vibrant color palette. A thin cord supports each pendant, hung from an angled ceiling. The pendant's size works alone or hung in groups.

Functional Fixtures

The minimalist design of these contemporary drum-style pendants works well in a variety of settings. The fixtures are large enough to cast plenty of light on work surfaces. Yet, with thin, white shades and soft edges, they give the kitchen an open and airy feel.

Natural Light

The organic shape and repeating arrangement of these small pendants work beautifully in this Asian-inspired kitchen. Hung at different heights in somewhat random groupings, the shades add subtle variations to the natural look.

Tall Pendant Lights

These cylindrical pendants with linen shades extend the space vertically and supply artistic interest and practical lighting above the island. Crystal finials add a touch of sparkle.

Kitchen Island Design Ideas

L-Shape Kitchen Island

Black granite tops this large, L-shape center island. The L-shape design provides separate areas for eating and prep work. Kitchen Island Tips: -- Don't install an island in a kitchen where work areas are on opposite walls. -- Leave at least 42 inches of walk space on all sides of the island.

 

Oversize Kitchen Island for Family-Style Dining Space

This oversize island provides seating for five along with plenty of storage and functionality. It houses a dishwasher, generous farmhouse sink, and cabinet space. One side is bowed to accommodate family meals without feeling like diners are lined up in a row. A double-ogee edge on the granite top provides an elegant detail.

Salvaged Table on Wheels

An antique wood table on wheels adds rustic charm and flexibility to the kitchen. It provides additional working space and storage.

A Perfect Fit for Open Kitchens

Kitchen islands are a great solution for open floor plans. In this kitchen, traffic can flow directly into the living room and out onto the deck. This central kitchen island includes a raised eating area, sink, dishwasher, and warming drawers. It functions as a serving surface for large groups or a dining area for small gatherings.

Consider the View from All Sides

When planning for a kitchen island, consider that all sides of the island are visible. In most cases, at least one side is seen from a living space, so plan accordingly. In this kitchen, the expanse of open shelving houses books and collectibles. Combined with the crisp, white painted cabinetry and soapstone countertop, the island provides a great-looking view from the adjacent living room.

Add Architectural Interest

Designed to resemble a piece of furniture, this oxblood-red kitchen island commands attention. But the design is in the details: elegant shapes in the granite top, fluted turned legs, and carved wood applique. This center island was designed for optimal function. It houses built-in wine storage, a prep sink, and refrigerator drawers on the side closest to the sink.

Two-Level Kitchen Island

A two-level kitchen island keeps the cooking zone clear of the gathering area. This cherry island is planted at the kitchen's hub. On one side, a honed granite counter and backsplash plus a gas cooktop create an efficient cooking area. On the other side, contemporary barstools offer a perch out of the work zone yet remain conversationally close to the cook.

Salvaged Storage Unit

This butcher-block-topped island was once a workshop storage unit. It's now mounted on casters and provides extra seating and prep space in the kitchen.

Dual Kitchen Islands

For big kitchens that host large gatherings or serve multiple cooks, consider two kitchen islands. This gorgeous kitchen is designed for entertaining as well as everyday living. Both dark-stained islands are topped with green granite countertops. The island closer to the range includes two sinks, whereas the island near the French doors serves as a buffet.

Keep It In Scale

Kitchen islands don't have to be enormous to provide function. You'll need at least 42 inches of walk space on all sides of the island, so it's important that the size of the island fit the size of the kitchen. This small-scale island provides additional counterspace, multiple drawers and cabinets, and even a towel rack. The gorgeous mahogany base and marble countertop provide a stately, harmonious overall look.

Multiple Countertop Surfaces

Some kitchen islands serve multiple functions and their design should reflect that. One end of this island has a raised butcher block surface. Honed granite covers the sink and eating areas for easy clean-up.

 Island or Artwork?

Some homes have a strong sense of style that can be reflected in the kitchen design. Here, a primitive Chinese altar table serves as the kitchen island. Its rustic wood surface contrasts nicely with the sleek stainless-steel appliances. Barstools upholstered in stamped crocodile leather provide perches for dining.

Unified Design Elements

While an island can be a strong focal point, it should also blend with the overall style of the kitchen. Here, the traditional-style turned legs enhance the elegant, vintage style of the kitchen. Other complementary elements include reproduction pewter cup pulls on the drawer fronts, black honed-granite countertops, and fine furniture detailing.

Seating on Both Sides

Is it a dining table or a kitchen island? It's both, thanks to a wide surface that extends beyond the base storage on two sides of this island. The extended granite countertop allows comfortable face-to-face seating for four.

Furniture-Style Details

This walnut kitchen island resembles antique furniture but with modern conveniences: a wine refrigerator, custom storage, and an open bookcase. Pewter hardware and copper-and-enamel pendant lights highlight colors in the granite countertop.

Rounded Edge

This kitchen island eating spot takes up less space, thanks to its rounded edge. The rounded shape softens the angular lines of the island and creates a friendly, casual spot to eat and chat.

Color and Texture

This large, colorful kitchen island functions like a partial wall subdividing a spacious kitchen into more manageable work zones. Beaded board wraps the structure, enclosing the refrigerator as well as an attached peninsula that provides a butcher-block work surface, prep sink, and storage.

Multi-Dimensional Kitchen Island

This T-shaped island offers practical details in a beautiful design. It features a sink, generous countertop space, and a gorgeous, curved eating area that allows across-the-table conversation. Storage needs are addressed with open shelving and base cabinetry. Glass-front end-cabinet doors lighten the look

Wedge-Shape Island

This grand kitchen includes a wedge-shaped island designed for traffic flow and additional counterspace for prepping and eating meals.

Attached Table

Bring the family together around the island every day by connecting it to a roomy table with comfortable chairs. In addition to providing ample space for sharing meals, an attached table creates space for homework and other projects that won't interfere with cooking.

Small and Simple Kitchen Island

Using a simple but sturdy table as an island makes up for limited counter space in this small kitchen. The stainless-steel surface is easy to clean and adds sleekness to the space.

Showcase Pots, Pans, and Collectibles

Because a kitchen island takes center stage, consider adding visual interest with a hanging pot rack and a display of collectibles, like the antique French fruit jars shown here.

Creative Use of Cabinetry

In a clever twist of creativity, mechanics' cabinets make up the massive center island in this kitchen. Their heavy-duty, smooth-gliding drawers conveniently hold a wide variety of kitchen utensils, pots, and pans. The cabinets come with a bonus feature: safety latches that prevent small children from reaching into drawers that might contain sharp kitchen tools. Their silver-colored pulls and black finish match the stainless-steel lower cabinets and honed black granite countertops.

Multiple Surface Materials

This kitchen island features two surfaces: a wenge-wood top for the eating area and Persian granite for the work area. The furniture-style cabinetry detail adds to its appeal.

Understated Kitchen Island

This sleek, open kitchen is a study in "invisible functionality." Appliances are concealed in cupboards or camouflaged behind panels to match the cabinets. The island, too, is sublimely understated. The dramatic granite countertops spills to the floor to create a subtle room divider.

Extra-Large Island

A 3-inch-thick granite countertops balances the heft of this 9-foot-square kitchen island. In addition to storage and eating space, the island contains the cooktop, sink, dishwasher, and wine cooler.

Two Cooks, Two Islands

A dual island serves two cooks well in this kitchen. One half, of stainless steel, has a butcher-block top and includes containers underneath for garbage and recyclables and knife storage on one side and a towel bar on the other. The other half, which features a marble countertop for rolling out dough, sits at a lower height and has locking casters and storage baskets.

Colorful Island

This gorgeous green kitchen island adds a pop of color, yet fits right in with its surroundings. The island provides loads of functional space: an eating area, a cooking area, and generous storage -- it contains deep drawers under the cooktop to keep pots and pans right where they're needed.