10 Inspiring and Functional Understairs Design Ideas
Often overlooked, the understairs space is frequently left empty and unused. However, with a little creativity and careful planning, this space can be transformed into a functional and charming area. By utilizing the unique shape of the space and tailoring it to your needs, the understairs area can become a valuable additional area.
Here are 10 inspiring understairs design ideas that you can use to maximize its potential:
1. Cozy Mini Living Room
The understairs space can be transformed into a cozy mini living room to welcome guests. Choose a minimalist sofa or futon that can be folded to save space. Complete it with a small coffee table and some decorations, such as paintings or plants, to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
2. Inspiring Workspace for WFH
Working from home (WFH) is now a growing trend. Utilize the understairs space as a quiet and inspiring workspace. Decorate the walls with a minimalist whiteboard or corkboard to pin important notes. Choose an ergonomic desk and chair that are comfortable to use for hours on end. Place storage shelves above the desk or on the remaining wall space to store documents and work equipment.
3. Unique and Comfortable Bedroom
If you have enough space, the understairs area can be converted into a unique bedroom. Although it has a non-box shape like a regular room, you can still create comfort with a bed that fits the size of the room. Use a wardrobe with sliding doors to save space. Decorate the room with warm colors and dim lighting to create a comfortable sleeping atmosphere.
4. Safe and Fun Playroom for Children
The understairs space can be a safe and fun play area for children. Keep it away from the stairs for safety, you can cover the floor with soft play mats. Place open storage shelves to make it easy for children to take and put away their own toys. Decorate the walls with colorful pictures or murals that attract children's attention. Add bean bags or soft chairs for them to lean on while playing.
5. Quiet and Literate Reading Nook
For those of you who love to read, the understairs space can be a quiet and literate reading nook. Choose a comfortable bean bag or single sofa for you to sit and read for long periods of time. Create custom bookshelves that utilize the shape of the understairs space efficiently. Add a reading lamp with not-too-bright lighting for eye comfort. Decorate the reading corner with quotes or inspiring images from your favorite authors or books.
6. Organized Warehouse for Rarely Used Items
The understairs space can be utilized as a warehouse to store items that are not used regularly. However, to avoid looking messy, use closed storage shelves or cabinets with doors to keep items organized. You can use boxes or storage containers with labels to make it easy to find the items you need.
7. Mini Bar for Relaxing
You can create a comfortable mini bar atmosphere in the understairs space. For those of you who like to relax after a long day, equip the understairs area with a minimalist bar shelf to store your drink and glass collection. Add bar chairs that are comfortable for relaxing while enjoying your favorite drinks. Decorate the area with pendant lights or lights with a yellowish glow to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
8. Music Room to Pour Out Creativity
Let the understairs space be your area to pour out your creativity. Turn it into a music room by placing your chosen musical instruments, such as a piano, guitar, or electric drum, which doesn't require too much space. Complete it with a special shelf to store musical instruments and their equipment. Decorate the walls with posters of your favorite bands or music scores to add to the excitement of playing music. Make sure the soundproofing of the room is good enough so as not to disturb the neighbors.
9. Mini Gym to Keep Fit
Want to stay fit even at home? Utilize the understairs space as a mini gym. Choose fitness equipment that doesn't take up much space, such as a folding treadmill, exercise bike, or yoga mat. You can also add a few sets of barbells and dumbbells for strength training. Complete it with a large mirror to help you see your body posture while exercising. Make sure the understairs space has good ventilation to keep the air circulating.
10. Hobby Room to Develop Interests
The understairs space can be a place for you to develop your interests and talents. For art lovers, make the understairs space an art gallery to display your artwork. For plant lovers, create a small garden with pots and natural-looking decorations. For crafters, turn the understairs space into a workshop to work on various creative projects.
Design Tips:
- Use light colors and mirrors to make the space feel more spacious.
- Choose multifunctional furniture to save space.
- Use the right lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere.
- Decorate the space with plants to give it a fresh and natural feel.
- Utilize vertical space by installing wall shelves or built-in cabinets.
- Ensure good ventilation to maintain air circulation.
Conclusion:
The understairs space has great potential to be transformed into a charming and functional area. With the right design, you can utilize this space for various purposes.
