Organizing Ideas for a Nook Under the Stairs

Clothing

• Use the nook as a space to prepare for various weather conditions. Add hooks on the wall to hang winter jackets and umbrellas. Place a plastic mat on the floor for wet boots and shoes, particularly during the rain and snow season. Line the area next to the hooks with stackable linen cubby holes. Fill the sections with gloves, scarves and hats.

Music Central

• Turn the space into your home’s central music area. Place a large stereo system, complete with standup speakers, underneath the stairs. If the nook is too cramped to hold the system, place a small end table in the space. Use the table to hold a radio and/or MP3 player system. Scatter music-themed books and magazines across the table. On the floor, either next to or underneath the table, stack CD holder cases or racks on top of each other to hold your music library.

Bill Writing Center

• Place a small table in the nook directly against the wall. Store a small chair or stool directly beneath the table. Fill the desk drawers with personal financial items, such as credit card statements, mortgage documents, pay stubs and checkbooks. Fill the desktop with items like calculators, small laptops and scratch paper for notes and calculations. For your safety and privacy, make certain the drawers feature secure locks.

Family Celebration

• Use the nook as a space to celebrate your family history and achievements. Put a small bookshelf in the area filled with family photos, albums and scrapbooks. Top the bookshelf with a shadowbox showcasing any special professional or academic awards you received over the years. Hang multipicture frames, a detailed family tree and college degrees on the nook’s walls as well.