How can I make storage in space above basement stairs

Car28933826
by Car28933826
  7 answers
  • PRESIDENTSAC PRESIDENTSAC on Oct 12, 2017

    There appears from the picture to be a cold air return above the stairs. Is that correct? Are you sure you want to obstruct a window? More pictures would help a lot.

  • LibraryKAT LibraryKAT on Oct 13, 2017

    My uncle placed a storage cupboard behind the wall. This would not be an easy project; he was an accomplished home carpenter. It's an awkward spot, requiring a ladder for access.


    I agree with the previous commenter that you might not want to block the window.


    The cupboard in my uncle's home was nice, but I'm not sure it was worth the work. Please post your chosen solution.

  • R R on Oct 13, 2017

    This photo is not easy to decipher. It looks like an attic opening above a window.

    Assuming that the bottom of photo is stairway down, You could attach small shelves of 1x2 - 1x6 across the space, whatever fits without blocking window. If more depth needed you could remove wallboard and put shelves between studs, and if open shelves do not appeal you could cover them with blinds, curtains, thin 1/4" hardboard or plywood doors stained or painted to look like a window, a painting or whatever you like. Perhaps a cork-board for photos and memos.

    If the attic (?) opening is available space, you could mount a pull -down or lift up cabinet either counterbalanced or lifted with an electric hoist from Harbor Freight. Assuming space available up top it could be a full size cabinet at window sill height with a hutch in back against the wall.

    Good luck - problems make some of the most creative and attractive solutions!

  • Barb Barb on Oct 13, 2017

    I’m guessing that stairs are going down and if this is the case that front wall would be so hard to store things into any built in because you would need a ladder to keep going in and out and that would get old fast. I had this same problem as a entered my side door, so I would add a shelf with two larger pictures and a valance To make it a focal point. Paint the walls all the same color along with the calendar wall and keep the trim white. I had this same project I posted.

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Oct 15, 2017

    Yes it is hard to tell if that is a cold air return or just a space above the basement stairs. I do see a narrow shelf with what looks like an air freshener on it. Were you looking to create storage one the wall or up in the ceiling area? what kinds of items were you looking to store? I am seeing an opportunity to build some open shelving on the half wall. it would give you some space for plants or books without blocking alot of the light coming from the window. another option could be peg board on that plain wall. You could add a couple 2x3 then add drawer slides to that and create a peg board that can be pulled down. This wont beable to hold a lot of weight but would be useful for smaller items you need to keep handy like umbrellas. It looks like you have a small ledge below the window so even a few shelves or cubbies could be your solution. There are a few other suggestions but it all depends on your budget and what your needs are. What ever you choose make sure you do not create a place to bang your head and that the items will be easily accessible.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Oct 16, 2017

    IF I'm seeing this accurately, you can install a pull-down ladder for attic access. This only makes sense to store items you don't need to get at often such as suitcases.

  • Sharon Sharon on Oct 17, 2017

    Those over the stairwell storage cabinets are always so dangerous to use. What are you planning to store in there?

    The only thing I could think would work in that space.... is a rolling pantry cabinet either alongside the wall with the cutout (right side of stairs) if you have enough space for it to rollout.... it would cut out your light from the window... https://www.pinterest.com/pin/751256781560657508/

    Option two would be to insert some recessed shelves in the knee wall going down the stairs.... https://www.pinterest.com/pin/488007309594405221/

    same but other side ... going down stairs.... https://www.pinterest.com/pin/491666484301074721/

    Option three.... if you have enough room to roll it out, a pantry cabinet breaking through the knee wall where your calendar is along that wall with the air return... would it interfere with head space going down stairs.