Under stairs storage costs between £800 and £8,000+ in the UK in 2026, depending on design complexity and materials. A basic fitted cupboard starts from £800, mid-range bespoke storage with drawers costs £1,500–£3,500, and a fully custom walk-in under stairs solution costs £3,500–£8,000+. Bespoke joinery offers the best results because no two staircases are the same shape — off-the-shelf units rarely fit the tapering space properly.
Why Under Stairs Storage Matters
The space beneath a staircase is one of the most underused areas in any home. In a typical London property, the under stairs area provides between 1.5 and 4 square metres of usable space — enough for a full walk-in storage room, a compact home office, or a beautifully designed cupboard system that keeps hallways clutter-free.
According to the Checkatrade 2025 home improvement survey, under stairs storage is among the top five most-requested joinery projects in the UK, with demand rising 23% year-on-year as homeowners look to maximise every square foot — particularly in cities where space comes at a premium.
The challenge is that no two staircases are identical. The angle, height, depth and position of the staircase vary from house to house, which is why bespoke under stairs storage consistently outperforms flat-pack or freestanding alternatives. A skilled joiner can design solutions that follow the exact rake of the stairs, using every centimetre of the tapering space that standard furniture simply cannot reach.
Under Stairs Storage Cost in 2026: What to Expect
Under stairs storage costs depend on three main factors: the size of the space, the materials used, and the complexity of the internal fittings. Here is a breakdown of typical UK prices in 2026, based on data from Checkatrade and MyBuilder:
| Storage Type | Price Range | What’s Included | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic under stairs cupboard | £800–£1,500 | Single door, 2–3 fixed shelves, painted MDF finish | 1–2 days |
| Mid-range bespoke storage | £1,500–£3,500 | Custom doors, pull-out drawers, internal lighting, coat hooks | 2–4 days |
| Walk-in under stairs room | £3,500–£6,000 | Full-height door, fitted shelving system, shoe racks, lighting | 3–5 days |
| Premium bespoke joinery | £6,000–£8,000+ | Hardwood, integrated drawers, wine storage, media units, invisible handles | 4–7 days |
| Under stairs home office | £2,500–£5,000 | Desk surface, cable management, shelving, task lighting, power sockets | 3–5 days |
Prices based on Checkatrade and MyBuilder averages for London and the South East, 2025–2026. Includes labour and materials. VAT at 20% included.
What Affects the Cost?
| Factor | Lower Cost | Higher Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Material | MDF spray-painted (£30–£50/m²) | Solid oak or walnut (£100–£180/m²) |
| Door style | Single flush door | Multiple panelled doors, push-to-open mechanisms |
| Internal fittings | Fixed shelves only | Pull-out drawers, shoe racks, wine racks, lighting |
| Finishing | Primed, ready to paint | Factory spray-painted, colour-matched to walls |
| Complexity | Straight staircase, clear access | Curved staircase, pipework to box in, electrical work |
8 Under Stairs Storage Ideas for Every Home
Whether you have a compact Victorian terrace or a spacious new-build, there is an under stairs storage solution to suit your space and budget. Here are the most popular designs we build as bespoke joiners in London:
1. Classic Under Stairs Cupboard
The most popular under stairs storage solution in UK homes. A single or double door with internal shelving makes use of the full depth of the space. Bespoke cupboards built to follow the staircase angle offer 30–40% more storage than freestanding alternatives. Spray-painted MDF in a colour matched to your hallway gives a seamless, built-in look.
2. Pull-Out Drawers
Under stairs pull-out drawers are the most space-efficient option for the narrow, tapering section where a cupboard door becomes impractical. Each drawer is built to the exact width and depth of the space at that point, sliding out on full-extension soft-close runners. A typical under stairs area can accommodate 3–5 pull-out drawers of varying sizes.
3. Under Stairs Shoe Storage
Dedicated under stairs shoe storage is one of the most requested designs for London hallways. Pull-out shoe racks, angled shelving, or drawer inserts with dividers can store 20–40 pairs of shoes in a space that would otherwise hold a mop and bucket. Combined with hooks for coats above, this turns a dead space into a complete hallway organiser.
4. Walk-In Under Stairs Storage Room
If your staircase allows for a full-height door at the tallest point, a walk-in under stairs storage room provides the most usable space. Internal fitted shelving follows the staircase rake, with deeper shelves at the tall end and shallower storage towards the back. LED strip lighting makes the full depth of the space accessible. This design works especially well in Edwardian and 1930s properties where staircases tend to be wider.
5. Under Stairs Shelving (Open Display)
Open under stairs shelving turns the staircase into a design feature. Floating shelves cut to follow the staircase angle create a striking display area for books, plants, and artwork. This works best in open-plan living spaces where the staircase is a visible feature rather than tucked into a hallway. Birch plywood or solid oak shelves with concealed fixings give a clean, contemporary look.
6. Under Stairs Home Office
A compact bespoke home office fitted into the under stairs space is a growing trend since the shift to hybrid working. The design includes a desk surface at the correct ergonomic height, cable management built into the joinery, shelving above for files and books, and task lighting. Power sockets and USB charging ports can be integrated into the desk surface.
7. Under Stairs Wine Storage
The naturally cool, dark environment beneath a staircase makes it well suited for wine storage. Bespoke wine racks built to the exact dimensions of the space can hold 50–200 bottles depending on the staircase size. Options include traditional wooden lattice racks, contemporary metal-and-wood displays, or climate-controlled cabinets for serious collectors.
8. Children’s Play Nook / Reading Corner
A padded bench with storage underneath, combined with bookshelves along the back wall, creates a magical reading corner for children. The low ceiling height that makes under stairs spaces awkward for adults is actually perfect for small children. Built-in toy storage drawers below the bench keep everything tidy. As children grow, the space can be easily converted back to general storage.
Materials Guide: What Works Best for Under Stairs Storage
| Material | Cost (per m²) | Best For | Durability | Look & Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDF (spray-painted) | £30–£50 | Budget-friendly, seamless painted finish | Good — avoid damp areas | Smooth, clean, modern |
| Birch plywood | £60–£90 | Mid-range, exposed grain finish | Excellent — moisture resistant | Warm, Scandinavian, natural |
| Tulipwood | £70–£100 | Painted joinery, period properties | Excellent | Classic, refined, takes paint beautifully |
| Solid oak | £100–£150 | Premium, natural or oiled finish | Outstanding — lasts decades | Traditional, warm, high-end |
| Walnut | £130–£180 | Luxury, contemporary design | Outstanding | Rich, dark, statement piece |
At Noba & Stod, we most commonly use birch plywood and spray-painted MDF for under stairs storage projects. Birch plywood offers an excellent balance of durability, appearance, and cost, while spray-painted MDF delivers a flawless painted finish that integrates seamlessly with your hallway walls. For period properties, tulipwood is our material of choice — it machines beautifully and takes paint better than any other timber.
How to Plan Your Under Stairs Storage: Step by Step
Before commissioning a joiner, it helps to think through a few practical questions:
Step 1: Measure the space. Record the height at the tallest point, the depth from front to back, the width, and the height at the lowest point where the stairs meet the floor. Note any pipes, meters, or electrics that may need to be accessible.
Step 2: Decide what you need to store. Make a list of everything that will go into the space — coats, shoes, vacuum cleaner, tools, wine, toys, sports kit. This determines whether you need shelves, drawers, hanging rails, or a combination.
Step 3: Choose your door style. Options include a single full-height door, multiple smaller doors following the staircase line, push-to-open (handleless) doors for a minimal look, or pull-out drawer fronts for the narrow sections.
Step 4: Select materials and finish. Consider what matches the rest of your home. Spray-painted MDF in the same colour as your walls creates a seamless built-in effect. Exposed birch plywood adds warmth and texture. Solid hardwood makes a premium statement.
Step 5: Get quotes from at least two joiners. A good joiner will visit your home, take precise measurements, and produce a design drawing before quoting. Expect to pay a design fee of £100–£250 which is typically deducted from the final price if you proceed. Lead times in London are usually 3–6 weeks from confirmed design to installation.
Under Stairs Storage for Different Property Types
Victorian Terraces
Victorian staircases are typically steep and narrow, creating a compact under stairs space that is best served by pull-out drawers and a single-door cupboard. The space often contains the gas meter or consumer unit, so designs need to maintain access. Under stairs shoe storage is particularly popular in Victorian hallways where space is tight.
Edwardian & 1930s Semi-Detached
These properties usually have wider, more generous staircases that allow for walk-in under stairs storage rooms. The additional width means you can fit shelving on both sides of the space, creating a genuine utility cupboard or even a small bespoke joinery showpiece.
Modern New-Builds
New-build staircases often have clean, straight lines that suit modern under stairs ideas — handleless push-to-open doors, hidden storage, and integrated LED lighting. The under stairs space is typically free from old pipework, making installation straightforward and cost-effective.
Period Conversions & Flats
In converted properties with internal staircases, under stairs storage can be a game-changer for small flats. Even a shallow cupboard provides valuable hallway storage where none existed before. Bespoke shelving cut to the exact staircase angle maximises every centimetre.
Small Under Stairs Ideas: Making the Most of Compact Spaces
Not every under stairs area is large enough for a walk-in room. For small under stairs spaces — common in Victorian terraces and compact new-builds — these approaches maximise storage in a limited footprint:
Triangular pull-out units. Custom-built drawers that follow the triangular profile of the staircase. Each drawer graduates in size, with the deepest at the tallest point and the shallowest at floor level. This uses 90%+ of the available volume.
Vertical dividers. Tall, narrow compartments for items like ironing boards, mops, brooms, and folding chairs. Vertical storage is the most efficient use of a narrow under stairs cupboard.
Door-mounted organisers. Hooks, racks, and shallow shelves mounted on the inside of the cupboard door add storage without taking up floor space.
Combination designs. A cupboard at the tall end with pull-out drawers at the narrow end gives you the best of both worlds — deep storage and accessible daily-use drawers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does under stairs storage cost in 2026?
Under stairs storage costs between £800 and £8,000+ in the UK in 2026. A basic fitted cupboard with shelving costs £800–£1,500. Mid-range bespoke storage with drawers and pull-out units costs £1,500–£3,500. A fully bespoke walk-in under stairs solution with custom joinery costs £3,500–£8,000+. Prices vary based on staircase size, materials, and complexity of design.
What is the best way to use under stairs space?
The best use depends on your needs. The most popular options are: built-in storage cupboards with shelving for coats and household items, pull-out drawers that maximise the tapering space, a compact home office or reading nook, open shelving for display, or a walk-in storage room for larger spaces. Bespoke solutions work best because no two staircases are the same shape.
Can you put shelving under stairs?
Yes, under stairs shelving is one of the most practical solutions. Fixed shelves work well for the taller section, while pull-out shelving or drawers are better for the narrower, lower sections. Bespoke shelving cut to follow the staircase angle maximises every centimetre of space.
How long does it take to fit under stairs storage?
A basic under stairs cupboard takes 1–2 days. Mid-range bespoke storage takes 2–4 days. A fully custom walk-in solution takes 4–7 days. Most London joiners require 3–6 weeks lead time for design and fabrication before installation begins.
Does under stairs storage add value to a house?
Yes. Built-in storage is consistently listed among the top features buyers look for. While it won’t dramatically increase the sale price, it improves the perception of usable space — especially valuable in London properties where every square foot counts. Quality bespoke joinery adds more value than off-the-shelf solutions.
What materials are best for under stairs cupboards?
The most popular materials are birch plywood (durable, mid-range at £60–£90/m²), MDF with spray-painted finish (seamless look, budget-friendly at £30–£50/m²), solid oak (premium at £100–£150/m²), and tulipwood (excellent for painted finishes at £70–£100/m²). For most London homes, spray-painted MDF or birch plywood offers the best balance of appearance and cost.
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Ready to Transform Your Under Stairs Space?
Noba & Stod designs and builds bespoke under stairs storage for homes across London. Every project is custom-made in our workshop and installed by our team of experienced joiners.
Last updated: May 2026. Prices reflect London and South East averages. All Noba & Stod projects include a design consultation, workshop fabrication, and professional installation. View our portfolio for examples of completed under stairs storage projects.
