how to make a closet under the stairs

Transform Stair Space: Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Closet Under the Stairs

By James SmithDecember 22, 2025

Transforming an often overlooked space into a functional and stylish storage solution can be a rewarding DIY project. Making a closet under the stairs is an excellent way to maximize your home's square footage and keep your living space clutter-free. Let's explore how to create a practical and inviting under-stair closet that blends seamlessly with your home's aesthetic.

Before you start, measure the space to ensure your closet design fits perfectly. Consider the height, width, and depth of the stairwell, as well as any existing pipes or wires that might impact your design. With accurate measurements in hand, you're ready to bring your under-stair closet to life.

Designing Your Under-Stair Closet

Your closet's design should complement your home's style and meet your storage needs. Here are two popular under-stair closet designs to inspire your project:

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Open Shelving with Bi-Fold Doors: This design features open shelving for easy access to items and bi-fold doors to hide clutter when closed. It's an excellent choice for small spaces, as it allows for maximum storage while maintaining an airy feel.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is perfect for displaying decorative items and keeping everyday essentials within reach. To create open shelving, install wooden boards or wire racks onto the closet's walls, ensuring they're securely attached and level.

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To maximize storage, consider using adjustable shelving brackets that allow you to customize the shelf height. This flexibility is particularly useful when storing items of varying sizes.

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are an excellent choice for under-stair closets, as they fold in half and swing open, requiring minimal space to operate. They're available in various materials, such as wood, glass, or mirrored panels, to suit your home's style.

When measuring for bi-fold doors, ensure they're wide enough to cover the closet opening but narrow enough to fit comfortably within the stairwell when open. You may need to trim the doors to achieve the perfect fit.

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Installing Your Under-Stair Closet

Once you've decided on your closet design, it's time to gather your materials and tools. For a typical under-stair closet, you'll need:

Wooden boards or wire racks for shelving
Adjustable shelving brackets
Bi-fold doors (if using)
Hinges and hardware for doors
Screws, nails, and other fasteners
Circular saw, drill, and screwdriver
Measuring tape and level

With your materials and tools at hand, follow these steps to install your under-stair closet:

Frame the Closet Opening

Using wooden boards or plywood, create a frame around the closet opening to provide support for the shelving and doors. Ensure the frame is level and square to create a stable base for your closet components.

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Secure the frame to the studs in the walls using screws or nails. This will provide additional support and ensure the frame remains sturdy over time.

Install Shelving

With the frame in place, install the shelving brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the brackets are level and evenly spaced to create a uniform appearance.

Once the brackets are secure, install the wooden boards or wire racks, sliding them into the brackets until they're securely in place. Adjust the shelf height as needed to accommodate your storage needs.

Install Bi-Fold Doors (if using)

Measure and mark the hinges' position on the door frame, ensuring they're level and centered. Attach the hinges using screws, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Hang the bi-fold doors on the hinges, ensuring they open and close smoothly. Adjust the door's position as needed to achieve the perfect fit. Install any additional hardware, such as handles or knobs, to complete the look.

Congratulations! You've successfully transformed your under-stair space into a functional and stylish closet. By maximizing your home's square footage and keeping clutter at bay, you've not only added value to your home but also created a space that reflects your personal style.

Now that your under-stair closet is complete, consider adding decorative touches, such as paint or wallpaper, to make it a true reflection of your home's aesthetic. With a little creativity and elbow grease, your under-stair closet will become a cherished and practical addition to your living space.