Question: My daughter's bedroom closet has an unusual shape because it is located above the stairwell, so part of the closet floor slopes upward. Her closet has some depth to it, but because of the configuration I haven't figured out how to make the best use of the space.

Pamela Gavette, via e-mail

Answer: A stairwell closet is a challenge that I've seen no less than three times in the last two weeks. Most people living in a multistory home have an area under (or over) a staircase that wastes valuable space. It also provides one of the most creative opportunities in the home.

Since there are no "rules" about how this area should be used, it's a perfect place to let one's imagination run free. But, because it's an odd-shaped space, it must be thought of not really as a room but as a space that provides room.

If it's in the front hallway, where inevitably many of these staircase areas are, it could function as a mini-mudroom for children's wet boots and raincoats. If it faces into a living room it could be a music center, minibar or wine cellar. If it's in the bedroom, it could be a clever closet or a really large toy chest. It can be a small home office, a tool storage shed if you're in an apartment, or a small hobby or craft room. It can be an imaginative clothes closet with unusual storage space. If it's a large enough area, it could even be plumbed to serve as a powder room.

There's an endless list of ideas for how to utilize this otherwise lost space.

Most people are cramped for places to put things, so think "storage." Then design the space to get the best use from it. Remember, we don't want things spilling out when the door is opened, so it has to be well organized and kept neat.

Hardware and home stores provide hundreds of organizing items to help turn areas like this into useful storage space.

If you're challenged for ideas about how to organize the area, retail stores that specialize in storage include Stacks & Stacks and Hold Everything. Walk their aisles to get ideas about which nifty products are available before you begin the project. Be sure to take your measurements with you so the knowledgeable salespeople can assist you.

If critical storage per se isn't an issue, think outside the box and ask yourself what would you like as an indulgence if you had a few extra feet of space? A minibar? An extra work area? A place to put all that stereo equipment? A craft area? Or how about a small wine cellar? Washer/dryer units come in small stackable versions, so your space could serve as a convenient location for a small laundry room.

Keep in mind that the area will be quite low on one side, so if it's a walk-in, this is the preferred side for your shelving and drawers.

If your installation will face out into the room, the lower side of the triangle can be cut off from view by framing it in as part of the design. Pull-out drawer sliders can be used for not only drawers but shelves, too. Incorporate these into your thinking to move literally outside the box.

Your creative use of color and light can create the illusion of spaciousness, so include these elements when designing and planning. And don't forget how effective mirrors can be to expand any space visually.

If you're planning a toy storage area, find baskets, plastic tubs or bins of different sizes and purchase them first. Then design shelving of different heights and widths to accommodate them. Label the front of each bin so everyone knows which bin contains what. Recruit the children to assist in the design; it's amazing to watch as their needs help determine the layout.

Imagine how elegant this little corner would look as a serving bar! Use glass shelving to prevent it from appearing cluttered, and use mirrors and well-placed lights to reflect your sparkling glasses.

A powder room can be situated under a wide staircase by extending the sloped wall forward into the triangular space a couple of feet and placing the toilet under this wall. Put a small sink onto the flat, opposite wall in the corner. An outwardly swinging door provides privacy without taking up valuable floor space. Voila! A powder room for your guests and an automatic appreciation in the value of your home because of the extra half bath.

As you can see, a little creativity goes a long way toward discovering that function doesn't necessarily follow form.

 

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