The area under your stairs is probably not being utilized. Sure, it can serve as a storage space for your favorite items, but you could make so much more of this space – you could create a pantry under your stairs! Here’s a guide on how to do it.
To build a pantry under the stairs, you will need to install shelves, a light, and pantry doors. First, assess the potential space under the stairs and then decide how you want to use it. Plan the layout, install the doors, shelves, and light, and finish it off with a fresh coat of paint.
Creating a pantry under the stairs is a perfect home renovation project. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and you can definitely do it yourself. Let’s take a look at everything involved in building a pantry under your stairs.
Contents
Assess the Space
The first step in building a pantry under your stairs is to assess the space. Take into consideration how the area currently looks.
- Do you already have shelves there that you can keep, or do you need to completely redesign the area?
- Do you have anything in this area that you can’t move or replace?
If so, make note of these things as you’ll need to work around them.
Also, decide how you will best access the space. If there isn’t already a door installed, you’ll need to determine the best type of door for daily access. A classic hinged door can have a very cozy feel, but a bi-fold closet door could be more space-saving. If you want to keep it simple, a beaded curtain is easy to install and adds a cozy touch to the kitchen.
Measure the Space
Measure the entire space. Pay special attention to the depth of the area as this will determine what size shelves you can install. When determining the height of the shelves, consider what will be stored on them.
You’ll also need to determine the height of the shelves you want. Below are some standard measurements for shelves in a pantry, but feel free to customize them to your preferences and accessories.
Floor Area
The area below the bottom shelf is one of the most useful places in your pantry. The bottom shelf is usually about 20-24 inches above the floor. This gives you space to store containers of bulk items like flour, sugar, dog food, or large cooking appliances.
Lower Shelf
The lower shelf usually stores tall items like cereal boxes and dry mixes. A taller lower shelf allows you to see what’s on it without bending down. This shelf should be approximately 18″ to allow for easy access and visibility.
Second Shelf
Above the floor, the shelf should be another larger shelf that is also easy to see. Here you can store jars of baked goods, large spices, and more. 15″ is usually the perfect height for this shelf.
Middle Shelves
The middle shelves are obviously the shelves that will be accessed most frequently, and the items you store here should be the ones you use every day. To determine this, you can go through your daily routine for a few days and every time you use something in your kitchen, put that thing in a box.
At the end of the few days, take all the items out of the box and measure the tallest one’s height. This will be your measurement for your middle shelves; they are usually between 6-8.5″ tall, although this can vary depending on the items most frequently used.
Upper Shelf
The top shelf is usually not as deep as the other shelves, making it easier to see and reach. The height of this shelf is only limited by the ceiling above it, but the depth of the shelf should be 4-5 inches less than that of the shelves below it.
<Don’t forget: Since you’re building a pantry under the stairs, you’ll need to cut the shelves in descending measurements so that they fit snugly against the diagonal wall.
Install Lighting
Once you have all your measurements, you can start installing the pantry’s hardware. Lighting is not usually installed under the stairs unless it has been used as a closet already, so in most cases, you’ll need to install some form of lighting. You can run electricity through the wall, but if you don’t have the necessary skills, you can install other types of lighting.
Battery-powered lighting can be just as efficient in brightening up your pantry under the stairs. The Moston rechargeable cabinet light is easy to mount using a strip of adhesive tape that has iron particles on one side to create a magnetic surface for the light to stick to. Just stick the tape to the ceiling of your cupboard, and the light will attach to it.
This light is rechargeable and motion-sensing, so you don’t have to search for a light switch every time you reach into your pantry. The light also automatically turns off after 20 seconds of no motion, so you won’t be wasting electricity in your pantry.
Paint Walls and Shelves
If you want to give your pantry a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to do it. Fill and sand any holes in the walls and also paint your new shelves if desired. It’s much easier to paint both the walls and the shelves before they are installed.
Install Shelves
Once you have determined the width, height, and length of the shelf you need, you can cut and install your shelf. Plywood shelves are the cheapest option if you want pre-made surfaces in your pantry, but for those less inclined to DIY, shelf products work just as well.
Floating shelves like the LuckIn Sturdy Shelf Brackets are stylish yet easy to install. Simply measure out all the shelf heights before drilling into your freshly painted walls.
Install the Door
Now that the bones of the cabinet are all in place, you can mount and install the door. The unique aspect of a pantry under the stairs is that the ceiling is sloped. Depending on the wall you access the pantry from, the top edge of the door may need to be angled as well.
There are a few creative door options you can use in this unique space, such as a sliding door that can run alongside the stairs, or completely forgo the door and leave the pantry completely open for access.
Stay Organized
Of course, it is important to stay organized to have a beautiful and functional pantry. Use bins to keep spices together on shelves and easily clean them up if something spills out of their containers. Rolling baskets on the floor allow easy access to the lowest items in the pantry, and you can easily move things around as your needs change.
Here are some tips to keep your pantry in top shape:
- Buy in bulk.
- Use clear containers.
- Label your containers.
- Determine what each shelf is for.
- Store similar items on the same shelves.
- Check your pantry before shopping so you don’t double-buy.
Conclusion
Installing a pantry under your stairs is an excellent home project that helps you maximize your space. There are a few key things to keep in mind when taking on this project:
- You will need lighting in the space.
- Measure your shelves before installing them.
- You may need to create a custom angled door.
- A small pantry needs to be organized.