Judy M Go the the "Browse rooms" tab at the top of the page, then in the search box type "storage under stairs" and photos will show solutions.

decoenthusiaste My first thought is that the striped wallpaper is a faulty attempt at gaining visual height under the lovely stairs. I love the vignette you've set up on that wall but it isn't working with the stairs. The vertical lines are a direct contradiction to the curvy stairwell. My second thought is to ask why you need to turn this lovely little foyer into a mudroom or storage closet? Even though the area is tiny, the lines are beautiful. I'd be making more of a focal point of the stairs by lighting them underneath and putting something really pretty there. Know you don't have room for a grand piano, but a unique decorative item could be stunning. Have you bought rolling storage bins for under the bed yet?

carole it would be lovely to just have a decorative item there,but it looks like you really need more storage for the shoes,so how about putting in open storage,2 sizes to optimise the curve and find a nice black&white material to make a curtain on the storage units,to follow on your theme,i think it looks great

simyun Hi Decoenthusiste, thanks for your suggestion. Let's say if I leave the wallpaper etc unchanged, is it still ok to add a decorative item under the staircase? What would you suggest? About lighting, what would u do?

ziggylovesgus Hmm. I would add some cabinets the same color as the black in the wall paper, or leave it open with no storage at all. Maybe you could get some fresh and modern shoe racks and a coat rack.

simyun Hi Carol, well I don't have to keep the shoes there or make it a storage area. I just have no idea what to do with it. So far, as you and other have suggested may be a pretty decor item is the way to go.

carole in that case,i would put a lovely big plant there,if you choose one on hydro-culture then they are much easier to care for and you could choose one specifically to clean the air from certain toxins too!!

simyun Hi Ziggy, thanks for your suggestion. I think extra cabinets may not work as it will make this small area very cramped and overloaded. I guess I just have to accept that not every under staircase area can be turned into storage.

simyun Carol, how about two ball trees ( real or artificial?), one taller than the other one, similar to those in Decoenthusiaste's photo posted above? Hw about some kind of black iron sculpture or shiny stainless steel item eg lanterns in different sizes?

carole all good ideas,the lanterns would give you 2 in 1,light and decorative,but i love plants,so if it was my choice,2 real plants in different sizes would work well,hope you will post a foto when you have made your desicion....

carole hi simyun,have you made any changes??hope to see a picture of what you've done..........

simyun Not yet. Haven't got time to shop :-(

carole ohhh,never mind,it will happen (one day) ;-)

bubblyjock How old is your house, simyun? We have a similar spiral staircase, but the underside has tiered shelves, and a pair of doors. I keep tablecloths, bog roll, etc, under there.

I want to take the cupboard out and leave the space open so one can admire the lovely plasterwork, so the opposite of what you want, lol.

simyun Bubblyjock, my house was built in 1940s. Yes, after getting advice from Houzzers I think I will just add either plants in pots or an artwork to simplify the look.

Becky is there any possible way to hang a sheer or silk drape from the left side and tie it back to the step side? it would be pretty and the fullness would hide the shoes under the stairs.

minoomajlessi you could have shoe cabbinet with light color because the space is so dark also onthe design of that be careful ,and also dorate the top of taht as atable with box of flowers full ofcolours one, a chair fit under stairs might be helpful or a study desk and very sweet light study light then u could use the space