under stairs
Below the staircase
Under stairs describes the triangular space beneath a staircase, often used for storage or converted into small closets, cupboards, or utility areas: We keep the vacuum cleaner under stairs.
The phrase gained cultural resonance from Harry Potter's cupboard under the stairs—a cramped, neglected space suggesting someone's low status in a household.
- cupboardEnclosed storage furniture
- storageSpace for keeping goods
- broom closetStorage for cleaning tools
- hiddenKept out of sight
- hidden roomConcealed space within structure
cramped · closet · Harry Potter · broom · dusty · dust bunnies · cobwebs · spider webs · shadows · secret · secret hideout · nook · cozy nook · cranny · tucked · cellar · basement · steps
- compartmentscompartments, cubbies, cubbyholes, pigeonholes, niches
- unused spaceswasted space, voids, negative space
vertical position in home
under stairsattic
Space beneath the roof
loft · garret · upper floor · upstairs · top floor
visibility and status of domestic space
under stairsmain hall
Primary gathering space
grand foyer · foyer · living room · drawing room · great room