Harry Potter’s family wasn’t the first to take an under-the-stairs space and transform it into an alternative chamber.

(Never mind the overall state of poor Harry’s home life.)

And if you’re fortunate enough to have your own under-the-stairs unit, why not reassess it to come up with design ideas and finally procure that extra space you’ve always longed for?

From personal mini-bars to half baths, storage cabinets, and beyond, there is no limit to under stairs ideas. Perhaps you’ve always longed for a peaceful reading nook or an extra bedroom for a guest; maybe you’re looking to extend your pantry or household storage capacity.

Whatever your reasons and needs, your staircase has provided you with all the help you need. And with a little elbow grease and design direction, you can enjoy an addition at a fraction of the cost of most renovations.

Suddenly children’s playrooms and doggy abodes aren’t so frivolous after all, now that you practically have a designated spot waiting to be reimagined. Whether it’s converted to a private office, supply cabinet, or a place to store books, you deserve to enjoy every inch of your home and inhabit it to its full potential.

So many of those extras and add-ons we desire in life are really just a matter of creative assessment and rethinking available space. From the attic to under the stairs, your home can be every bit the manse you’ve always dreamed of.

The next time you find yourself wishing aloud for (fill in the blank), just turn your gaze to the unused space under the stairs, roll up your sleeves, and get to work.

1. Under Stairs Bookshelf and Bookcase Ideas

One of the easiest projects you can do under the stairs is to create open shelving or a bookcase. You can customize the layout to suit your and your family’s needs. Maybe you need a few large spaces where you can display art or plants, or perhaps you need several closer shelves to display books. The possibilities are endless when you’re the designer.