Commissioning  furniture for under the stairs

Bespoke furniture for under the stairs is the solution to the problem of those awkward areas in small cottages.

Last year a couple came to my workshop to see if I could come up with a solution for their house. They wanted a bespoke piece of furniture, something with cupboards and shelves which would fit a small area under the stairs. Perhaps something in the dresser style, with an angled top section. They were looking for something special that they had not seen anywhere ready made.

Customised Furniture Design

We talked over the design elements they required. They wanted natural edges to the wood which was to be locally sourced Wych Elm. I asked the couple how many shelves were needed and what spacings were preferred between the shelves. They had special things they wanted on show, so the shelf heights were important. We also had to make allowances for electric sockets on the wall behind the cabinet so they could be accessible. They told me exactly what they wanted. I just had to make it for them.

And, of course, it had to be ready for Christmas!

The furniture I made is 5′ 5″ tall ( 1650 mm ) and 5′ ( 1520 mm ) wide. The lower cabinet is 22″ high ( 560 mm ). The handles and the bun feet are all hand turned, from burr elm. I finished the whole cabinet and shelves with 3 coats of Danish oil. The shelving fits nicely under the stairs and creates a display area where the space had previously been wasted. The cupboard doors are held closed by magnetic catches. Not too strong, but firm enough.

Now those special items are on display while the cupboards are used to store all those less important bits and pieces out of the way.