11 stair bulkhead ideas to maximise an awkward space

Want to make the most out of your stair bulkhead? Here are some of our favourite ideas from storage to work stations, reading nooks to cosy beds. Read on to be inspired.

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A stair bulkhead is a structural element that provides access to a set of stairs or covers a hole in the ceiling where the stairs lead up to the next floor of a house. If you've ever seen a box covering where the stairs should be and wondered what it is, it's a bulkhead!

They don’t have the best reputation as they can look bulky and unsightly, often taking up space in a bedroom. However, this doesn’t have to be the case.

In this post, we show you how to make the most out of this awkward space with a selection of stair bulkhead ideas that will surprise and inspire you. Transforming this tricky, awkward space into a stylish and practical addition to your home.

Bedroom stair bulkhead ideas

1. Build a stair bulkhead bed

If you’ve got a bulkhead caused by stairs in a bedroom then the amount of available floor space will be reduced. Rather than seeing this as a negative, make the most of the situation and build a bed around it.

This will likely be a single bed, ideal for either a kid's room or somewhere to put up guests.

To build a bed to incorporate the bulkhead, you'll need to construct a bespoke frame around it. This is quite a tricky project so we suggest enlisting the help of a local carpenter to help you.

2. Create a cosy reading nook

A flat stair bulkhead is the ideal space to create a cosy reading nook. If your bedroom space is quite limited, then it’s important to make the most of your square footage.

Don’t neglect a stair bulkhead; instead, cosy it up with a rug or throw and lots of comfy cushions. Drape fairy lights around the area to create ambient lighting and hang a shelf to house your favourite books.

3. Cultivate your own indoor jungle

Stair bulkheads are a wonderful space to let your creativity run wild. If you’re a fan of houseplants and you’re never sure of the perfect place to display them? Why not use your bulkhead to create your very own indoor jungle?

Firstly, make sure it has lots of lovely natural light available. Then, to mix up the heights of your plants use various shelves and platforms to create visual interest. Get creative and go to your local charity shops and vintage stores to pick out some funky pots.

4. Commission a bespoke desk

This innovative project will likely require the help of a local carpenter but it’s a fantastic use of the space.

Hide an unsightly bulkhead by building a desk around it. If the bulkhead is in your spare room, you may want to use this as a home office. Rather than wasting this space, building a work station around it will be a great solution.

We suggest painting your desk and bulkhead the same colour so the bulkhead blends into the background and doesn’t stand out too much.

5. Design a relaxed seating area

Want somewhere relaxing to hang out in your bedroom but don’t have the space for an accent chair and footstool? Create your own seating area on top of a stair bulkhead for a savvy solution.

Make your own fabric backrest that you can attach to the wall so you have somewhere to properly relax. Decorate with cushions and throws and voila!

6. Make a decorative feature of the bulkhead stairs

Don’t underestimate the power of styling! Give your stair bulkhead a stylish makeover by decorating it with fun and quirky accessories.

Frame the space perfectly by hanging artwork above it and use lighting to your advantage. A portable table lamp will act as the perfect reading light, which can be easily moved when needed.

Stair bulkhead storage ideas

One of the most popular ways to make the most of this awkward space is to create some stair bulkhead storage. Here's our selection of the best.

7. Build a bespoke wardrobe

One method of disguising a stair bulkhead is to build a bespoke wardrobe around it. This is a very skilled job and will likely need to be completed by a professional.

A carpenter will come to your home to measure up the space to determine the best way of utilising it and will build a wardrobe around the bulkhead to hide it. They will also suggest ways of using the space that you may not have initially thought of.

8. Stair bulkhead ideas for bookworms

Build shelving on top of your stair bulkhead to be used as a practical bookcase.

You can definitely buy shelving units from the high street or online for this project idea, however, if you’re looking for something a little more bespoke then you should consult a professional tradesperson.

9. Tidy a bulkhead with stylish storage

Avoid cluttering your stair bulkhead and piling washing on top of it; instead, make sure it stays tidy with some organisational hacks.

Use stylish storage solutions such as crates and baskets to house the items you want to store and label them for a personalised touch.

10. Create a pet house

Do you have a cat or a dog and want to create a Pinterest-worthy pet home for them? Use your bulkhead as a place for your pet to cosy up.

Style it up with a furry pet house or tipi, throws, cushions and a basket full to the brim of pet toys.

11. Opt for built-in shelving

Don’t necessarily need a full-on wardrobe but would like to add more storage in your bedroom? Build shelving on top of and around your bulkhead to disguise it and make it look intentional.

Use a bright colour to paint your shelving to make your bulkhead into a statement feature.

Find an experienced local tradesperson to bring your stair bulkhead ideas to life. Simply enter your postcode into the box below to get started.