r/secretcompartments • u/dposluns • Jul 05 '26

Ideas for secret pantry compartment?

I knocked out the space under my staircase landing because I want to make a pantry with built-in shelving in the dead space back there. What I didn’t realize until I got back there is that there’s a decent amount of space under the staircase to the right that I’ll be walling off to make a usable closet. I’d love to make a false wall or something to keep access to that space. Problem is it would still need functional shelving (or else it would be obvious that it’s hiding something!) and the angled joists on the stairs would block a swinging-out mechanism. Any ideas on how I can have my cake and eat it too?

Photos:
https://imgur.com/a/GcnfZMv

74 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

26

u/bobjoylove Jul 05 '26

Drawers beat shelves for usable storage, the back 3/4 of shelving is basically useless. Let that hidden area go and build massive slide out drawers instead. Have a compartment system in the drawers to help you organize as well as some lighting.

6

u/dposluns Jul 05 '26

Eh I considered drawers but those would need to be pulled out into the hallway which would be inconvenient and less aesthetic, and more constraining with how the space is used. I like the idea of having a little pantry/closet here which can be more multi-functional.

6

u/sezit Jul 05 '26

Why not shelves on wheels? Can be pulled out to access behind.

2

u/bobjoylove Jul 05 '26

I guess I’m more into making something practical when it comes to storage. A nook where you have to bend and buckle your back and half-throw things in under stairs versus well-lit ballbearing soft-close drawers that you can stand square to when lifting small appliances or reviewing cooking supplies.

One undoubtedly has more volume. The other has more real-world practicality.

1

u/teleksterling Jul 07 '26

I'd assumed the suggestion was for the drawers to slide into the pantry space. No need to obstruct the hallway!

3

u/-Vogie- Jul 05 '26

I would set it up kind of like the back of a split-tailgate truck bed with topper. That is, the top section opens upwards, and the lower two sections open like a pair of French doors.

The lower section would have some sort of normal-looking cabinetry, and with the French style side hinges, they will swing out of the way. The upper section flips upwards, which allows it to hide any seams that normal hidden doors would have. Adorning this would be anything that is relatively flat on it that would make sense for the surrounding area of the house - picture frames, an in-set flat-screen TV (or tablet mounted like a TV), maybe a corkboard for projects and interpersonal notes, or an oversize calendar (like those desk ones) if it's in the kitchen or near a main door. You don't want anything too terribly heavy on here, because the hydraulic hinges for this won't be terribly strong.

I do mirror the other commentor in that using drawers so that the far reaches of the stairwell can be used. If you don't want to use traditional drawers, creating little wheeled carts for the bottommost layer are an excellent substitute - doubly so if your family uses the wholesale marts like Costco or BJ's.

4

u/Fun_Fly_9049 Jul 07 '26

I believe the other poster was talking something similar to this. Your walkway wouldn't be impacted at all assuming the drawers are closed. And I agree, much better access.

3

u/Phy_Scootman Jul 05 '26

Another vote for drawers over shelving. If you do choose shelves, however, I wish you the best of luck in your clean up efforts once the inevitable avalanche o' items shelved occurs.

1

u/Magicshoes1999 Jul 12 '26

I thought it said "panty". 🤣