Custom Space-Saving Loft Stairs With Whimsical Storage

Date: Summer 2022

Task: For this project, the client wanted to replace an old loft ladder with a set of safe, comfortable stairs that would still fit in a very small footprint. The stairs would be used only for accessing a guest room and storage loft, so they didn’t need to withstand heavy daily traffic — but they did need to feel sturdy, functional, and easy to climb.

I designed a space-saving stair layout with subtle insets beneath each step, creating extra room for the feet and making the stairs more comfortable to use in the tight space. To add functionality, we incorporated three built-in drawers and open shelving beneath the lower steps, turning unused space into practical storage.

The client has a playful, whimsical style, so we leaned into that by designing custom drawer pulls with inset wavy, bubbly shapes that added charm and personality to the piece.

Because this was a lower-budget build, the construction was intentionally simple, using MDF for the structure and pine for the stair treads, which hold up better to wear than exposed MDF edges. The project was delivered unfinished so the client could paint it in their own style afterward. Once installed and painted, the stairs took on a cheerful, imaginative look that fit perfectly with the client’s aesthetic.

I built the stairs in my workshop and completed the installation in the client’s home.

Materials: MDF structure, pine treads

Finish: Delivered unfinished — client painted after installation

Features: Three drawers, built-in shelving, space-saving tread design, whimsical custom drawer pulls

Tools:
Rhino3D
Shaper Origin Handheld CNC
Pannal Saw
Table Saw
Lamello Biscuit Joiner
Clamps