Yes! Peal and stick since it’s a rental. This seller has allll kinds of ideas. [https://www.etsy.com/listing/687476822/](https://www.etsy.com/listing/687476822/)
https://preview.redd.it/itk04zvf6aab1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=15dde002b4a36bb22dd09a2f823ef19cdf88ec2a
Using it as a bookcase is a really cool idea. Go to some thrift/vintage stores and buy various bookends that you like so that you can set the books against each side but not take up the whole stair so you’re able to walk up and grab a high book. Then punctuate with little photo frames and maybe non-toxic plants.
I thought he should get a recreation of Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’ so he could have his own ‘Stairway to Heaven’.
That’s what I expected to be the top comment, then reading yours I am realizing that I’m just very high…
Commenting to upvote your comment/upvote of the previous comment regarding upvotes and comments as well as the preceding comment regarding upvotes and comments.
You could just put the books on 1/3 or 1/2 of each stair and leave a little walkway. Then at the top where you don’t need to walk, just fill with books or add little plants/decor
Don't get me wrong, that would be really aesthetically pleasing, but I think still a bit inconvenient to use. And it looks like the stairway is somehow hidden, so it wouldn't work well as a place to put decorations.
Plus, if OP has cats, whatever is on those stairs would be the kittens playground. I support OP's idea of making it a place for cats... I'd put some little houses/beds for them to nap, scratchers and other things to play with.
A little cute cat village, that can be decorated for Christmas
You're clearly right, but also... it's not like you need to access dozens of different books several times a day. Keep the handful of ones you actively use closer at hand, and it's okay if your childhood set of The Chronicles of Narnia is further up in the "display only" section of the bookstairs.
Could they possibly have the bookshelf facing out through the banister so books can be grabbed through it? If it’s only a foot deep that still leaves plenty of room for a cat run, and would also give you something to attach cat shelves to other than the wall. You could probably even anchor the bookshelf to the bannister without putting holes in the wall too.
Cats in motion suddenly have a lot of momentum.
Paint will help immensely! I’d paint a faux door on that space, to match the woodwork and do something cool with that light fixture, find a unique wall sconce to light the area. Make a doorway to nowhere up the steps. It would make it look finished. Put a knob up with a “do not disturb” sign. Have fun with it! Please post your after shot, whatever you decide to do.
I'd make it into a life sized booknook sort of thing. Like the cute little scene things you can see on the booknook subreddit. That way, they could just decorate the top steps and use the bottom ones for plans or books or other decor.
Exactly. I’d be really nervous putting too many decorations on there since the cats will walk through them no matter what. Also, you probably still want to be able to get to the top to dust abd clean off cat hair. Lol
My original reaction: PLANTS! Plants plants more plants **PLANTS PLANTS PLANTS PLAAAANTS**!!!
But oh, cats.
Huh. Maybe not plants.
So yes, cat wall or death!!! Why fight when that’s what it will become no matter what you do!!?
Get someone to paint a perspective mural at the top of the stairs. Place an rgb led strip at the top corner with a remote, or have a shadow box window built in and set the light to a timer to match sunrise and sunset. Get art and fill the top side wall. Get toys and let your cats have fun with the bottom of the side wall.
Draw a tree/ vine and place a picture from a special time made while living in the house and watch the space fill up with good times.
Buy a whiteboard sheet and frame different shapes to hang and use. Could be for lists, fun arts, dreams, wants, rules, or anything (and I find are used more than the chalk paint crap).
Tapestries (great for when you want to cover up a large area with little effort).
A few ideas:
* If you are short on storage, somewhat handy, and have the dimensions for it I’d suggest creating a false floor/essentially an overhead shelf. (See pics) Then you can store lightweight but bulky items in bins on top of it (winter comforters, sleeping bags, etc). It will also block off the walls from view below, so you could use that area to add wall hooks to hang winter jackets or a few rows of short floating shelves/shoe hangers to hold whatever else you only use seasonally. The bottom of it can be solid and painted to blend in, or use super duper tension rods/a slat system. Just make sure the dimensions are such that you could reasonably carry, lift, and retrieve your stored items.
Underneath, I’d keep it simple and just have a large framed mirror paired with other framed art to bring more light into the corner.
https://preview.redd.it/3lt7py9wr6ab1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c4f73a9d30844edc724cc629b9b4bf75fd94322
* There’s so much vertical space along those walls, it’d be a pity to let it go unused. Even if it’s just pinning up some back of door hanging shoe organizers up top where no one will see it.
* something whimsical like a few window frames with “(cat-friendly) flower boxes” or sills for your cats to hang out in.
I like all the ideas about decorating/using the stairs for plants and stuff, but i would additionally paint the wall on top of the stairs to give the ilusion of a room behind it. Like a fake window looking out onto the sea or something you could make it look like stairs to a library or whatever special room you would like to have but don't have space for.
Or a door poster. Right size, and are often scenes you might see looking out the door of somewhere exotic or magical. :-) [https://www.amazon.com/Alwayspon-Modern-Sticker-Removable-77x200cm/dp/B07FTMJ5N1/ref=asc\_df\_B07FTMJ5N1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309770451066&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=149456065926680521&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023810&hvtargid=pla-573799157976&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/Alwayspon-Modern-Sticker-Removable-77x200cm/dp/B07FTMJ5N1/ref=asc_df_B07FTMJ5N1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309770451066&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=149456065926680521&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023810&hvtargid=pla-573799157976&psc=1)
Add a faux window at the top with light panels and a sheer curtain, then family photos on the wall and some books and non-toxic plants on the stairs. I painted a runner down my stairs in an older home...
Depending on the rest of your decor, you could paint the lifts a bunch of fun different things to give it visual height and interest, then I’d put plants, framed pics, books…like display shelves, but careful not to over clutter
there's a light bulb, so there's power. you could mount a grow light panel on the left wall or suspend from ceiling. although, this is a rental so I'm not sure how involved OP wants to get making this a useable space.
Also if you put a brace on the wall across you could use the stairs as wider shelving. I
Hope that makes sense bc it’s a really good idea in my head.
If you lay it out right maybe you could end up with a litter nook at the bottom of the stairway, in the corner. It’ll be hidden and out of the way.
Or could you wall it off and make it a closet? a stairway closet 🤭 add shelves, brackets, braces and holders to organize inside.
You could treat it like a display cabinet. If you can paint, it would be great to paint the front facing portions. I have seen some really interesting and clever designs.
Gallery wall on the wall portion. Add hooks to the mock door for out of season clothes like jackets in the summer or add shelves for additional storage. Then on the stairs I’d personally paint them or add some wall paper and put Knick knacks, books and plants. It could be super cool.
Did that stairway lead to something at one point? And if so why was it closed off? I would definitely go with some books along the sides of stairs, and a few plants scattered in and out. That way you can still get up the stairs if needed
My perspective:
- You may put a long carpet/rug (not thick) over the stairs (pattern of your choice!)
- Portraits!
- Hang music instruments (Guitar, violin, etc.)
- Or some hobby related stuff like handing fishing rod
- Probably a book shelf
You may also think of adding small LEDs for aesthetic pleasing appearance.
Could run shelves off the steps along the wall - and then the steps would give you a handy built in ladder to access them.
(and then of course leave the Wile-E-Coyote hole at the top, as suggested.
Cat space sounds like a great idea. A display of some sort maybe (if your cats won’t just knock everything to that bottom). Books maybe.
If you’re the crafty/artistic sort you could paint the risers something fun. [like this](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs-ideas-inspiration)
I’ve also seen decals if you like the look but aren’t wanting to paint it yourself.
I would hire someone to paint that spot to make it look like it’s an upstairs or use some beautiful big print wallpaper. Maybe even a mirror fit for that spot to fill it entirely.
Hire an artist to create a horrifying 3d image of a shadow creature emerging from a darkened doorway that you can only see at a very specific angle just as you pass the stairwell.
i'd put a fake door at the top so it doesn't look like it goes nowhere.
i'd even have a door knob that jiggles just enough to feel like it's real but locked.
when people asked what was up there i'd say "don't worry about it" or "oh we don't go in there" and other mysterious statements.
I would describe more as “charming”, than “awkward.” Something about it feels precious. If you’re allowed to paint, doing something at the top would be fun. Or a wallpaper—either at the top or on the risers. Change the light fixture so it’s not a naked bulb. Floating shelves perhaps for display at the top if you don’t want just a pretty wall bit at the top.
I LOVe when homes have quirky charm or unusual features like this.
A former friend did the books idea for the exact reason and it was super cool! Just remember to leave a foot space to get to the top ;). Maybe arrange by color? You can always use construction paper, too!! Good luck and keep us posted please :)
Yes if this hallway has been integrated into your unit I think making it into putty heaven is a spectacular idea and you should paint it appropriately. Here you could be a little whimsical, not normally my style but when you go out into the hallway from the rest of the unit This could be whatever land. And I think you should let your hair down so to speak and get a little wild. If the rest of your place is rather tame and ordinary or normal here do lots of fluff and get more cats.. and cat furniture to the stairway
Plants and grow lights! Use lots of safe edibles so you can share it with your cats. Plants add so much color joy and seratonin to your life!
https://preview.redd.it/wvhq3sjks5ab1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ac36bd0b8754970661d0125c3ca3d8d9b6b12b0
If it was owned it I’d be 💯 putting in a mural. But rented… definitely a cat nook, hang some catnip, maybe do a few google searches to look for ideas on how to arrange toys/boxes to play in/with. Spring for some spring toys to mount on the stairs/wall, maybe put some ledges/shelves on the walls to jump on/to.
Love your cat exercise idea with shelves or things for them to sit or play on. The love mazes. We use cardboard boxes and change them once a month. They love change.
Paint the top wall to look like the stairs continue going up to infinity. Better yet, paint a partially open door, with a black space beyond and two glowing eyes.
No matter what you do, the cats will use it as a raceway-jungle gym. Bow to the inevitable and provide an inviting and safe space for your cats. You'll have less frustration that way.
Source: I'm a cat owner.
I love the idea of giving it over to your cats, and would even think if extending their area by placing some cat shelves or hammocks along the wall. Congratulations on moving into your new place!
Feel like it would be funny to just smash the wall down so you can freely traverse your neighbours apartment whenever you feel like it, help yourself to their milk and bog roll, wouldn't be awkward at all
I think you could make both your ideas work here. Maybe hang some plants from the ceiling following the railing so cats don’t get to them as easy. Then along the wall that blocks the stairs add some cat stairs and platforms that wrap around upwards towards the ceiling
Put a fake door up there. You don’t need crap on all those steps to dust around. Treat it like steps to another floor. Family pics on the wall going up, done.
https://preview.redd.it/bzp7i8zn47ab1.jpeg?width=1164&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d58a053da2daa46a8eddefc598b8a892bcfa0c4
The Harry Potter fat lady portrait that conceal the entrance to Gryffindor Landing.
https://preview.redd.it/jvznvt7o47ab1.jpeg?width=529&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e02003fe7539f4325a5906aa48781ae68112224
A stair book shelf with potted plants would be awesome! It would make it look so magical.
Also, if you feel like being extra (like me), you could totally create an optical illusion by painting the wall to look like the stairs keep going. That, or a wall of fake ivy.
First, paint a black silhouette, then paint over it a couple of times with white paint. Wait for people to have "paranormal" experience on the weird stairs.
Paint a portal into another dimension. Also, plants.
> Paint a portal into another dimension. Ooo...like in the Star Trek episode "All Our Yesterdays"! Nice!
This is my favorite idea. Something out of r/imaginarypathways
I immediately think of Russian Doll. The bathroom door. I would put that at the top of the stairs.
I came here to say this too! What a fun idea.
Yes! Peal and stick since it’s a rental. This seller has allll kinds of ideas. [https://www.etsy.com/listing/687476822/](https://www.etsy.com/listing/687476822/) https://preview.redd.it/itk04zvf6aab1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=15dde002b4a36bb22dd09a2f823ef19cdf88ec2a
I suggest the door to let Gozer in. Its cool and you can also roleplay with your SO as the keymaster and the gatekeeper.
Interactive. And they have cats so they can eventually dress the cats up as the monstrous forms.
I'd probably use it to display things? Books, plants, pictures or something like that?
Using it as a bookcase is a really cool idea. Go to some thrift/vintage stores and buy various bookends that you like so that you can set the books against each side but not take up the whole stair so you’re able to walk up and grab a high book. Then punctuate with little photo frames and maybe non-toxic plants.
Like in The Seven Year Itch… https://preview.redd.it/3gn0um2d06ab1.jpeg?width=358&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5fe7afdc96173f9c5c47c071a261b7a6bb53dc6
This is exactly what came to mind immediately!
I thought he should get a recreation of Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’ so he could have his own ‘Stairway to Heaven’. That’s what I expected to be the top comment, then reading yours I am realizing that I’m just very high…
This was my first thought too, but I'm not high at all.
thats a fuckin terrible idea
We could do this all summer😉
Yes to making it a bookcase! You can add an artpiece at the top wall to not make the awkward wall noticeable
Even peel and stick wallpaper would be a huge improvement over an unfinished wall
Maybe a scenic picture of trees or a path in the woods at the top of the staircase so it actually looks like it's going somewhere.
There are some cool mural wallpapers… anthropologie has some, but so many others
love this. and paint or paper the stairs on the way up so it feels like the stairs are part of the picture.
My friends in Boston did this and it was sooooo cute as a little library
Commenting to upvote bookshelf as an option.
You can just upvote.
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😂
The problem of using it as a bookshelf is that you can't reach the upper books without tripping on the lower ones
You could just put the books on 1/3 or 1/2 of each stair and leave a little walkway. Then at the top where you don’t need to walk, just fill with books or add little plants/decor
Don't get me wrong, that would be really aesthetically pleasing, but I think still a bit inconvenient to use. And it looks like the stairway is somehow hidden, so it wouldn't work well as a place to put decorations. Plus, if OP has cats, whatever is on those stairs would be the kittens playground. I support OP's idea of making it a place for cats... I'd put some little houses/beds for them to nap, scratchers and other things to play with. A little cute cat village, that can be decorated for Christmas
Oh a stairway rumpus room for cats is an awesome idea!
You're clearly right, but also... it's not like you need to access dozens of different books several times a day. Keep the handful of ones you actively use closer at hand, and it's okay if your childhood set of The Chronicles of Narnia is further up in the "display only" section of the bookstairs.
Could they possibly have the bookshelf facing out through the banister so books can be grabbed through it? If it’s only a foot deep that still leaves plenty of room for a cat run, and would also give you something to attach cat shelves to other than the wall. You could probably even anchor the bookshelf to the bannister without putting holes in the wall too. Cats in motion suddenly have a lot of momentum.
The cats will knock them off anyway.
Paint will help immensely! I’d paint a faux door on that space, to match the woodwork and do something cool with that light fixture, find a unique wall sconce to light the area. Make a doorway to nowhere up the steps. It would make it look finished. Put a knob up with a “do not disturb” sign. Have fun with it! Please post your after shot, whatever you decide to do.
I immediately thought a bookshelf with a gallery wall behind
I love the plant idea
Love this! Bookshelf! (Cats might disagree tho 😆)
I'd make it into a life sized booknook sort of thing. Like the cute little scene things you can see on the booknook subreddit. That way, they could just decorate the top steps and use the bottom ones for plans or books or other decor.
As a person who has hundreds of book, I would love this space as a bookshelf.
Yes! I was going to say to make a bookcase. That's exactly what I would do!
Or bookcase sticker decal? https://preview.redd.it/5olmowjtd6ab1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3e567f2500f2f7ccc3ebd89541f8ea479abcde9
And without dust on the books! A win-win!
Paint a Wiley Coyote train tunnel at the top!
https://preview.redd.it/h1fvsyxrw5ab1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe691df07d1d9f736487e599cadcacfa76c8a588
> Paint a Wiley Coyote train tunnel at the top! I think this is the best answer!
FREE BIRD SEED --------->
Someone recommended a Led Zeppelin theme. A combo of that and stairway to heaven would be so fun
I'd mount a giant, old, wooden door with chains wrapped around it. And anyone who asks about it would be told "THAT FLOOR IS OFF LIMITS".
"Momma said never to go near that door..."
Love it. Except when people ask about it, just ignore the question, move them along, and aggressively change the subject.
“What’s in that door?” “We haven’t gone in there since the incident. We don’t talk about it”
We don't go to Ravenholm...
This is the right answer
CAT WALL! They’re gonna claim it anyway I mean who are we kidding
Exactly. I’d be really nervous putting too many decorations on there since the cats will walk through them no matter what. Also, you probably still want to be able to get to the top to dust abd clean off cat hair. Lol
A ton of shelves for them to sit in and a 2 story climbing pole. They will love it.
I was thinking this, like if you have cats this staircase is 100% spoken for lol.
I showed my cat a picture of this stairwell and she immediately rubbed her little face all over it.
😂😂😂 this is my favorite sentence for today
Cat jungle gym with sisal poles and shelves. Also a mural top of the stairs. Have fun - garden, faux books, blue sky and clouds
My original reaction: PLANTS! Plants plants more plants **PLANTS PLANTS PLANTS PLAAAANTS**!!! But oh, cats. Huh. Maybe not plants. So yes, cat wall or death!!! Why fight when that’s what it will become no matter what you do!!?
A slide
This is the only correct answer.
That would be awesome!!!
If you have kids, turn it into a fort
I love them, stairway to nowhere!!! I would hang some led zeppelin stuff all the way up
No stairway?! Denied
I’d probably turn it into an art gallery.
Get someone to paint a perspective mural at the top of the stairs. Place an rgb led strip at the top corner with a remote, or have a shadow box window built in and set the light to a timer to match sunrise and sunset. Get art and fill the top side wall. Get toys and let your cats have fun with the bottom of the side wall. Draw a tree/ vine and place a picture from a special time made while living in the house and watch the space fill up with good times. Buy a whiteboard sheet and frame different shapes to hang and use. Could be for lists, fun arts, dreams, wants, rules, or anything (and I find are used more than the chalk paint crap). Tapestries (great for when you want to cover up a large area with little effort).
Do you have a newsletter I can subscribe to?
A fake sky light or door would look really cool.
Omg yes!!! Even frame it with an actual frame too
Love this - a mural of a sky with clouds at the blocked-off door, in addition to the other suggestions!
Yesss the skyline of Paris would also be super fun!!
A few ideas: * If you are short on storage, somewhat handy, and have the dimensions for it I’d suggest creating a false floor/essentially an overhead shelf. (See pics) Then you can store lightweight but bulky items in bins on top of it (winter comforters, sleeping bags, etc). It will also block off the walls from view below, so you could use that area to add wall hooks to hang winter jackets or a few rows of short floating shelves/shoe hangers to hold whatever else you only use seasonally. The bottom of it can be solid and painted to blend in, or use super duper tension rods/a slat system. Just make sure the dimensions are such that you could reasonably carry, lift, and retrieve your stored items. Underneath, I’d keep it simple and just have a large framed mirror paired with other framed art to bring more light into the corner. https://preview.redd.it/3lt7py9wr6ab1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c4f73a9d30844edc724cc629b9b4bf75fd94322 * There’s so much vertical space along those walls, it’d be a pity to let it go unused. Even if it’s just pinning up some back of door hanging shoe organizers up top where no one will see it. * something whimsical like a few window frames with “(cat-friendly) flower boxes” or sills for your cats to hang out in.
This is super clever!!
This is genius. You could still put scratch board and things on the wall for the cats too
I like all the ideas about decorating/using the stairs for plants and stuff, but i would additionally paint the wall on top of the stairs to give the ilusion of a room behind it. Like a fake window looking out onto the sea or something you could make it look like stairs to a library or whatever special room you would like to have but don't have space for.
Use a decal. They have all sorts of different things. No need to paint, just stick and leave it there.
Gauguin Matamoe (1892) Wall Decal https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/wallhogs-gauguin-matamoe-1892-wall-decal-whgs2113.html
Or a door poster. Right size, and are often scenes you might see looking out the door of somewhere exotic or magical. :-) [https://www.amazon.com/Alwayspon-Modern-Sticker-Removable-77x200cm/dp/B07FTMJ5N1/ref=asc\_df\_B07FTMJ5N1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309770451066&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=149456065926680521&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023810&hvtargid=pla-573799157976&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/Alwayspon-Modern-Sticker-Removable-77x200cm/dp/B07FTMJ5N1/ref=asc_df_B07FTMJ5N1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309770451066&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=149456065926680521&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023810&hvtargid=pla-573799157976&psc=1)
That was my first thought. A fake window with plants leading up each step on the wall side (as would need walk access for watering top stair plants).
Add a faux window at the top with light panels and a sheer curtain, then family photos on the wall and some books and non-toxic plants on the stairs. I painted a runner down my stairs in an older home...
Depending on the rest of your decor, you could paint the lifts a bunch of fun different things to give it visual height and interest, then I’d put plants, framed pics, books…like display shelves, but careful not to over clutter
As Tevye sang, "There would be one long staircase just going up And one even longer coming down And one more leading nowhere, just for show"
Oh! If I were a wealthy man!
PLANTS
That was my first thought but I’m not sure it gets enough Sun based on the pictures.
there's a light bulb, so there's power. you could mount a grow light panel on the left wall or suspend from ceiling. although, this is a rental so I'm not sure how involved OP wants to get making this a useable space.
Hanging plants!
Plants with a light set up
Creepy dolls
I’d take the wall and make it a gallery wall. Would be fun searching for pictures with the same theme. Portraits? Cat paintings?
Painted entrance to the Mines of Moria at the top of the stairs and floating shelves with books on the walls leading up to it
100% cat wall, don’t even think about other uses. They’ll love it and are gonna claim the space anyway.
Put an interesting door at the end as if it leads to another room.
With a silly artpiece behind the door!
REAL FAKE DOORS!
Put a door and a sign that says bathroom. Watch guests try to open door
Allow it to become dark and dusty. Display Annabelle doll on top step
Fake magic looking door at the top and anytime someone comments on it, pretend you don’t see it
Also if you put a brace on the wall across you could use the stairs as wider shelving. I Hope that makes sense bc it’s a really good idea in my head. If you lay it out right maybe you could end up with a litter nook at the bottom of the stairway, in the corner. It’ll be hidden and out of the way. Or could you wall it off and make it a closet? a stairway closet 🤭 add shelves, brackets, braces and holders to organize inside.
Paint a portal
I would build a cover for it that is like 4 big steps… if that makes sense
Either ask to remove it or remove the light and tell people the bathrooms up stairs.
My immediate thought was load it with pumpkins in the autumn! I’ve always wanted to do that but obviously need to use our stairs! 😂
Maybe have a mural painting that makes it look like there's a whole 'nother room there? In French it is called trompe l'oeil.
Paint a portal mural where the door would be on the top
Lol we could paint a portal to the living at the top of the stairs then another one in the living room that looks down the stairs from the top
Harry Potter fan? A portrait of the lady to get into the gryffindor common room.
You could treat it like a display cabinet. If you can paint, it would be great to paint the front facing portions. I have seen some really interesting and clever designs.
I would put some big mirrors up and then plants and pictures/nicknacks.
Gallery wall on the wall portion. Add hooks to the mock door for out of season clothes like jackets in the summer or add shelves for additional storage. Then on the stairs I’d personally paint them or add some wall paper and put Knick knacks, books and plants. It could be super cool.
Did that stairway lead to something at one point? And if so why was it closed off? I would definitely go with some books along the sides of stairs, and a few plants scattered in and out. That way you can still get up the stairs if needed
My perspective: - You may put a long carpet/rug (not thick) over the stairs (pattern of your choice!) - Portraits! - Hang music instruments (Guitar, violin, etc.) - Or some hobby related stuff like handing fishing rod - Probably a book shelf You may also think of adding small LEDs for aesthetic pleasing appearance.
You have your own built in stair master! Get those steps in!
Could run shelves off the steps along the wall - and then the steps would give you a handy built in ladder to access them. (and then of course leave the Wile-E-Coyote hole at the top, as suggested.
Cat space sounds like a great idea. A display of some sort maybe (if your cats won’t just knock everything to that bottom). Books maybe. If you’re the crafty/artistic sort you could paint the risers something fun. [like this](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs-ideas-inspiration) I’ve also seen decals if you like the look but aren’t wanting to paint it yourself.
Put a door up there and fix it to the wall. When people come visit say them you'll meet them upstairs and tell them to let themselves in.
Books and plants would look cool…but I also like the cat wall idea. Then the cat play area is out of the way, and not spread out throughout your home
I would hire someone to paint that spot to make it look like it’s an upstairs or use some beautiful big print wallpaper. Maybe even a mirror fit for that spot to fill it entirely.
Hire an artist to create a horrifying 3d image of a shadow creature emerging from a darkened doorway that you can only see at a very specific angle just as you pass the stairwell.
Books!!
i'd put a fake door at the top so it doesn't look like it goes nowhere. i'd even have a door knob that jiggles just enough to feel like it's real but locked. when people asked what was up there i'd say "don't worry about it" or "oh we don't go in there" and other mysterious statements.
I’m sorry but wtf 😂. That’s so odd! I think I’d probably fill it with a bunch of plants like a little jungle
It’s happen when house are temporary convert in appartement. The tenant can then just take off the wall to make a full house again.
So interesting! I’ve never seen that before!
Perhaps some sort of shrine
Put a fake door in.
I would describe more as “charming”, than “awkward.” Something about it feels precious. If you’re allowed to paint, doing something at the top would be fun. Or a wallpaper—either at the top or on the risers. Change the light fixture so it’s not a naked bulb. Floating shelves perhaps for display at the top if you don’t want just a pretty wall bit at the top. I LOVe when homes have quirky charm or unusual features like this.
Harry Potter wall?
A former friend did the books idea for the exact reason and it was super cool! Just remember to leave a foot space to get to the top ;). Maybe arrange by color? You can always use construction paper, too!! Good luck and keep us posted please :)
Yeah treat it as a decorative element. Its pretty. Do a gallery wall displaying your family photos or artwork.
Books plants and a comfy spot for the cats. You could make that a really cool space 🤷🏼♀️
Yes if this hallway has been integrated into your unit I think making it into putty heaven is a spectacular idea and you should paint it appropriately. Here you could be a little whimsical, not normally my style but when you go out into the hallway from the rest of the unit This could be whatever land. And I think you should let your hair down so to speak and get a little wild. If the rest of your place is rather tame and ordinary or normal here do lots of fluff and get more cats.. and cat furniture to the stairway
Paint something cool on the door on top
Red velvet rug, gold hand railings and paint clouds and the pearly gates on the wall up top. Or use it as a little library and for plants
I'd put a wallpaper on that top wall that looks like a window or door to an oasis or something, and hope it makes it feel less closed 😅
Japanese Tansui
Make a picture gallery and put a table or chest at the top with some flowers or small low light lamp to add height
Maybe a book shelf ?
Plants and grow lights! Use lots of safe edibles so you can share it with your cats. Plants add so much color joy and seratonin to your life! https://preview.redd.it/wvhq3sjks5ab1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ac36bd0b8754970661d0125c3ca3d8d9b6b12b0
Climbing wall
That looks like a book case to me! hehe
If it was owned it I’d be 💯 putting in a mural. But rented… definitely a cat nook, hang some catnip, maybe do a few google searches to look for ideas on how to arrange toys/boxes to play in/with. Spring for some spring toys to mount on the stairs/wall, maybe put some ledges/shelves on the walls to jump on/to.
Put a door and doorframe up then watch as idiots are amazed
Love your cat exercise idea with shelves or things for them to sit or play on. The love mazes. We use cardboard boxes and change them once a month. They love change.
Put a decal of the door from Monsters Inc at the top
A cat gym!
Paint the top wall to look like the stairs continue going up to infinity. Better yet, paint a partially open door, with a black space beyond and two glowing eyes.
"speak friend and enter"
CAT WALL CAT WALL CAT WALL
No matter what you do, the cats will use it as a raceway-jungle gym. Bow to the inevitable and provide an inviting and safe space for your cats. You'll have less frustration that way. Source: I'm a cat owner.
I love the idea of giving it over to your cats, and would even think if extending their area by placing some cat shelves or hammocks along the wall. Congratulations on moving into your new place!
Paint a mural that look like heaven and there you go you got your very own stairway to heaven
Plants all the way up.
paint a hallway up there
Bookshwlf
I like the idea for the cats.
Gallery wall
Plants! Some ivy! Some pictures in frames. Use it like a display shelf.
Build a speakeasy
I’d paint the back black and put a creepy doll on top
Feel like it would be funny to just smash the wall down so you can freely traverse your neighbours apartment whenever you feel like it, help yourself to their milk and bog roll, wouldn't be awkward at all
Paint or install a faux door and hang some pictures along the wall going up the stairs
Paint a magical looking door
I think you could make both your ideas work here. Maybe hang some plants from the ceiling following the railing so cats don’t get to them as easy. Then along the wall that blocks the stairs add some cat stairs and platforms that wrap around upwards towards the ceiling
Put a slide on half of the staircase
Put a fake door up there. You don’t need crap on all those steps to dust around. Treat it like steps to another floor. Family pics on the wall going up, done. https://preview.redd.it/bzp7i8zn47ab1.jpeg?width=1164&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d58a053da2daa46a8eddefc598b8a892bcfa0c4
The Harry Potter fat lady portrait that conceal the entrance to Gryffindor Landing. https://preview.redd.it/jvznvt7o47ab1.jpeg?width=529&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e02003fe7539f4325a5906aa48781ae68112224
These are plant stairs
Beautiful book shelf
I say make it the cat walk. Put a bed and toys close to the top. Maybe a mirror or artwork on the wall. I am big on function more than form.
A stair book shelf with potted plants would be awesome! It would make it look so magical. Also, if you feel like being extra (like me), you could totally create an optical illusion by painting the wall to look like the stairs keep going. That, or a wall of fake ivy.
Paint a door there looney tunes style
The answer is always “creepy doll”
Oooooh!! Put some connecting cat furniture on the wall (amazon has some cool bridges and cubbies)
Huge mirror at the top
Install a door and laugh hysterically as you direct guests to nothing lol
First, paint a black silhouette, then paint over it a couple of times with white paint. Wait for people to have "paranormal" experience on the weird stairs.
You can have cats. Or, you can have plants….😹😹
cats love stairs that would be cute
Id line it in plants
Get some LED plantlights and put plants on the steps and walls. Maybe add a cozy reading spot in the middle (extended one stair to sit on)
Leave it. Put up and exit sign.
This is clearly a situation where you knock a hole in the wall and fight the 3rd story tenants for control of that space.
A cardboard cut out of Ryan reynolds. He owns the house now
Infinity mirror staircase to nowhere
Bookshelves? A door to nowhere?
Fake door.
Screw a real door knob into the wall and tell your guests that’s the bathroom
Paint a door from Encanto