The Mystery Of This Unusual Space Will Keep You Guessing!
December 2, 2024
source: Jesse Hall/Facebook
Every old house tells a story, and often, the most fascinating chapters are hidden in plain sight. A closet with a bench built over the basement stairs might seem like a curious design today, but in older homes, it was a practical solution to maximize space and functionality. This unique architectural feature reflects a bygone era’s ingenuity and resourcefulness.
At first glance, the bench-like feature in the closet may seem out of place. However, its primary purpose is structural: it conceals the staircase below while creating a flat surface above. In homes where every square inch mattered, this design offered a creative way to reclaim space that would otherwise be wasted. Beyond its practical function, the bench could also serve as a convenient seat, a platform to reach higher shelves, or even a hidden storage area for items like shoes or seasonal clothing.
In older homes, maximizing efficiency was key. Building a closet over the basement staircase allowed homeowners to utilize vertical space creatively. This was especially important in houses with small footprints, where storage solutions had to be inventive. Closets over staircases often doubled as a place to store cleaning supplies, linens, or items needed for daily tasks. The inclusion of a bench or platform provided additional utility while keeping the space tidy and functional.
The second feature that stands out is the window-like opening in the closet wall. This detail might have served several purposes:
Ventilation: Older homes often had poor airflow, and small openings like this allowed air to circulate, reducing moisture and mustiness in enclosed spaces.
Light: Before electricity was commonplace, closets were dark, enclosed spaces. An opening to an adjacent room or hallway allowed natural light to filter in.
Storage or Utility Access: In some homes, such openings were used to pass items between rooms or provide access to hidden storage areas. It could also have been a feature tied to the closet’s original purpose, such as a dumbwaiter or laundry chute.
Features like these remind us of the resourcefulness of earlier generations. In a time when homes were built with fewer modern conveniences, every detail served a purpose. The closet over the stairs was a clever use of space, and the bench and window-like opening were practical enhancements that made daily life just a little easier.
As modern homes emphasize open layouts and expansive storage, it’s easy to overlook the cleverness of these older design solutions. Closets with benches over staircases may seem unusual today, but they’re a testament to the creativity and practicality of a time when homes were built to meet the unique needs of their occupants.