The garden under the staircase transforms circulation areas into living spaces, integrating nature and architecture with a light touch
Submitted at Mar 31, 2026, 4:30 PM
Lounge Recanto – Tatiana Campos Melo. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2019. (Gabriela Daltro/CASACOR)
The under-stairs garden emerges as an alternative to reframe a space that often remains without a defined function. By incorporating greenery at this point of the home, the area stops being merely structural and starts contributing to the project’s atmosphere, creating a smoother transition between volumes, materials, and paths.
Jardim embaixo da escada (Pinterest/CASACOR)
For the under-stairs garden to function in a balanced way, it is essential to observe factors such as light, ventilation, and available depth. These aspects guide both the garden’s layout and the choice of species, allowing the result to be coherent with the rest of the space and sustainable in daily life.
Jardim embaixo da escada (Pinterest/CASACOR)
One of the main advantages of an under-stairs garden is the enhancement of underused areas. By turning this space into a point of interest, the project gains a new layer of interpretation, where greenery helps organize the composition and soften the presence of the structure, often defined by rigid lines.
Fernando Lanner Arquitetura - Refúgio Urbano. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2024. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)
Beyond the visual aspect, the under-stairs garden contributes to the sensory quality of the home. The presence of plants introduces texture, color, and a sense of coziness, creating a breather within the project. Even on a small scale, this kind of intervention changes the way the space is perceived and experienced.
The under-stairs garden can take on different languages, adapting to the home’s style and the conditions of the available space, always seeking a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
The dry garden is a practical solution for an under-stairs garden, especially in projects with little natural light. The composition mixes stones, sand, and low-maintenance species, creating a cleaner, more organized look with little need for frequent intervention.
Jardim embaixo da escada (Pinterest/CASACOR)
Beyond practicality, this format highlights the materiality of the space, creating interesting contrasts between natural and structural surfaces. The result is a garden that speaks to contemporary proposals without giving up the presence of greenery.
The tropical style brings more density to the under-stairs garden, exploring volume and the diversity of foliage. Species with broad, fenestrated leaves help create a more immersive project, evoking a small natural refuge inside the home.
Jardim embaixo da escada (Pinterest/CASACOR)
This approach works well in spaces with good indirect light, allowing plants to grow more vigorously. The composition tends to be more organic, with overlaps and variations in height that enrich how the project is read.
When the available area is limited, vertical use allows the under-stairs garden to develop along the wall. Green panels, modular supports, or trailing plants help make the most of the height without compromising circulation in the space.
Jardim embaixo da escada (Pinterest/CASACOR)
This solution creates an interesting visual effect, with greenery distributed at different levels. In addition to optimizing the space, the vertical garden contributes to a lighter, more dynamic composition, especially in compact projects.
The choice of plants for the under-stairs garden should take into account the conditions of the project, prioritizing species that adapt well to the available light and the level of humidity.
Zamioculca is one of the most recommended species for an under-stairs garden, especially in places with little natural light. Its firm, glossy leaves create an interesting contrast with more matte surfaces, contributing to a balanced composition.
Zamioculca. (Divulgação/CASACOR)
Easy to maintain, it requires spaced-out watering and adapts well to indoor projects. Its presence adds structure to the garden, working as a base for other, more delicate plants.
With upright leaves and a striking silhouette, the snake plant helps create visual rhythm in the under-stairs garden. Its elongated form dialogues well with the staircase’s geometry, reinforcing the organization of the space.
(Drew Beamer/Unsplash/CASACOR)
Beyond aesthetics, it is a hardy species that tolerates light variations and requires little care. This makes it a practical choice for those seeking durability in the composition.
Pothos introduces movement to the under-stairs garden thanks to its trailing growth. It can be used on shelves, supports, or directly in the soil, creating different visual layers.
Jiboia. (Div Manickam/Unsplash/CASACOR)
Adaptable and easy to grow, it thrives in indirect light and helps soften the architecture’s more rigid lines, bringing lightness to the whole.
Monstera deliciosa is an interesting choice for those seeking an under-stairs garden with a more striking presence. Its large, fenestrated leaves add volume and help fill the space in an expressive way.
Costela-de-adão. (Freepik/CASACOR)
It prefers well-lit projects, but without intense direct sun. When well positioned, it becomes one of the garden’s highlights, creating a more evident connection with nature.
Maranta stands out for the patterning of its leaves, which introduces variations in color and texture to the under-stairs garden. Its presence is more delicate, working as a counterpoint to larger species.
Maranta-Riscada. (Flor de Camomyla/CASACOR)
It adapts well to indoor projects and prefers places with indirect light. Combining it with other plants creates a richer composition without overloading the space.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
