Whether your staircase is curved or straight, it's valuable real estate.

Here are 10 ways to use it and spruce up the area at the base of your entry staircase that might be more difficult to decorate — or even put to practical use.

If you have enough square footage and money on hand, it may be reasonable to build a powder room, closet, or office, as long as the adjoining basement stairs don't hinder your plans.

But you don't have to completely overhaul your entire old stair space - or even renovate it - to make it work.

If you're not sure what to put besides coat hooks or chairs, here are 10 ideas to make the area beautiful and functional.

1. A staircase with built-in benches at the front entrance can become an ideal place to install shoes, hats and scarves.

Build a bench to create a convenient seat for saying goodbye to guests or getting the kids ready for school.

This built-in bench is in the main foyer of the house, just off the front hall.

Upon closer inspection, you can see how the countertops fit seamlessly into the stair decking wall.

It contains drawers for storage, a seat cushion in warm and colorful colors and stylish throw pillows.

While this option is lovely, a less expensive freestanding workbench can provide the same practical storage and aesthetic functionality.

2. Writing Nook Listen up, aspiring novelists: A writing nook can really go anywhere, and a stairway space is a great option.

All you need is a small table or table, chairs and some task lighting.

While a nook like this is a perfect use for a front hall stair spot, be aware that it may end up being things we use every day, like school keys, receipts, and notes.

This may be a good thing for busy parents or people who need a command center for their home, but would-be novelists may want to keep an eye on their writing space alone.

In this photo, a sharp white table is tucked into the hidden spot created by the staircase.

The key to maintaining a writing nook is to keep it tidy.

Here, unsightly items can be hidden in drawers.

A vintage secretary's desk is gorgeous and functional, with lots of drawer storage and a fold-out writing surface.

This option may help keep your foyer free of clutter.

3. Lounge Some entrance halls are so grand that they function as a room of their own.

If you're lucky enough to be in this situation, you might consider placing a sofa at the bottom of the stairs.

Here, the sofa provides some visual weight and anchors the large white space.

It also provides an opportunity to decorate the area as a room on its own, introducing color palettes and decorative finishes.

The blue of the sofa corresponds to the blue of the carpet and stairs.

A few comfy pillows complete the look.

If your foyer can handle a larger section but doesn't have enough room for a couch, you could try a sofa.

This one fits perfectly into the space at the base of the stairs.

Large enough for two people to chat at a party or sit on the shoe.

Again, there are occasions when some texture and color are welcome in the entry, through pieces of upholstery, some pillows and throws.

4. Beautiful landscaping The benefits of keeping live plants in your home are legion, from improving air quality to increasing your mood.

From fresh-cut flowers and greens to potted plants, the options are endless.

The branches of a tree in full bloom, seen here, bring a lovely and affordable spring touch to your home.

This grand foyer is spare and simple, with the only green coming from the intense color palette.

This tall potted tree is dominant and acts as the focal point of the tabletop vignette.

5. Martini Time If you're enjoying cocktails that day, the area under the stairs might be a great place to place your bar, especially if you don't have more real estate in your kitchen or dining room.

This one has been outfitted with a sink and wine refrigerator, making it fully functional for entertaining the family.

Cabinets, counters and shelves, just like a small kitchen.

A silver mesh tile backsplash and sparkling communication with the sink and glassware make it possible anytime it's party time.

Still, one doesn't need a full bar to use the space as a hub for drinks.

This simple staircase bar, with its modest wooden shelves and metal wine rack, will be easier to create.

This shows that it is possible to keep your bar project under the stairs in style and on a budget.

6. Small dining table In a small space, a table and chairs under the stairs can be the ideal place to enjoy a meal.

This drop leaf table saves space when needed or opens up to accommodate more diners.

If your home has a lot of space, the stairs can be turned into a dinner joint.

If eating under the stairs isn't for you, you might find a use for a different table and chairs there.

Here they provide a place ready to play board games.

Mystery fans may also enjoy keeping their current obsession alive.

Designate your stair space for a specific purpose and you'll be more likely to find yourself using it.

7. Mirrors Mirrors are magical things.