Creating a landing library is one of the best uses for this neglected area. This landing has enough room to accommodate two comfortable wingback chairs; an area rug and chandelier define the space as sitting room.

Shelves need only be as deep as your widest book's width, so you can make do with as little as 9 extra inches of depth. Using a contrasting wood or paint color punctuates this added landing feature.

Note: While triangular landings like these are common in older homes, codes for new construction require that landings between flights of stairs are at least 36 inches by 36 inches for safety. Check local codes and be sure your landing interventions use only the space beyond these requirements. Also, codes require that risers are 36 inches across.

This landing bookcase is a strong design element. Look closely and you'll notice the shelves continue from the ground floor to the top wall of the landing. A clear floor in front lets you look down and appreciate this fact from above, while open risers let you look at it as you ascend.

If you have just an extra foot of space, you can add a functional window seat.

This runner was thought out carefully, tying the landing, the stairs and the window seat together.

Conversely, you may want to make your landing its own distinct space. This one serves as an entrance to a balcony, with lots of natural light. The parquet floor helps define it as a space, while the chandelier, railing and bookshelves tie it to the staircase.

A mini-gallery gives people going up and down the stairs a reason to pause.

This long hallway landing has a bench so that one can sit and enjoy the works museum-style.

Built-in cabinets add a thickness that leaves enough room for a window seat in the middle.

Upstairs hallways and landings often serve only as a way to get from here to there. Turn this area into a functional space with seating, built-ins, moldings, lighting and an area rug.

Planning an upstairs layout this way from the start means you'll have an open and airy space in lieu of a closed-in, claustrophobia-inducing hallway.

For a smaller space, add shelves in place of a railing.

This space even has a cozy fireplace, which guarantees you'll want to stop, sit and enjoy it.

More:
How To Use the Space Underneath the Stairs