6 Steps to Build the Closet Office of Your Dreams
A compact office with big style.
In case you didn’t know, closet offices are growing in popularity. Transforming a closet into a workspace is smart use of available room and creates a work area that’s completely remote, quiet, and functional. Here’s how to build a closet office in just six steps for a compact space that’s perfect to work in.
1. Find Your Spot
Creating a closet office might sound simple, but finding the right closet spot matters. Whether you work from home or just want a personal space for productivity, there are a couple things to consider as you choose which closet to make into your office. First is size. Make sure you choose a closet with enough room for a desk and a chair, plus any other office furniture or decor that you require to have a successful workspace. Second, since closet offices are limited in lateral space, look for available vertical space. Choose a closet with a blank wall that can fit a memo board or shelving to use for extra storage, organization, and decor (see Step 5 for more info). Next, consider privacy. Select a closet in a quiet area of your home so you’ll be away from distractions.
Closets come in a variety of sizes, so once you find the perfect location for your closet office, it’s time to measure for a desk. Use a measuring tape to discover the length of available space. Next, determine if you want a desk to fill the space entirely, or if you want to leave room for other office furniture like a printer stand or filing cabinet. Since office closets are more compact, small or narrow desks that measure under 40” wide and under 20” deep are your best bet. Or, for a super helpful and very compact desk alternative, choose a floating shelf. These do not take up much floor space, and some are foldable so they can stay snug against the wall until you’re ready to use them.
No desk is complete without seating. Sit in style at your closet office desk with an office chair or stool. Office chairs fit perfectly in larger walk-in closet offices, but if space is limited, a stool is the best substitute. If you go the office chair route, we suggest adding in a throw pillow for back support and more comfort, especially if you tend to work long hours. For extra warmth, pair your pillow with a throw blanket so you have a cozy desk.
Every workspace needs organizational tools and proper lighting to stay tidy and functional - and these essentials are especially important in a tight, potentially dark space like a closet office. Filing cabinets and desktop organizers will keep your paperwork and important documents in place for a clutter-free space. Stock your desk with a pencil holder before adding a desk pad into the mix to help your mouse to slide efficiently. Since there’s likely no windows nearby to provide natural light, make your space brighter with a desk lamp or overhead pendant light fixture. Desk lamps are great for task lighting or if you’re working at night, while pendant lighting illuminates the entire closet and adds style with its finish.
Just because this office set-up is in a concealed, compact area doesn’t mean you have to skip style or sacrifice storage. Spruce up your office closet with a nice set of floating shelves, which can be used for displaying decorative objects, storing books and notepads, or showcasing your favorite memories in picture frames. They are a smart use of your vertical space since they add extra storage room for home office essentials that may not fit in your desk drawers.
One of our favorite closet office ideas is turning the wall of your closet into an interesting backdrop with wallpaper. A simple print of pattern will make your closet office feel lively and you can personalize your space with a wallpaper choice that speaks to your style instead of keeping it a solid shade. Bring further life to your space by placing one or two faux plants on your desk. Faux plants are best for a closet office since they don’t require any sunlight or as much space/upkeep as real plants.
You May Also Like
Now that you know what it takes to create a closet office in your own home, it’s time to set up your remote space!
