If you have an unused closet you could be missing out on some useful space. Most popular in North America, modern closets can be built into the walls of the house during construction so that they take up no apparent space in the bedroom, or they can be large, free-standing pieces of furniture designed for clothing storage, in which case they are often called wardrobes or armoires. Closets are often built under stairs, thereby using awkward space that would otherwise go unused.
Here’s a list of over twenty ways you can transform your closet like turning it into DIY Canopy Bed, homemade work shop, diy office space or even a crafty bar complete with bottle shelves, fridge, drinking glasses and stools.
1. Make a homework space.
Apply a coat of chalkboard paint to closet walls for a distration-free space. If your child needs help with their homework, use some chalk to work out the problem. Get the tutorial here.
2. Design a kid’s hideout.
Cut a foam mattress pad to fit the size of the closet floor. Toss in some pillows, line shelves with books, and create soft lighting. Find the full tutorial here.
3. DIY A Canopy Bed
Remove closet doors and push the crib against the inside wall. Perfect for kids that share a room.
4. Make a workshop.
Find a permanent home for bulky sewing machines inside an organized closet. Stow fabrics in woven bins and learn how to make a DIY pegboard here.
5. Design an invisible office.
Interior designer Killy Scheer created a modern, out-of-the-way office that disappears when you want it to. Hang pretty curtains along the closet rod to cover up the space when you’re ready to relax.
6. Make extra seating.
To maximize a tiny playroom, turn the closet into a couch for kids to play and read. Get the full tutorial here.
7. Create a changing station.
Push bulky furniture out of the way and save space in the nursery. Get the full tutorial here.
8. Take advantage of bright spaces.
If your home office is windowless and gloomy, set up shop in the sunniest room in the house. Open closet doors and find a desk that fits perfectly into the allotted space.
9. Make a double-duty reading nook.
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10. Display art.
If your apartment lacks wall space, use the closet as an expressive extension. Apply a coat of paint to create an accent wall. Use the back wall to display wall decals and framed photos.
11. Make a craft corner.
Secure a pegboard to the inside of the closet door to organize your tools and materials. For a DIY desk, lay a piece of pre-cut wood (which you can pick up from most hardware stores) across two filing cabinets.
12. Apply a strip of wallpaper.
Add dimension to the room without having to wallpaper an entire wall. Find graphic removable wallpapers here.
13. Create extra book storage.
To store extra volumes while still keeping them on display, place books on the top shelf of the closet. If you’re a real bookworm, add a few more shelves and turn the space into a mini library.
14. Create a sleeping nook.
Move your bed into the closet (just make sure you measure it correctly before moving). If you have to ditch the headboard, pick up some bed legs (like these from Ikea; $20).
15. Turn it into a cozy alcove.
Add cushions and dim lighting to make a mini space perfect for answering long emails.
16. Craft your own bar.
Either install countertops or use a marble-topped desk in an irregularly-shaped closet for a modern wet bar. Add two stools so guests can pour, sit, and chat.
17. Surround yourself with your favorite things.
Frame inspirational phrases and beautiful artwork to keep you feeling creative. Perfect for couples with different home aesthetics—this space is all yours!
18. Enjoy a wine cellar.
Install a wine refrigerator in your closet or just stack a few wine racks (like thesefrom Walmart; $65 each) to store your precious vino.
19. Create a mini laundromat.
Remove closet doors for extra space that can accommodate a washer, dryer, and shelves.
21. Make a super storage system.
Keep important papers organized with a series of shelves and a rolling file cabinet. If you’re a photo junkie, create your own picture library with labeled boxes and rows of photo albums.
22. Read in a little library.
Build a simple bench, add a cushion, and arrange your child’s favorite books to create the perfect reading nook. Get the full tutorial here.
23. Make a family fort.
Take doors off their hinges, drop in a mattress, and nail up a few blankets for a cozy space to hang.