1. Install light sconces or overhead lighting to save space on your desk.
Desk space is limited in a closet office; don’t crowd it with a lamp. Instead, put up a light sconce or two to get the lighting you need as you work without sacrificing desktop space.
A great overhead light would work just as well if you prefer that look! An overhead light would also save your wall space if you wanted to add more shelves and bulletin boards.
2. Use the sides of your closet for extra shelving.
You’ll probably focus on adding shelving and art to the back wall, but don’t forget about the sides of your closet office. Add shelves for even more storage.
This tiny closet office uses shelving on both walls, the side and the back, to hold lots and lots of paperwork. What an effective use of space!
The next closet office includes built-in shelves on one side of the office… and a reading nook!
3. Make your closet office do double duty by raising the hanging bar so you can hang clothes or coats above your desk.
If you have limited space in your home and still need your closet office to function as a closet, this office closet idea might be a great solution for you. This would be perfect for a closet office in a guest room.
4. Use pegboard to maximize the space in your closet office.
Pegboards are organizational workhorses and look so pretty when painted in your favorite color. They are especially useful for a crafting and/or sewing closet office.
5. Use the doors to your closet office as extra wall space for organization.
Some closet offices work well with the closet doors removed, but consider leaving the doors to gain even more wall surface space to organize office supplies, file paperwork, or to hold a calendar.
One of the closet doors in this closet office functions as a giant bulletin board with various artwork tacked up, while the other door holds a pegboard filled with office supplies.
6. Add curtains to the bottom of your desktop to conceal more storage.
Don’t forget about all the space under your desk; you could put filing cabinets, baskets, boxes, and so much more in all that space. However, all that stuff can start to look cluttered. A simple solution is to add fabric, like a curtain, to cover everything up.
7. Remove the header from your closet to open up the space.
This will give you more access to vertical space and your closet office will look more like a nook and less like a closet. Then you could add more shelving up there and maximize your space even more.
8. Get creative with finding a desk solution for your closet office: try a MDF or plywood board, two cabinets topped by a desk top, or a charming, tiny desk.
There are so many different ways to incorporate a desk in your closet office; the best desk for you depends on how you want to use your office. If you need a large desk that spans the entire length of the closet, try adding supports along all the walls and topping it off with a piece of MDF or plywood. Here’s a good tutorial on how to do that.
And here’s a nice example of this type of closet office desk.
For a less permanent desk solution, try topping two file cabinets with a piece of MDF or plywood.
A really charming way to include a desk in your closet office is to use a small desk that fits in your closet.
9. Add cabinets for extra concealed storage.
Many closet offices include shelves on the main wall, but another idea to consider is to use cabinets instead. They can hold a lot more and you can close the doors anytime to cover up all the stuff. Add pretty knobs and maybe a coat of paint to personalize it.
10. Think about providing access for your electronics when designing your closet office.
If you’re like most people, you’ll work on your laptop, computer, or sewing machine in your closet office. All these things need to be plugged in, so don’t forget about that important aspect when you’re building your closet office. You could install an outlet right inside the closet for the most convenience – here’s a tutorial on how to do that – or hire an electrician to do that for you.
Also, you might want to drill a hole on the top of your desk to feed through your electrical outlets.
For more closet office inspiration, check out 25 Clever Closet Offices. And what’s an office without a stylish office chair? See some really great options here: 10 Stylish Office Chairs For Your Home Office.
“I’m Elisa and I live in Austin, Texas with my husband and our two little girls. I used to teach reading and writing, but now I stay at home with my two kiddos and read and write in my spare time. I also love to undertake DIY projects, find new recipes on Pinterest, and dream about someday finally completing our home. Above all, I love to learn about new things and sharing my new-found knowledge with others.” Please check out my blog What the Vita!”
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Great fun and functional ideas. This would work for podcasters/vloggers too. Just add padding and you have an audio booth.