Back in the day—before I blogged and before Pinterest was invented—I had the “clever” idea to turn our guest room closet into my office. It was functional, but it sure wasn’t pretty. I don’t even think we took down the clothes rod or plastic shelving. We just stuck a makeshift desk in there, my computer and a lamp.
These days, the “cloffice” is a lot more stylish. These little work spaces are now designed to be highly functional and beautiful all at the same time. If you’re tight on space but have a few extra square feet in a closet, here’s some great closet-turned-office inspiration:
Go bold on the walls. These small spaces are a fun place to experiment with a bold pattern or color that you might be hesitant to use elsewhere in your home.
Elle Decor
Get rid of closet shelving. The surest way to make your office look like a closet, instead of the other way around, is to make the same mistake I did and leave the original shelving. I like the concept of these open ledge shelves. They’re simple and let you maximize storage all the way to the ceiling.
Let there be light. Every office space needs good lighting. Whether it’s two task lamps, a pretty chandelier or just a table lamp, don’t forget to plan for the electrical element when converting your closet.
Include pretty storage options. Since hidden storage space might be sparse, pretty boxes are perfect for holding paperwork and office supplies. I like these bright boxes with metal label holders from The Container Store:
Using one color for all of your storage will give your work area a cleaner look.
Make it personal. Even if tucked away, this little space should still feel as warm as the rest of your home. Add a favorite framed photo or piece of artwork to make it a happier place to work.
Doors on or off? While some prefer to do away with the closet doors altogether, I like the concept of being able to completely close off your work space with doors (or a curtain) when its not in use. A small stool that can be tucked away works perfectly here.
