10 Ways to Transform a Closet into Usable Space

Have an unused closet? Or perhaps a closet that’s filled with junk, but doesn’t serve a real purpose. 

Well, time to clear it out!

Large or small, closets can easily become usable spaces with a bit of imagination and some DIY work. Take a look at 10 ways to transform a closet below!

Home Bar

When I shared my dining room refresh, I had many questions about the home bar. Yes – it was once a closet in the dining room! We didn’t use it, so we took the doors off, painted the interior wall a dark color to contrast with the white shiplap, and slid in a beautiful piece to serve as our home bar. Now, THIS is something we use!

Homework Station

Whether children are learning remotely or have nightly homework, a dedicated workspace is ideal. This homework station is split in two, and even has a separator between stations. If you opt to leave the closet doors intact, you can slide the doors closed when work is complete!

Laundry Room

With the right plumbing, a closet easily holds a washer and dryer. Place open shelving above the machines for optimal organization!

Mudroom

Open up your entryway closet to create an organized mudroom that goes beyond hanging coats. Add a bench (and slide shoes under it), hooks for jackets and bags, and an upper shelf. To make your mudroom pop, add paneling or wallpaper for a decorative statement. 

Book Nook

A cozy book nook can be used anytime someone wants a little quiet time. Shelving holds your favorite reads, a ceiling fixture adds light, and a comfortable cushion makes this a place everyone will love to lounge in. 

Changing Station

It doesn’t take long before a nursery starts to feel crowded. The closet can serve double purposes – storing those adorable baby clothes, and a changing station. This keeps one piece of furniture out of the main room, and utilizes the closet perfectly. 

Pantry

Using a closet as a pantry isn’t a new idea, but I wanted to add this in there to show the closet doesn’t have to be huge! Even a narrow closet, with the right shelving, can become an organized pantry. 

Home Office

With more people working from home, more people are looking for permanent solutions to a home office. Clearing out a closet, painting the interior a soothing color, and installing a desk and open shelving is the perfect solution. Add in some lighting and artwork for a space you’ll love working from. 

Cozy Bed Nook

This is great for a kid’s room! Slide in a twin bed to a closet, add some soft lighting and curtains for the ultimate bed fort. 

Mini-Workshop Space

No matter your hobby, you can turn a closet into a mini-workshop to organize your materials and complete small projects. I love the pegboard on the wall of this one, creating space to hang your most-used items, while drawers and shelving create even more storage. 

Which closet transformation do you like to best?