Perhaps you lack sufficient space in your home for a dedicated home office but desire a small work area separate from your main living area or bedroom. Enter the closet office. Many people have transformed their closets into small office spaces ideal for laptop work, video calls, and more. There are numerous ways to customize a closet office to make it feel less like a clothing storage and more like a real home workspace. Below, we present 35 of our favorite closet offices brimming with personality and functionality.
01 of 35: Rethink a Living Room Closet by @annawpage / Instagram. This former living room closet workspace features sleek metal wall shelves and a pop of sage green paint, creating a welcoming spot for a productive 9 to 5. Continue to 2 of 35 below.
Productivity and style can coexist in the most unexpected places, such as closet offices. Here are some innovative ideas to make the most of your small space.
09 of 35: Make Space for a Printer – A well-organized closet can accommodate a printer alongside book storage and hanging systems without appearing cluttered. This setup proves that functionality and aesthetics can go hand in hand.
10 of 35: Invest in a Sturdy Desk Chair – Comfort is crucial for long hours of work. Opt for a sturdy desk chair that complements your office space. If space is limited, consider a chair that can double as an accent chair for the adjoining room.
11 of 35: Try a Tulip Table – Instead of a traditional desk, a tulip table can be the focal point of your walk-in closet office. This unique choice allows you to work surrounded by your wardrobe.
12 of 35: Add Feminine Touches – An office accent wall in the closet can be a surprise. Adding a leopard accent pillow and vases brings a touch of femininity to the workspace.
13 of 35: Work Side by Side – If your closet is spacious enough, set up separate desks for two people to work side by side. This arrangement is not only practical for adults but also enjoyable for kids doing art projects or homework.
14 of 35: Go Big With Paper – Transform a plain closet into an exciting space with patterned wallpaper. The addition of framed artwork and well-styled bookshelves makes it feel like a welcoming room.
15 of 35: Make It Moody – For those who prefer moody colors, an earthy closet office can combine deep gray-green with natural wood tones for a stylish effect.
16 of 35: Transform the Entryway – Closet offices are not limited to bedrooms or living rooms. An underused entryway closet can be turned into a discreet office space, hidden behind closed doors at the end of the day.
17 of 35: Accessorize Like a Pro – Personalize your closet office with accessories such as potted plants, picture frames, and favorite books, just as you would a regular office.
18 of 35: Incorporate Plenty of Shelves – For a DIY approach, build a desk from IKEA components to meet your storage needs. This ensures ample space for books, files, notebooks, and more, thanks to the included drawers and shelves.
In a compact closet office, you can still have fun with a bit of wallpaper. Opt for a Textured Backdrop like the soothing grasscloth print, which is extra beautiful due to its unique texture.
Hang open shelving above your desk to maximize the vertical space that’s present in a closet. This allows you to admire some of your favorite things throughout the workday, and don’t forget to decorate the walls too. Small cubbies make it easy to keep everything neat and organized. In one of the shelves of this closet office, a printer is housed, maximizing efficiency throughout the day. If your closet doors start to feel too bulky once your desk is in there, consider removing them in favor of a curtain. There are many directions you can take when choosing a closet curtain, and a striped option is classic and sweet. If you anticipate that your closet office might be temporary, consider using stick-on wall hooks to adhere your picture frames and other decorative items to the walls. This is a renter-friendly approach that leaves minimal traces. The closet office is a great place to take some risks aesthetically and embrace a color that you may not use otherwise. This green and white wallpaper is bold, but it can quickly be shut out of sight when needed. Wallpaper can also work wonders in disguising an oddly shaped closet. Your eye will focus on the pattern, not on the various nooks and crannies present. Perhaps you crave more of a soothing space in which you can tune out all outside distractions. Outfitting your closet office in neutrals is the way to go, with neutral furnishings and wallpaper as well as clear file folders creating a streamlined setup. Project Whim suggests jazzing up your desk area with an overhead pendant light that is both functional and chic. It also eliminates the need for a tabletop lamp, therefore saving precious desk space. If your closet contains a window, you’ll want to set up shop there. Whether you position your desk directly below the window or just so that you can gaze outside here and there, you won’t want to let this special feature go to waste. Depending on the size of your closet, you may be able to fit an L-shaped desk inside, which maximizes the use of space.For those who utilize multiple monitors or prefer a spacious working environment, these desks are an excellent choice.
Casey Finn suggests a closet with ample drawer storage for organizing tech gear and important documents.
@neatmethod on Instagram showcases a creative way to personalize your closet office with a wallpaper-like print using a stamp or stencil.
Thorn Cove Abode demonstrates the benefits of an angular desk setup in a closet, potentially providing more surface space.
@hattiekolp on Instagram recommends painting your closet door a fun color to enhance the nature-inspired wallpaper.
Rya Photos advises styling your closet office to maintain an airy feel and prevent clutter when the door is open.
The House on Silverado presents a craft closet design, perfect for organizing art supplies and craft essentials with see-through bins.