:strip_icc():format(webp)/DesignerLindseyBrookeDesignPhotographerAmyBartlam-769c2e48f637445286dc37f5e89c6d60.jpg)
Design: Lindsey Brooke Design, Photo: Amy Bartlam
As the traditional office setting continues to evolve, it’s important you adapt to the current climate in a way that keeps you productive, organized, and ready to get to work. While we don’t all have the luxury of spare rooms to convert to our dream work-from-home situation, carving out a space on your dresser or wading through your dining room table to create a workspace is simply not the answer. If you have a spare closet (or can create one after some much-needed Marie Kondo-ing) you have enough space to create a smart and stylish office space. Yes, we’re serious. It even has a name: The cloffice. Ahead, the tips, organization tricks, and inspiration you need to comfortably conduct business out of any closet in your home.
Organize Vertically
:strip_icc():format(webp)/MichelleGagephotogRebeccaMcAlpin-1babcea774f34742a5773d52185cae1f.jpg)
Design: Michelle Gage; Photo: Rebecca McAlpin
It’s no secret you’re working with a small space here, and while you might not be able to spread your work out over multiple square feet, you always have the opportunity to build vertically. Installing some shelves on your wall will give you tons of storage opportunities while taking up space that would’ve otherwise gone unused.
Hide Your Clutter
:strip_icc():format(webp)/89405356_533097534298053_5832891603037263357_n-b85b7b818b6d4bf8a631257c57382ff2.jpg)
You’ve heard the phrase, “a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind,” and this especially rings true in tighter spaces. Keep your desk as clean and workable as possible by storing away less-used items in uniformed (and labeled) bins on higher shelves. Not only will your closet office look organized and beautiful, so will your work.
Make It Inspiring
:strip_icc():format(webp)/DesignandphotobyKatieHackworth-4f176a63a0464f05a9775b6e28c545f3.jpg)
The thought of working from the inside of a closet can feel claustrophobic, uninviting, and honestly, a little unrealistic. But the truth is, an productive workspace really comes down to the aesthetics. Hang wallpaper in a print that inspires you, and create a style that feels totally you. Trust us, if you do this, you’ll look forward to enjoying your morning coffee in here day after day.
Create a Co-Working Space
:strip_icc():format(webp)/DesignerLindseyBrookeDesignPhotographerAmyBartlam-d427c71a207640e09611cb53e75753e1.jpg)
Design: Lindsey Brooke Design; Photo: Amy Bartlam
We know what you’re thinking: It’s difficult enough to establish an office space in limited square footage for one person, let alone two. But this closet-turned-office brilliantly includes a single built-in desktop that runs the entire length of this small space to easily accommodate two (and maybe even three) people.
Install A Customizable Shelving Unit
:strip_icc():format(webp)/50805330_116542322742442_3496725934270808666_n-925525caa88e4bbf8ef28d2d6c4dfdd3.jpg)
We know we’re not the only ones with a constantly evolving design taste. Because we love switching up our decor as often as possible, we’re big fans of this Container Store Elfa shelving unit that attaches to wall-mounted rails. You can add and remove shelves and manipulate the placement whenever the mood for a redesign strikes.
:strip_icc():format(webp)/prr_4ft_white_birch_empty_None_shelv-3f575f113b8541c9a17834329c4fdb5d.jpg)
Get Creative With Your Paint Job
:strip_icc():format(webp)/93217605_867999690293276_1247815477472858162_n-ea1383b7357540c98f6ed40a2d3020b5.jpg)
Creative paint jobs aren’t reserved for full-sized rooms only—you can just as enthusiastically infuse tons of much-needed style into a tiny closet office. We love the look of this pink ombre closet-turned-office, and the best part is all it takes is a few cans of paint.
Make It An Extension Of Your Home
:strip_icc():format(webp)/127281980_430521871658135_8668639871317300822_n-60d3b8ae0c0e4fdc90b02f2fb48f9560.jpg)
Just because your mini office can easily be hidden behind a door, doesn’t mean you have to. Treat this area as you would any other space in your home—albeit tiny, it’s still a room worthy of your special touch. Display framed photos, carry your home’s color palette throughout and make it a space you’re proud to display.
Utilize Alternative Forms Of Organization
When it comes to an organized space, it’s important to evaluate your needs and customize your space to suit them. This space utilizes a wire wall organizer, a hanging mail rack, and a cart to store and display all the office essentials. Don’t settle on a single method when getting streamlining your space.
Create A Work-Life Balance
:strip_icc():format(webp)/52543683_256951458579923_5739065834642504055_n-60775c3deb8b4555ae62b5e3f5d89719.jpg)
If you’re wondering what a cloffice means for the rows of clothes you currently have hanging in your bedroom closet, don’t get too hung up on nixing your entire wardrobe. Instead, split the space in half and designate zones for both work and play. One half can be your office space, and the other can go to your favorite clothing staples.
Make It Work No Matter What
:strip_icc():format(webp)/SCANDINAVIANSTYLIST-a57567faaec34101a8218fbb053d2e46.jpg)
Some closet spaces may feel tight or awkward in shape, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Don’t let an arched ceiling, for instance, deter you from sliding in a work desk, a lamp, and some fresh flowers. You’d be surprised how cozy you can make an oddly shaped space feel.
Install A Pegboard
:strip_icc():format(webp)/124675424_392871045170323_3242617072211826081_n1-a0a56320c7064e69b3a71ef02ea43fd2.jpg)
If you want smaller items like colorful pens, paper supplies, and crafting tools within reach but prefer not to clutter your desk top or hide them away in bins, a pegboard is just what you need. It serves as a catchall for your supplies and inspo photos, without taking up valuable surface real estate in your tiny office.
:strip_icc():format(webp)/71nEZxE0fxL._AC_SL1500_-43efa93826e342d290756455e91ba4a6.jpg)
Keep It Light And Airy
:strip_icc():format(webp)/122910953_367001008061586_2450282321080735475_n-d82bd4bd69404c178b2359c170988d82.jpg)
It’s rare for closets to have a window in them, so as a result, many of them can feel dark and dingy—combat that with a light and airy color palette. This bright white shiplap paired with natural textures and a touch of greenery feels bright and fresh.
DIY A Shelf Desk
:strip_icc():format(webp)/58978610_223186945321879_4679259697762029372_n-37dd3536d4a54591ae4d54550f333e3d.jpg)
If your closet is really narrow, it could be difficult to fit a full-size desk in it. Rather than have an ill-fitting desk, install a series of strategically placed shelves. This particular setup leaves plenty of room for storage, and a single shelf at hip height makes for the perfect computer desk and work space. Slide up a chair and get to work.
Get A Desk With Plenty Of Storage
:strip_icc():format(webp)/92400334_569331893705301_7096806580513265230_n-6070d6d723b04a269979f3ab25b3e7ba.jpg)
If you prefer to keep things streamlined and walls minimal, move in a desk that boasts plenty of storage for files, tools, and electronics. You can hide away all your clutter in roomy drawers when you’re off the clock and not have to worry about sacrificing an ounce of style.
Get The Lighting Right
:strip_icc():format(webp)/58781554_129835951531348_4515988511033885155_n-0da73359905045a6ac990c4ff159a9cf.jpg)
No one wants to plug away in a dark corner, so do yourself a favor and consider adding some additional lighting. Whether you’re used to late-night brainstorm sessions or you’re working with a space that lacks natural lighting, an overhead pendant and some desk lamps will instantly brighten your closet office and up your concentration.
Viewed using Just Read
