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If you’re like me, you think of the beginning of a new year as a fresh start.
A fresh start could translate into whatever is important to you in your life.
One thing that is important to me is organization, and having a home office that is organized is key to reducing stress. It’s refreshing to reorganize, in order to simplify your life as much as possible. Wouldn’t you agree?
Now is a great time to make your home office more comfortable and more organized!
But what if you don’t have the space for an office area in your home?
We didn’t always have a home office area in our home. We carved out a small area in the corner of our media room.
If you have a decent-sized closet that is more of a catch all for “stuff”, then you can complete a closet office conversion in a much smaller space than you might have imagined.
Here’s how…
DIY Home Office Conversion Tips
Here’s how to use every square inch of space in your closet for a closet office conversion:
- The first thing you need to do is gut the closet. Start by removing everything from the closet and re-locating it all somewhere else. (This is a good opportunity to de-clutter and donate things you no longer want, need, or use.)
- Remove the closet door(s), all hardware, and any shelving inside the closet that you will not be using. (TIP: You could remove the doors altogether and use curtains instead.)
- You’re going to need to have an electrician come in and install an electrical outlet or two. Have a plan. Think about how many items you need to plug in and the best location(s) for the outlets before you call the electrician.
- You will also need to run a cable for your computer.
- Once the electrician has done his thing, you’ll want to repair the hole(s).
- Then, add a fresh coat of paint. Pick a nice, vibrant color for your new home office. Go for it!
- Next, it’s time to consider the flooring. Carpet squares are a great choice for an office area. They are easy to install and easy to replace if they become worn or stained.
- Install cabinets for permanent storage. If you want to save a little bit of money, buy some unfinished cabinets from the home improvement store and paint or stain them to match. You could also pick up some prefinished cabinets to save time. Don’t forget to install a ledger (support board) to safely secure the cabinets onto the wall.
- You’ll want a wall-to-wall counter to serve as a desk. I saw a great idea in a home improvement magazine that suggested that you order a laminate counter with a cut-out or “bump-in” where you would sit and type on your keyboard. This allows the closet door(s), or curtains, to be closed. Don’t forget to purchase brackets for the counter.
- Add shelving — if you need it — for storage boxes, under-counter filing cabinets, etc.
- If you opt to have bi-fold doors, consider installing 125° full access hinges on them. Full access door hinges allow the doors to swing all the way open against the adjoining wall, much like a typical door.
- Think about lighting, also. You’ll want some under-cabinet track lights for task lighting and a small lamp for ambience.
- Wire mesh baskets that you can mount on a wall space will give you even more storage to keep the desktop from becoming cluttered.
I see clutter…
Looks like it could all use a new home!
When you’re all done working, simply close the door (or curtains).
TIP: You’ll want to make sure that your new closet office has a little bit of airflow when the door is closed. This will allow ventilation for the computer and other peripherals in the closet… ummm, I mean home office.
Examples Of Closet Office Conversions
Looking for a few more examples for your home office conversion? Here are some great ones:
- 10 Offices Converted From Closets
- An Amazing Closet-Turned-Office: Tutorial
- 7 Ways To Turn A Closet Into Your Home Office
- DIY Office Closet Ideas On Pinterest
I started as a home-stalker… visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house. That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects — chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer's point-of-view. Basically, the tips you'll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.
