18 Clever Revamps for Tiny Closets

Even the smallest rooms in small homes can be reinvented to suit your needs. Check out these smart closet transformations that inspire function and form while providing key small space solutions.

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November 25, 2014

By: Rebecca Orlov and Kayla Kitts

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Photo By: Michael Moran

Photo By: Amy Lutz

Photo By: H2D Architecture + Design

Photo By: Virginia Bell; Edit by Virginia

Photo By: Elizabeth Joan Designs

Photo By: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photo By: Lisa Janvrin, YouthfulNest

Photo By: Jennifer Jones

Hidden Bar (With Storage!)

Concealed behind pocket doors that help it blend into the wall when not in use, this bar boasts remarkably rich storage despite its small size. It not only includes storage for 32 bottles of wine, a full supply of spirits, and glassware and other essentials, but even features integrated lighting.

From: James Wagman Architect

Chic and Cozy

An under-the-stairs closet becomes a cozy work nook with the addition of a built-in desk and chic graphic wallpaper. The rich hardwood floors help warm the space.

From: Butter Lutz Interiors

Stylish Laundry Closet

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn transformed a cluttered closet into a functional and efficient laundry space full of color and most importantly -- storage.

Keeping It Concealed

This spacious kitchen includes a small office space that can easily be concealed by a set of sleek sliding doors in a moment's notice.

From: H2D Architecture and Design

Happily on Display

You'll want to throw your closet doors open once you plaster the walls with sunny wallpaper, add shelving and plug in your favorite lamp. Invest in a Lucite chair to make the cozy space feel bigger.

Balanced Lines

Creating balance in your small space is key. A good tip for this design style is to create balanced lines with shelving. Parallel lines allow the eye to maintain stability and anchor the space, no matter how big or small. Add a few fun accents, like affordable vases in pops of turquoise, and you're good to go!

Go Bright!

Although small in square footage, many apartments and homes can enjoy a washer and dryer. Find room to create your own laundry room right behind a closet door. Liven it up by painting the entire small space a bright color.

Tiny Office for Two

To create a home office in her tiny home, Killy Scheer of Frisson Design hung a curtain from the main room's ceiling. When the curtain was open, the office felt spacious enough for both work-at-home spouses. When it was closed, Scheer and her husband could forget work and enjoy their living room.

The Minimalist

For the minimalist at heart, consider a very streamlined closet-turned-office in your home. The vertical area inside the closet visually extends the space. A few coats of white paint and clean door edges will create a built-in design aesthetic that sheds any idea of "this used to be a closet."

Chic Closet Conversion

Even the tiniest closet can provide ample storage space for a home office. This hall closet is equipped with desk and storage bins. The always-functional shoe holder provides pockets for everything a working woman needs when conducting business from home.

Double the Use

To free up square footage in this kids' shared bedroom, the closet was outfitted both as a clothes-hanging space and as a concealed workstation for crafts and homework. The central column provides open storage as well as a child-height desktop. To add flair to the space and break up the dark charcoal color throughout the rest of the room, the closet's walls were painted red-orange.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Hidden Unit

With a laundry nook right smack in the middle of the bedroom, the homeowners decided to mask it with a simple drapery panel that easily slides open for instant access.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Smart Space-Saver

Create more space in the baby’s room by tucking all your nursery needs in the closet. Lisa Janvrin, owner of YouthfulNest, designed this adorable space that includes a changing table and drawers for baby supplies. The clothing rack above the changing table is all you need for a little wardrobe.

9 to 5 in a Closet

Many small space dwellers work from home, and getting those creative juices flowing while maintaining an efficient schedule is key. Gregory Han, managing editor of Unplggd, works out of his super-small closet that is masked as a truly functional and well-designed office. Best tips – embracing the height of the closet by using the vertical space (bookshelves for storage) as well as adding color tones.

Blending In

Many small apartments feel bigger and better when the doors come off. If using a closet as an office, take off the doors and paint the inside the same shade as the main room for a cohesive, stylish vibe that blends in seamlessly. Photo courtesy of Lonny Magazine and photographer David Land.

Stylish Stow-Away

Talk about a short commute. And who needs an expensive wardrobe when you can work in your PJs? This unused closet was transformed into an attractive home office with the help of a few shelves and wallpaper.

Clever Design

Sleek, resourceful and compact, using an Ikea PAX wardrobe to house your office provides an opportunity to create a unique small working space.

Bold and Compact

An unused closet is given new life as a trendy, efficient home office. A combination desk/storage unit provides enough workspace and storage to keep up with everyday needs.

From: Luis Caicedo