Turn a Closet Into a Home Office in 6 Easy Steps

With so many of us working from home for the foreseeable future, finding space for a proper work area can be a challenge.

While it may be tempting to work from the couch or bed, having a dedicated home office is important for productivity and comfort.

If you need to create a workspace, one of the best and often overlooked areas to consider is your closet. That’s right — the closets in bedrooms, basements, or even hallways can double as offices.

With the right arrangements, closets can offer ample room, privacy, and an opportunity to create an inspiring workspace that’s uniquely yours.

“Pay attention to the dimensions of your space and the items you put in it, so that everything works well together,” suggests Lauren Williams, design team lead at interior design firm MarxModa.

1. Consider the Space


One of the first things to do before turning a closet into an office at home is to measure the space you have.

Look at height, length, and depth before determining what kind of furniture you’ll include.

You might even bring in some elements of feng shui.

And don’t forget to look up, since there’s plenty of room above that’s likely not being used.

“Vertical space is the area that I am always looking at,” says home organizer Andrea Wolf of Organize Detroit. “It’s wasted space.”

2. Add a Desk That Fits


You always want to choose a desk for your closet office based on the tasks you need to do.

Do you need space to spread out, or is it just you and your laptop?

“Your work surface defines your space and should support the tasks that you need to get done,” explains Whitney Marx, CEO at MarxModa.

Ladder-style desks work great for home offices in closets because they take up minimal room and also offer space-saving vertical storage.

Height-adjustable desks that go from sitting to standing are also a good option to encourage movement.

For a more flexible approach, consider building or installing a desk that folds up when not in use.

3. Choose the Right Chair

A comfortable chair is essential if you sit for long periods of time.

“The right chair can make all the difference,” Marx says, who recommends an ergonomic task chair for extra lumbar support.

Make sure you choose one that’s the right height for your desk.

You can also make a statement with a fashionable stool or accent chair, depending on the size of your closet space.