13 Creative Ways To Repurpose Your Closet Spaces

So, you've got this closet just sitting in a room, collecting dust? If you're not using it for storage, there are plenty of clever ways to put that unused space to work. Maybe you live in a smaller home and need to squeeze every bit of function out of your living space. Or, maybe you just need a dedicated area to work (or nap) and decorate to add some personality to your place. Whatever your reason, you'd be surprised by how many tiny room conversions can come from a basic closet.

Repurposing a closet not only adds convenience, but reclaims the wasted space in your home. Amy Gardner, architect and founder of Gardner Architects LLC, tells HGTV that her clients prefer better use and flexibility of their floor plans. "Many of our clients don't want bigger homes, they want better homes," Gardner shares. Best of all, you can probably tackle the space makeover in as little as a weekend. From a mini library to a DIY home office, check out these inspiring ideas for your next closet transformation project.

If your current laundry room is in the garage and you prefer it indoors, you could repurpose your closet into a DIY mini laundry room. For example, a stacked washer-dryer unit can tuck neatly inside most closet sizes, helping free up garage floor space for more outdoor storage. Add some sturdy shelves next to the washer-dryer combo for your detergents, fabric softeners, and other essentials, and say goodbye to lugging baskets from the garage to across the house. This compact laundry solution is a great idea for smaller homes or apartments, maximizing every square inch of your space.

If your kitchen is lacking storage, a nearby closet can easily be transformed into the perfect pantry. If you already have a closet in your kitchen, this is obviously the ideal location, but a coat closet in a neighboring room can also do the job. Simply install adjustable shelves to the door and walls to accommodate everything you need, from cereal boxes and spice jars to lunch boxes and cleaning supplies. You can even add baskets and bins to store small canned items and label them to easily find what you need. Organized shelves for the win!

If you share a bathroom with your spouse or housemates, sometimes it's not the most ideal place to put on your makeup. However, if you have a dedicated bedroom closet that's going unused, you could transform your closet into a luxurious DIY vanity space. Add a plush vanity chair and a chic mirror (with some lighting of course) to create a glamorous space for getting ready. Install shelves to display your favorite perfumes and jewelry, and add other decor like framed artwork, a small ottoman, and houseplants to create a warm and personalized space.

How about a cozy and productive workspace that you can hide away with a door? If you have a closet with built-in shelves, you're already halfway there. You can easily create a cool mini office by installing a small fold-down desk or a floating shelf for your computer or laptop. Pair it with a comfortable office chair and a good quality desk lamp, and you've got yourself the perfect home office niche. Decorate this hidden workspace with inspiring artwork, plants, and, of course, your favorite bobbleheads. When you're done working, you can close the closet doors for a clutter-free look.

Sometimes our furry friends need their own space to retreat after a long day of chasing squirrels. Why not convert a spacious closet into the perfect nook for your pets? Add a comfy bed, their favorite chew toys or scratching post, and some fun wall decor. You can also install shelves for food and water bowls and use baskets to store extra supplies. This dedicated space not only gives your pet a safe and comfortable haven, but also keeps all their belongings in one convenient location to keep your home tidy.

Tired of your entryway getting cluttered? Turn that boring coat closet into a mini mudroom. You could remove the door and add a comfy bench inside, perfect for kicking off those muddy boots. Add some hooks for coats and bags, maybe even a shelf or two for shoes, hats, and other accessories. Throw down a colorful rug and a couple of decorative vases, and you've got a designated spot for taming all that entryway chaos. Mudrooms are a stylish addition and a great way to keep your foyer and main living areas looking neat and tidy.

Looking for ways to entertain your guests? That closet can be transformed into a stylish hidden bar. All you need is a mini fridge stocked with your favorite drinks and some shelves for glasses and wine bottles. Decorate it with some string lights, a bar set, and some eclectic pieces of art. Now, you've got a stylish and convenient spot to enjoy a quiet cocktail at the end of the day. This idea works for a home coffee bar, too. Simply replace the shelf items with an espresso machine, mugs, and cream and sugar holder.

If you're a bookworm, you may love the idea of repurposing a closet into a cozy reading nook. Curling up with a good book in a comfy armchair surrounded by classic reads sounds right up your alley. If your closet has shelves, even better. Fill them with your favorite novels, and maybe add a small side table for your coffee mug and reading glasses. Throw down a fuzzy rug and a couple of pillows for extra comfort, and you'll have a quiet, mini library where you can get lost in a good story.

Need a quiet, secluded space at home to escape from noise and distractions? You could turn a closet into a peaceful meditation room. All you really need is a comfy spot to sit, such as a floor cushion or a small armchair, perfect for finding your inner peace. You can jazz it up with some soft lighting, like a string of fairy lights, and decorative calming elements like plants and artwork. Whether it's for meditation, prayer, journaling, or simply some quiet time, a closet space can be the perfect hidden haven.

Got an unused living room closet? Convert it into a decorative alcove. An alcove is basically a recessed area in a wall that can act as both a decorative accent and storage space. Fortunately, with a closet, you've already got a natural nook to work with. You can remove the doors and add some open shelving to display plants, your favorite books, or even a small collection of antiques. Slide over a cozy armchair with a soft throw blanket, and voilà. An unused space is now a stylish accent corner in your living room.

Expecting a little one? Congratulations! And let's be real, those newborn nights can be tough. Instead of running down the hall every two or so hours to feed and check on the baby, why not repurpose a spacious bedroom closet into a DIY nursery? You can remove the door and tuck a small crib, changing table, and possibly even a rocking chair (perfect for those late-night feedings). Take it a step further by decorating the space with soft lighting, calming paint colors, and mounted shelves for diapers and essentials.

If you're tired of cleaning up after your kids and stubbing your toes on toys, consider creating a separate playroom for them. You could repurpose a walk-in closet into a designated area for all of their toys and games, helping keep everything organized and their bedrooms tidy. Use the closet shelves to store bins of toys, crafts, and books. Add a small coloring table and a couple of bean bag chairs for comfy reading time. Now, your kids have a fun and safe space to play, and you can keep an eye on them while you're cooking dinner or working.

Have an extra closet in a guest room or a basement rental? Use it for a DIY kitchenette. You can install compact countertops, shelves for storing dishes and kitchenware, and a small sink if you have a water line for plumbing setup. Once that's built, add a microwave, a mini fridge, and even a portable electric burner to make it complete. Now, your guests can whip up a quick breakfast or make a cup of coffee without going through the main kitchen. This is great for short-term rentals too, giving your guests a bit more independence and privacy.