When space is limited, creativity is your best friend. Use these creative tools to transform a tiny closet space into a Pinterest-worthy office, otherwise known as a cloffice! With a little ingenuity and a sprinkle of right-sized furniture, your cloffice will be set up in no time! Disclaimer: don’t be surprised if your remote coworkers are jealous of your perfect little setup.
Step 1: Take inventory.
Now that you’ve chosen the best space for your home office, it’s time to evaluate. What clothes are currently living in your closet? What kind of storage are you using — hangers, shelves, drawers, or piles? How much space are you working with here — will it need to be a shallow cloffice or a walk-in closet office? What office supplies will you need? Make lists of the things you have, the things you will need, and things that may need to go. Remember, more is not merrier here — the less clutter, the better.
Step 2: Make room.
Now that you’ve taken stock of what’s in your closet, it’s time to maximize the space. First, say goodbye to anything you no longer want or need: “Marie Kondo,” your wardrobe as they say. Next, relocate as much as you can. Are there any other places you’re not utilizing that can be storage space for clothing or shoes, like under the bed? Make the space you need for the cloffice you want.
Step 3: Measure, measure, measure.
Take care to measure the depth, height, and width of the space, so you know what size furniture and storage pieces will fit. Depending on your closet’s shape and size, you may need to consider vertical storage units or floating shelves, in which case depth will be a critical measurement.
Additionally, use these measurements to inform what furniture you need and decide which items you DON’T need. Ensure you leave plenty of space for you to comfortably walk in and out of your office and account for desk chair legroom in order to swivel to your heart’s content!
Step 4: Create your workspace.
Decide what kind of desk best fits the space and your needs. It may be a small table, a board laid across file cabinets, a secretary desk, or an L-shaped desk. You may want to try a standing desk or an ergonomic desk with adjustable height. Once you’ve decided on a desk, find an ergonomic chair that supports proper posture and protects your back.
Consider other creative storage options to create more desk space to work:
- Hang a wall file and office supply organizer on a spare wall or the back of the closet door.
- Install a pegboard to hang an assortment of containers, hooks, shelves, etc.
- Use a computer stand with a drawer (this helps you keep good posture, too).
- Utilize the closet rod if it is within reach.
- Move a dining room chair in and out so it’s not taking up space when you’re not working.
Step 5: Locate a power source.
You’ll need to figure out where to plug in your computer, printer, and any other electronics you need. It’s unlikely there is an outlet in your closet, but there may be one on the wall outside within reach. Use a surge-protecting extension cord to bring an electrical outlet into your closet with ease.
Step 6: Light up your workspace.
Chances are that your closet has dim lighting. If you need more light, look for a slim desk lamp that doesn’t take up much space. Better yet, try one that clips onto a shelf or secures beneath one to keep your desk clear.
Now, let’s talk about what the best kind of light is. When buying a lightbulb, check the number of lumens — the higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. LED and CFL bulbs are the most energy-efficient. Also, check the color temperature, measured on the Kelvin scale and noted with a K.
You’ll probably want to choose the “daylight” color temperature (4600K-6500K) because it’s the best for reading. The dimmest lightbulb is “warm white” (2000K-3000K), and it’s likely to be the one you have in place right now. Brightening your new cloffice may be as simple as replacing that overhead bulb.
Step 7: Personalize your cloffice.
This office space deserves the same treatment you’d give any other desk — you may just have to get a bit more creative.
- Here are a few closet office ideas to create an inspiring work environment:
- Put up a magnetic board or corkboard on the wall where you can pin memos and photos.
- Paint the wall an accent color or attach adhesive wallpaper.
- Add a chalkboard wall.
- Hang twinkle lights (double duty for lighting and décor).
- Remove the door — leave it exposed or hang curtains.
- Hang a wall planter for your indoor plants.
- Install a mirror to give the illusion of more space.
Now that you know how to turn a closet into an office, it’s time to get to work! Need to find space-saving office furniture for your cloffice? You’ve come to the right place. CORT Furniture Outlet has a surplus of office furniture made to fit a small space — from writing desks to office chairs. Visit today to discover home office clearance deals with same-day availability.
