As a renter, your options for changing the floor plan and creating more space are limited. But if you’re short on the extra room needed for an office, craft space, nursery, playroom, etc., consider repurposing one of your closets! Closets are often a hot commodity when storage needs are high, but if you have ample closets and/or closet space, use one of these clever ideas below to create the room(s) you didn’t know you had space for!
Office or Homework Space
One of the best ways to create an office or homework zone in your rental when there is no dedicated den or extra bedroom is to use a closet! Depending on who is using it and for what, you don’t need a large closet to make a functional workspace. Simply move in a desk that fits just right or mount a floating countertop to the closet wall and add in wall-mounted storage. When the work is done or guests come over, just close the door!
Craft Room
A craft room is a luxury in any household but especially in tight rental spaces. If you have a substantial craft or hobby collection and nowhere to keep it, outfit an empty closet top to bottom with cabinets or shelves and fill it with all of your supplies in easy-to-access bins. Try to choose a closet near your kitchen table or desk so you can quickly and easily pull out your supplies and then tuck them away when craft time is through.
Kids Room
If your family room or media room doubles as a play space, you don’t have to always live and entertain surrounded by toys. Pick a nearby closet and outfit it with shelves, cubbies and baskets for the ultimate toy storage nook. Store favorite toys at child height for easy access, and encourage putting everything back at the end of playtime to keep your shared family space clutter-free! Get more ideas for outfitting a toy closet here! Or if a little one is on the way and you don’t quite have the space for him or her, create a mini nursery in a closet. Fit more into a tight or shared room by moving the crib into the closet (remove the doors if necessary). Or make more space in a small nursery by moving the changing table or dresser in. Outfit the closet with extra shelving and you will have a one-stop shop for changing and dressing your baby.
Mudroom
Tired of coats, shoes, bags and purses dribbled across the floor at your front door? Solve the problem by creating a mudroom in your entryway closet. Empty everything out of the closet and outfit it instead with benches, shelves, cubbies and baskets sized perfectly to take advantage of every inch. Consider removing the door to make the drop zone easy and accessible!
Reading Nook
Just like a work or study space, an unused closet is a great place for reading or napping. Keep it simple by throwing lots of oversized pillows on the floor and installing a task or reading lamp. Or add a cushioned bench or daybed (as space allows) with shelves full of books for reading and relaxing at any time!
Spare Bedroom
If you have a large closet, consider adding a bed in the closet. Even if there’s no way to add a standard-sized bed, a Murphy bed inside a closet is a great way to offer a sleeping space when you have no extra room to spare. This idea is great for families with frequent visitors or children who like to have friends stay the night!
Food Pantry
Does your kitchen lack a sizable pantry? Do you like to buy in bulk and have nowhere to store all the extra food? Consider outfitting a nearby closet with extra shelving to make it suitable for food and other necessities. If you don’t want to install shelving on the walls, look for a freestanding shelf that will fit inside your closet with ease. Get more ideas for creating a pantry when your rental doesn’t have one here!
If you are lacking a specific functional space in your rental, don’t fret. Solving the problem might be as easy as repurposing an empty or underused closet. To repurpose your closet, first consider the size, location and needs of your family. After some good measuring, head out to find products that fit your closet nook perfectly. With these smart solutions, you can turn an unused closet into any number of useful areas around the home! If you need more ideas for making the most out of your rental closets, check out these six smart tips!