The best thing about expanding a bedroom by adding a closet is how much more room it makes. You can pick a closet that matches the style of your room and meets your needs thanks to the range of closet designs available.
Now I understand that everyone has different tastes, but I personally love closets that strike a balance between style and functionality.
Making the most of your existing space, especially when it comes to storage, is a common problem with small bedrooms. However, This issue can be easily fixed and your space can become more organized with a well-designed closet.
With this simple how-to guide, you can build an attractive and functional closet that keeps everything you own in check.
Building Your Closet in a Small Bedroom
First Step: Measure and Plan
Measure Your Space: Determine the exact measurements of the area where you want to build your closet. This helps you understand how much space you have and plan accordingly.
Draw a Floor Plan: Make a basic floor plan of your bedroom closet, marking the location of the closet while keeping in mind the amount of floor space needed for other furniture in the room.
Step 2: Get Your Materials Ready
- Wood Planks: For the base frame and shelves.
- Closet Doors: Sliding or hinged, depending on your preference.
- Hanging Rods: For clothing storage.
- Plastic Bins: For extra storage.
- Shoe Shelves and Shoe Rack: For shoe storage.
- Full-Length Mirror: To add functionality and make the space feel larger.
- Stud Finder: To locate studs in the wall.
- Wood Glue, Nails, and Screws: For assembling the closet.
- Pocket Holes: To hide screws and create a cleaner look.
- Tools: Drill, saw, hammer, level, measuring tape, and sandpaper.
Building the Closet
Step 3: Construct the Base Frame
Mark the Back Wall: Use a stud finder to locate studs and mark them on the back wall where you want to build your closet.
Build the Frame: Cut wood planks to the desired length for your closet’s base frame. Assemble the frame using wood glue and nails. Make sure it’s level and secure it to the back wall using screws.
important: If your floor isn’t level, you’ll need to even it out. Start by marking where each corner of the frame will sit. Identify the highest point on the floor and then create stacks of shims for each corner, gluing and nailing them to the floor (a Brad nailer works great for this). Once you’re finished, you can cover any gaps at the bottom with a piece of quarter-round.
Also make sure the frames are secured to the wall behind them. If your closets are deeper than the frames, mark where the brackets will meet the wall. Screw a long 2×4 horizontally on the wall at that height, attaching it to the studs. This will bring the fronts of the frames to the right position and give a strong place to secure the frame brackets.
Sidenote: Don’t rely on toggles to keep the closet from falling over if kids try to climb it.
Step 4: Add Vertical Supports
Install Vertical Supports: Cut wood planks for the vertical supports and attach them to the base frame. These will support the shelves and hanging rods.
Secure the Supports: Use screws and pocket holes to attach the supports to the back wall and base frame. Ensure they are evenly spaced and level.
Step 5: Install Shelves and Hanging Rods
Measure and Cut Shelves: Measure the distance between the vertical supports and cut wood planks for the shelves. Install the shelves using screws and wood glue.
Install Hanging Rods: Measure and cut the hanging rods to fit between the supports. Attach them securely for clothing storage.
Customizing Your Closet
Step 6: Add Closet Doors
Choose Your Closet Doors: Sliding doors are a great way to save floor space in a small bedroom. Hinged doors can work if you have enough space.
Install the Doors: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the closet doors. Make sure they open and close smoothly.
Step 7: Add Extra Storage Solutions
Shoe Shelves and Shoe Rack: Install shoe shelves or a shoe rack at the bottom of your closet. This is a perfect place to keep your shoes organized and off the floor.
Plastic Bins: Use plastic bins on the shelves for extra storage. They are great for storing smaller items like accessories or out-of-season clothing.
Full-Length Mirror: Attach a full-length mirror to the inside of one of the closet doors or the back wall. This adds functionality and helps make the small space feel larger.
Step 8: Personalize Your Closet
Lighting: Adding lights inside your closet is a good idea to help you see your clothes better. Battery-operated LED lights are an easy and affordable option.
Custom Closet Features: Consider adding custom closet features like a bench seat or a chest of drawers for added storage and functionality.
Finishing Touches: Fill in any nail holes with wood filler and sand the surfaces for a smooth finish. Paint or stain the wood to match your bedroom decor.
Tips for Closets in a Small Bedroom
Use Tall Shelves: Make the most of your closet’s height by installing tall shelves. This gives you more storage space without taking up additional floor space.
Hanging Longer Items: Use one side of the closet for hanging longer items like dresses or coats. Install a second rod above for shorter items like shirts and pants.
Use Available Space
Narrow Closet Solutions: If your closet is narrow, use slim hangers and stackable bins to maximize space.
Extra Storage Ideas: Consider using the space under your bed or a high shelf for storing items that you don’t use every day.
Small Bedroom Closet Ideas
Walk-In Closet System: If you have a small walk-in closet idea, consider using a walk-in closet system with adjustable shelves and rods.
Tiny Closets: For tiny closets, use every inch of available space. Hooks on the inside of the doors can provide extra storage for belts, scarves, or jewelry.
Building a closet in a small bedroom can seem challenging at first, but with the right planning and tools, it can be a fun and rewarding project. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to create a custom closet that fits your needs and makes the most of your small room.
The key to a successful closet makeover is to maximize your available space with smart storage solutions.
