How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

I never thought I would say this, but redheadcandecorate.com headquarters is located in the closet! It’s a darn nice facility, too 😆. I am bursting at the seams because I am so excited to finally share this cute small work space idea on “How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office”. If you are living in an apartment (like we are right now), or a small home without a designated office room, or area…this post is for you. Here’s the before photo of the 5′ 1/2″x3′ 1/2″ closet located across the hall from our master bedroom…

The History Behind Working in the Closet

Before I show you what my new closet “office” looks like, I really need to explain the history behind working in the closet for me. When I was little, I shared a room with 2 of my siblings and they were older than me. When they were busy doing things I wasn’t old enough to do 🙄, I would play pretend, and no matter where we lived I found a spot in our bedroom closet to put “my office”. I even remember one time I used the corner of the attic. I remember loving my little office space full of paper and pens, and just pretending to be a teacher, or run an office.

So, here we are coming full circle because although I only substituted, I do hold my Elementary Education degree, and I most definitely run an office most days between my family responsibilities, and this small business. You won’t believe it, but here’s proof of the story I tell from a 2007 birthday card I came across last month when we moved. You see, my beautiful mom passed from this Earth on 9/29/22, and coming across this card from her in a bin full of hundreds, was surely a “sign” that she indeed thought the office idea was a great one ❤️.

Redhead’s New Apartment Closet Office

When we looked at this apartment for the first time we were pleasantly surprised at how much storage space it had 🤭. Our temporary apartment has 7 closets (isn’t that great!?) and a large laundry room. We also rent 2 small garages down stairs for things that we may need at our final destination. So, when it came time to designate who gets what closet, and what goes where, I claimed this 5′ 1/2″x3′ 1/2″ rectangle baby across from our master bedroom immediately as something I would transform. The office idea didn’t take long to settle in because my husband needed the other bedroom for his office, and sharing it was just too tight.

So, what do you think of this little creative nook? Take a peek inside and check out the ladder shelf we installed on the left wall. This tall shelf really made the closet seem so much bigger! It’s nice to have a spot to store smaller projects, that I haven’t finished yet, and of course a few of my favorite things such as the battery candles, faux plants, and colored glass. Welcome to REDHEAD CAN DECORATE HEAD QUARTERS!

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Below is the view of my “office” from our living room that I just updated with new colors. Click here if you haven’t seen it yet: Living Room. You’ve probably figured out by now that we removed the door to the office 🤭. It may sound like a big deal, but in all honestly it was literally the easiest part, and oh so necessary!

Removing the Door to Transform Closet into a Home Office

When we visited the model apartment we noticed all the doors were off the rooms 🤔. I’m sure they must do that to open up the space, and it really works. I mean, obviously you can’t remove all your doors to make your home bigger, but you can remove one if you want to try this closet office trick, right? All we had to do to remove the door, is unscrew the hinges and we are carefully storing it in our storage unit. After the door went bye bye, it now seemed less of closet, and more like an office nook that was easily accessible. I can store my computer, editorial calendar, photography lighting all together for quick access, and even for when we have company over (I can even close the curtains).

Hanging Pendant Light Fixture, Black Sheer Curtains/Brass Rod, and Thrifted Gold Mirror to Help Transform a Closet into a Home Office

So, now that I had the door off, the shelf up, I needed not only a desk, but a few show stopper accessories, which is the part that really gets me excited. Before I get there though, I want you to know that the desk is actually very old, and was in our garage as a potting table. I saved it during the move because it was one of the first desks I ever owned as a very poor newlywed, and knew it could be useful. All I had to do to the desk was sand it, and paint it black, right here with a drop cloth (I even had the black paint from the kitchen makeover still). This next photo really shows how the room literally opened up.

Finally! That gorgeous pendant light fixture took me a few hours to find on Amazon. I took a big risk, and it really worked out so much better than I had anticipated. If you look closely, the wooden pendant light fixture reflects a beautiful pattern on the ceiling and walls, and makes it look like the room is larger and has a rounded ceiling 😲. I wish I had planned this, but I just got lucky. I fell in love with the chandelier, and it’s effect instantly. Unfortunately, I realized today that they no longer carry it, but if you’re looking, here’s a similar one you might like: Wood Bead Chandelier. My husband gets all the credit for hanging the light fixture w/ me as his helper ❤️

Here’s a few more photos dedicated just to that beautiful wood beaded globe pendant. If it comes back in stock I promise I will share it. It really transformed that plain blah closet into a cascading fantasy office 😊 that could double as a make-up desk. Ohhh…before I get too taken away into fantasy land, I better tell you where to find the gold curtain rod, and sheer curtains. I’m carrying the sheer black look throughout the apartment and I love the dramatic, soft touch. Click here for the brass curtain rod, and black sheer curtains.

Lastly, I thought I better give you the info on that pretty gold mirror that makes the closet look like a million bucks. Read all about that (very heavy) thrift store score here: Thrift Store Gold Mirror Makeover. Let’s just say it has made the rounds at our old house 😲.

Happy Easter (early)…I’m going on break, so I will see you soon with our full apartment tour in video!

Thrift Store Brass Portable Desk

Dining Room Turned Office