Closet Inspiration & Cloffice Ideas for a Small Spare Bedroom

I miss my pretty walk-in closet with its cubbies and chandelier! We had his and hers closets at our former home, and now that we’re settling into our new place, it’s time to get organized. (You can only smile about fetching clothes from boxes and pretend you’re camping for so long, doncha know!) So I need to gather inspiration to carve out a closet/office/cloffice/dressing room from a very awkward small bedroom. We decided my husband should take over the only closet in our bedroom, and since I’m an early riser, we like the idea of me having a separate space to work early in the morning before he wakes. Ever considered transforming a spare bedroom into a functional space for an office, closet, or dressing room? Maybe Cloffice & Closet Inspiration for a Small Spare Bedroom will help!

Cloffice & Closet Inspiration for a Small Spare Bedroom

The design above with custom built-in vanity inspired me since the small bedroom I’m addressing also has a window that may be perfect for a desk/vanity area. What I need to think about is whether I’ll be able to focus in a space with hanging clothes. However, even if the space is used as a closet and dressing room and not for work, I’d say that is far better than sitting empty.

Small Spare Bedroom to Transform

Here’s how the space looks today:

It is an awkwardly designed little bedroom with an attached Jack & Jill bath at the back of the house. The view of the forest preserve from the window is amazing! There are actually two closets in the room: a very shallow linen closet you can see on the left, and a horribly placed closet with bifold doors you can’t see on the right. The door from the hall to this bedroom actually opens into those closet doors…not ideal at all. But I have plans that don’t involve major changes to help it all function more intelligently.

What I Learned From My Former Walk-in Closet

This was the closet I designed in our former home, and it started life as an empty room the previous owner had maybe used as a panic room. (Yep, there was an exterior door to it, and it was completely empty except for a laundry chute…bonus!)

What I learned about designing and using my closet was the importance of pretty details like the vintage chandelier (oops – not pictured!), vintage dresser, and stenciled mirror. Also, choosing quality materials like the white oak hardwoods, alder doors and hardware made using this space as a dressing room a joy every single day.

Closet Inspiration Where There’s a Window

So now I need to decide how much of the space in the little bedroom I’m making over should be devoted to clothing storage and how much space I need for workspace or a vanity.

I don’t own too many pairs of shoes, but this sort of configuration reminds me of the importance of taking full advantage of all the vertical space. I also love the simplicity and sophistication of this window treatment:

My budget won’t accommodate a custom design like this next closet, but I’m thinking something semi-custom. As DIYers, we are looking at online sources of readymade closet modules such as this one.

What a dream to have a window to allow natural light to stream into your closet, cloffice, or dressing area!

The beautiful closet above reminds me of something I saw recently on Fixer to Fabulous where the designers created a “family closet” in a mud room space. The idea of a family closet is each member gets a locker or cubby or space in the laundry room. Clean laundry is placed directly into those designated cubbies rather than delivered to separate bedrooms. Ever heard of a family closet?

Dreamy Custom Closet Design

As I browsed for beautiful closet inspiration, I kept seeing bespoke design by John Lewis of Hungerford that stopped me in my tracks.

Again, while I can’t hire a high end firm to build my closet, I can take notes and think about how to organize my belongings.

I have never had an island in a closet before, and here’s an inspiring one with a built-in bench:

I also like the idea of the crystal chandelier and the type of hanging storage where it sort of feels like a boutique.

While I love the idea of pretty custom lighting within the closet modules, I don’t feel the need to spotlight shoes and handbags – my tastes are far simpler, and I would rather buy books!

Closet Design Accessories I Love

In my former walk-in closet, I added wire pull-out bins, and I love them! My organization style is such that I like to see things in the open. Hence, open bins work better for me than closed drawers.

Also, I’m noticing that I’m drawn to all the white in this closet design (big surprise, right!?!). I don’t intend to do anything crazy with color for my new closet because I know me. And I would grow tired of a color in no time!

So far, this space above is speaking to me the most. I don’t plan to change out the existing carpet though since it is new. So I am wondering if I’ll get the same look with light grey carpet?

Luxurious Closet Dressing Room & Resale

I have heard that closets often sell houses so I have to think about resale as I am configuring this one. Fantasy closets with crown molding and recessed lighting and custom everything like this one are destined to leave an impression:

The thing is, it is tricky when you’re designing for yourself (and you’re a sensible sort of someone) yet want to make wise choices for future owners. We are not sure how long we will remain in this home, although we know it’s our last move locally. So I am happy to hear your own opinion about which closet features would make you want to buy the house.

Shoe Storage Inspiration Ideas

Even though shoes are not my thing, I don’t want to neglect shoe storage because most folks I know care about such details!

I guess if you invest good money in your shoes, you want good homes for them!

The Power of Prettier Closet Organization

If you need proof that just a little tweak will make a HUGE difference in closet storage options, take a look at this:

Wow! I’m loving all the white!

Cloffice & Small Home Office Inspiration

If you haven’t heard, a LOT of folks are working from home now so it’s easy to find inspiration for cloffices (closets transformed into mini home offices).

These workspaces have all kinds of advantages beyond cozy factor. For example, you can shut the doors after work and truly separate from the workday.

Not sure if the workspace above is under a stairwell or under eaves, but it’s a great example of utilizing an otherwise unused space that boasts beautiful architecture.

Since wallpaper is totally popular again, why not use a little in a closet for a happy pop of color and personality?

This cloffice above has me thinking about where I might want to position a desk in my closet…under a window makes sense for makeup application, but isn’t this cozy with the window on the side?

Oh my, who says a cloffice cannot be chic? Are you loving the high contrast above?

This modern workspace above combines modern simplicity with custom lighting and finishes…so inspiring!

Multifunction Workspace to Inspire

I bet you have seen this wildly popular and beautiful cloffice space since it is sort of legendary online! It’s such a gorgeous example of a spare bedroom put to good use for a work-from-home blogger:

Would I get tired of pattern on an accent wall in the closet/office/dressing room?

So much to think about, and I will keep you posted on the plans so please stay tuned to see the transformation! Find more closet organization ideas HERE.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.