How to DIY a Closet Office (Cloffice)

If your home doesn't have a dedicated room for an office, that doesn't mean you need to go without one. These small home office ideas, can help you create a space you're proud of using a small empty closet or nook.

About Closet Offices

A closet office, or a cloffice, is a workspace created from a closet in your home. While a walk-in cloffice may be ideal, a dedicated area of any size will work.

Other DIY Home Office Ideas

If you can't empty a closet for your new office, consider using a different part of your home. Examples include lofts, a vacant space under your staircase or an empty corner nook.

Creating Your DIY Cloffice

Before selecting your cloffice location, ensure it has a power source, internet connectivity and privacy. Next, use the following guide to bring your closet office ideas to life.

Measure the Space

Create a list of your required furniture, starting with the largest items, such as your desk and chair. Next, measure and map out your space's length, width and height to ensure your furniture will fit.

Select a Multi-Purpose Desk

Get more from the largest item in your cloffice, your desk, by selecting one with added features such as built-in storage, lighting and power outlets. While you may not be able to fit a wide desk in your cloffice, try getting one with a connected hutch to optimize the space.

Install Wall-Mounted Shelves

Consider adding shelves to your side walls if you require additional storage space. Moving items such as printers and files off the floor can help the small area feel larger.

Personalize Your Cloffice

Adding personal touches throughout your cloffice can help elevate your workspace. Consider the following:

• Hang unique mirrors and ceiling-mounted lighting. They, too, can make your cloffice seem larger while showcasing your style.
• Buy wall-mounted calendars and pinboards. These multi-purpose items can help you stay organized and motivated with inspiring images and notes.
• Paint your cloffice a different color from the room. A new hue can help you define the space.
• Include small decor such as framed photos and plants. Small, thoughtful items can help add texture and depth, too.
• Mount wall hooks. They can help you keep bags and other small items off the cloffice floor to add legroom.
• Place privacy screens around the area. If you don't have doors, adding screens can help minimize distractions while further defining the space.

Consider Opting for Curtains

If your closet doors make the area feel too small or get in your way, consider removing them. You can buy heavy curtains that block out distractions when needed and move each fabric panel behind a wall-mounted hook when you don't need them.

Protect Your New Cloffice with Insurance

Creating a new cloffice may mean you have more to protect. To ensure your home or renters policy is current, contact your American Family Insurance agent for a policy review today.

For more DIY tips, head to our Renters and Apartment Resource Hub.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.