Top 40 Best Closet Office Ideas – Small Work Space Designs
We all deserve a secluded space away from the noise and bustle of the outside world, a designated locale in which to put our heads down and get to work.
And for those of us who work from home, such a space is nothing short of a necessity.
However, not every home comes equipped with a spacious office or even a predestined nook and then what?
Welcome to the ingenious world of the closet office.
These top 40 best closet office ideas are proof of man’s brilliance when tasked with a seemingly insurmountable conundrum. If you find yourself with a spare or unused closet, why not convert it into a serviceable office space? As trendy as it is functional, the built-in closet office can be undertaken in a number of ways, no matter the size or style of the closet.
Countless shelving units and lighting options, as well as design inspirations for curating your office to your own personal taste and liking, are just a few of the perks to transforming your closet into a newly repurposed work space. No more shuffling papers at the dining room table or balancing your laptop in bed or in front of the television; now you finally have a professional-level, personally procured studio of your very own.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or more inclined to achieve the ultimate in office chic, this is your chance to seize a corner of the world in which to stake your claim and fulfill your purpose–and best of all, under your very own roof.
1. Closet Office Nook Ideas
Virtually any unused closet can be used to create your private office nook. From a small reach-in closet to a walk-in with a window, these under-utilized zones are easy to transform into your own happy little cubicle. All you need is a work surface, a comfortable place to sit, and a healthy dose of inspiration.
Which closet you choose will depend on the size of your home and the people you share it with. If your bedroom has more than one closet, consolidate your clothes into one and use the other for your office. If you only have one master bedroom closet, free up that space by purchasing one or two wardrobes for your shoes and clothing. If you have a guest bedroom that rarely gets used, upgrading the closet into an office turns it into a dual-purpose space. You can simply close the closet door on your office when you have overnight guests.
Closets located in living areas also transform easily into stylish office nooks. Even if you currently use these spaces for storage, it’s not difficult to find another place for the contents of an under-used pantry, coat closet, or linen closet. Groceries can be moved into kitchen cabinets, guests’ coats can be hung on a coat rack, and linens can be stacked in baskets on bathroom shelves.
After choosing your small work space location, it’s time to shift your thoughts toward design. What do you need to create a productive work zone? What colors, fabrics and accessories go well with your existing home décor? What accents best reflect your personality?
2. Lighting Ideas for Closet Offices
Adequate lighting is a must for work zones. If your closet already has a light fixture, try to use it. Replace a bare-bulb with a multi-light fixture that can be aimed at specific zones in your workspace. Or simply add a nice globe or shade to soften the shadows of a single-source light.
LED light strips installed beneath shelves or cabinets are a great way to illuminate your work surface without adding a visible light fixture. Chances are that you won’t find an electric outlet inside your closet for plugging in light strips—or your laptop, for that matter. If your budget is tight, a power strip and extension cord may suffice for connecting to a nearby wall outlet. However, for a truly well-lit closet office, you may need to call an electrician to add outlets and light fixtures to your new work zone. Recessed can lights add a wonderful amount of illumination to small work spaces and look good with just about any type of décor.
If you’re renting your home or apartment, look for battery-powered lights that can be mounted to the wall or shelf with removable adhesive strips. These come in an ever-increasing array of choices and are quite affordable. When your lease is up, simply take them down and take them with you.
3. Closet Office Door Ideas
Your existing closet door may work just fine for your home office, or you might need to consider other alternatives. As with most home design decisions, your choices are limited only by your budget and DIY skills. Consider the footprint of your home before settling on an office door.
Many closets come fitted with two or four panel folding doors. These can continue to work well, or you can replace them with more stylish panels that look better in your new space. Sometimes a simple hardware update is all that’s necessary to bring new life to your doors.
If your closet door swings in, there may not be room for it after you add your worktop and chair. In that case, you can remount the door to swing out instead. This is a good time to consider purchasing a whole new door that can serve as a focal point in your room. Look for frosted glass or mirrored panels, or paint the door a fresh new color.
If you have a particularly snug closet space—such as when you repurpose a linen closet—a sliding barn door can be a great option. In fact, this door style adds character to any room. You just need to make sure you have wall space at least the width of your door opening, to accommodate the track and opened door. Check out this video to learn how to install a sliding barn door yourself.
4. Built-In Closet Office Ideas
Built-in desks can be a great way to maximize your closet office’s potential. By custom fitting all the components of your office and incorporating them into the existing design of the room, you can minimize the amount of small gaps or wasted spaces that a standard desk or filing cabinet might create.
Pick one favorite color and use it to paint the area above your work surface. A darker shade like navy blue contrasts beautifully with white and natural wood trim and makes the area appear deeper than it actually is. If you prefer wallpaper, this can be a great zone to use an energizing pattern that might be too busy for a larger room. Installing shiplap or beadboard on the back wall is a great way to make the space feel homey and well-appointed.
Include plenty of storage shelves, baskets, and bins on the walls, to free up as much desktop area as possible. If you are an experienced builder or DIYer, you can build an entire desk and shelf system into your closet office. If not, you can hire a carpenter to install custom shelves and a built-in desk with drawers to hold all your files and supplies.
5. Walk-In Closet Office Ideas
Designing a walk-in closet office is more like designing a small room instead of a little office nook. Often, these big spaces have enough room to incorporate your office and your clothing storage together. It takes a bit of planning to pull this off, but it’s worth the effort. You don’t want to trip over your gym shoes every time you work from home, or end up feeling smothered, wedged between your partner’s business suits and your winter coats.
Creating zones is the key to making a walk-in closet office work. If your closet didn’t come with built-in wooden shelves, drawers, and cabinets, start looking online for large closet organization systems. Use baskets to organize sweaters and intimates on your shelves and take advantage of every method available to keep your clothes and shoes organized and out of sight. Then you will be free to use the rest of the space to design your office getaway.
Choose a generously-sized desk and a comfortable chair. Lie a luxurious area rug on the floor beneath your work zone and replace your plain overhead lights with a colorful chandelier or other ornate fixture. Accessorize your desk with a lovely lamp and framed photos of your loved ones.
If your walk-in closet has windows, consider how much life houseplants can bring to an office. Not only do they look beautiful, they add oxygen to the space and can be relatively low-maintenance. You can even place your desk beneath your window, to provide a beautiful view and literally put your clothes storage behind you.
6. Closet Office Ideas for Shelving
Because a closet office can be such a tight space, it’s important to make use of every inch of wall space. Shelves are one of the best ways to add a ton of storage to your cozy nook. If you want to DIY your closet office, your local home improvement store offers hundreds of easy-to-install shelving solutions. From minimalist floating shelves to rows of perfect book-height planks on brackets, there will be a shelf design perfect for your space.
Shelves can be painted the same color as your walls, painted an accent color, or even covered in wallpaper. If you find a beautiful wood desk surface, you can install richly stained, real wood shelves to match. Consider alternating shelves with file baskets that hang on the wall, or set baskets on each shelf to hold items you’d rather keep out of sight. Take your shelves as high up the wall as you can, to maximize your storage capacity.
7. Closet Office Cabinetry and Storage Ideas
Cabinets are another essential element in most closet office nooks. Although smaller fitted closets may not have room for any type of cabinet, most closet offices will have the space for at least one decent set of drawers. The most logical place for a small cabinet is under the desk.
Cabinets aren’t as easy as shelves when it comes to doing it yourself, but anyone can tuck a pre-made file cabinet or unit beneath a work surface. Make sure to measure your under-desk space carefully before ordering any type of cabinet that must fit there. Allow for ample leg and knee room for when you are seated, and enough space to roll your chair inside before you close your office at the end of the day.
Utilize a variety of boxes, bins, and jars to store your small office supplies. These storage pieces are a great way to inject your personal style into your home work zone. Make them as minimalist or as frou-frou as you please. Note that flat letter-sized trays are just as helpful for paperwork organization at home as they are at your place of business.
8. Closet Office Ideas for Seating
Comfort is always the primary consideration when choosing seating for any office. Considering the number of hours you’re likely to spend in your new favorite nook, you need something great to sit on. Of course, space may be an issue, and you may have to settle for something smaller or more austere than you would otherwise prefer. If you have a repurposed coat closet, you may simply not have room for the same type of rolling office chair that would fit into a huge walk-in closet. However, you can find smaller-scale office chairs that have all the features of larger models.
You may find that you already have a kitchen chair or stool that fits well into your closet office. If it’s made of wood or metal, perhaps shop for a cushion to increase your comfort level when perched there for several hours. A cushioned, fabric cube is a clean and simple addition to a minimalist closet office.
Drape a throw blanket or shawl over your chair to use during chilly mornings at your desk. Add a fluffy throw pillow to add some texture to your zone and use for back support as the day evolves. If you have the extra room, it can be nice to build a bench for additional seating beside your desk.
Closet Office FAQs
Green building practices are important to me. What should I ask my builder to be mindful of when he installs my closet office shelving system?
Ask your builder to only use products that meet all Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) specifications. Doing so means that your office will be built with sustainable or recycled materials and finished with products that contribute to a healthy indoor environment.
I would love to convert my guest room closet to an office space, but I rent my apartment and move frequently. Is there a way I can take my office with me when I move?
Yes, if you build your closet office with free-standing pieces instead of built-ins, you can take it to each new home. Balance a wood work top on two file cabinets, or roll in a small student desk. Hang wire baskets on the walls instead of installing shelves, or use plank-and-bracket shelving that’s easy to take apart and pack when you move.
The Best 20 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Ionic Black Leather Jacket
Ionic Black Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for a slim and sleek jacket in a classic black finish.
It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, sheepskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Ionic is its streamlined look. While it offers four outside pockets, the zippers are subtle, so they don’t detract from the sleek look. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most leather jackets, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Dean Brown Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest… A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Brown Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Charcoal Navy Blue Suede Biker Jacket
Leather jackets don’t only come in black and brown. If you want something less traditional, check out this navy-blue suede jacket from The Jacket Maker.
The outer shell is made from real goatskin suede leather, and there’s a quilted polyester lining inside for added warmth. Suede has a softer feel and look than other leather types, and is ideal if you’re going for a more boho look.
This jacket boasts a total of four pockets—two inside and two outside.
7. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
8. Lavendard Brown Leather Biker Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
9. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
10. Allaric Alley Mocha Leather Biker Jacket
The most distinctive thing about this biker jacket is the integrated waist belt, which helps create an edgy look. This mocha-colored jacket uses real cowhide leather on the outer shell, with a quilted viscose lining inside.
With two pockets inside and three outside, there’s no shortage of places to keep your wallet and keys.
11. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
12. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
13. Francis B-3 Black & White Leather Bomber Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. If you’re going for a more flamboyant look, this black and white bomber jacket is sure to make an impact. It combines real leather on the outside with a faux fur lining.
The white faux fur lining accentuates the black leather, making this jacket stand out from the crowd. It will keep you warm as well!
The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
14. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
15. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
16. Sven Mocha Suede Bomber Jacket
Here’s another suede leather jacket, this time in a subtle mocha finish. This jacket is made using real goatskin leather and has a total of six pockets (two inside and four outside).
This jacket looks best with a tight fit, which can be achieved perfectly using The Jacket Maker’s custom fitting service.
17. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
18. Schott Vintaged Fitted Cowhide Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Schott is an iconic name in leather jacket world, thanks in part to Marlon Brando, who wore a Schott jacket in The Wild Ones.
This jacket is pricey, but has a classic design and is built to last decades. It’s made from a lighter weight cowhide, which makes it breathable, so it’s perfect for wearing in warmer months.
As you’d expect from this brand, the Schott Vintaged jacket is made in the USA.
19. Bomia Ma-1 Black Leather Bomber Jacket
This classic black leather jacket has a timeless look that will never go out of fashion. It’s made from genuine leather on the outside with a polyester lining inside.
This motorcycle jacket has a rib knit collar and cuffs and a zipped pocket on the left sleeve.
The leather feels soft yet tough—you can tell this jacket is the real deal!
20. Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket
This sleek, minimalistic jacket is a real moto jacket trusted by serious bikers. It also looks incredibly cool, with a distressed, vintage feel and a truly American feel.
This jacket can be supplemented with RSD x Forcefield armor to give you extra protection while riding.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
