Can I put my desk in my closet?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can put your desk in a closet if you have the space for it. Converting a closet into a small home office or study space by adding a desk can be a great way to maximize unused space in your home. Just keep in mind that you’ll need enough room in the closet for the desk, chair, and your legs when seated. Proper lighting and ventilation are also important considerations when putting a desk in a closet.

Should I Put My Desk in My Closet?

Putting your desk in a closet can be a smart idea if you’re limited on space. Closets tend to have unused floor area that can accommodate a small desk and chair. This allows you to create a dedicated workspace or study area, even in a small home without an extra room to spare.

However, there are a few downsides to consider:

– Closets lack natural light and ventilation. You may need to install lighting and fans.

– The confined space can feel claustrophobic for extended periods of use.

– Access in and out of the closet workspace may be tight.

– Noise and distractions may be an issue if the closet shares a wall with a high-traffic area.

Overall, putting a desk in a closet makes sense if you need a secluded, out-of-the-way spot to work or study. But if you’ll be spending hours at the desk each day, a more open room is probably preferable for light, ventilation, and comfort.

Desk Size for a Closet

When choosing a desk for a closet, opt for a small size that allows enough legroom but doesn’t dominate the entire closet. Some good options include:

– 30-36 inch wide computer desk or table

– Corner desk for making use of unused corner space

– Small secretary desk, flip-down wall desk, or other space-saving designs

– Drafting table or table that can fold up or down as needed

Avoid oversized desks meant for large rooms or open floor plans. Make sure to measure the amount of usable floor space in your closet before shopping for a desk. Allow at least 2-3 feet of clearance in front of the desk for your legs and chair.

Tips for Measuring Closet Space

Follow these tips when measuring your closet space to find the right-sized desk:

– Clear out the closet completely before measuring.

– Measure the full width and depth of the floor area.

– Note any protrusions, slants, pipes, or obstructions that reduce usable space.

– Measure door width to ensure the desk can fit through.

– Account for a few inches of clearance on all sides of the desk.

– Sketch out a rough floor plan with measurements to visualize desk placement.

Taking careful measurements will prevent buying a desk that’s too big for your closet space.

Best Desk Placement in a Closet

The ideal desk placement depends on the layout and size of your closet. Here are some tips:

– Situate the desk across the width of a walk-in closet if possible. This gives you more room to stretch your legs.

– In a reach-in closet, place the desk at the back facing the door for access.

– Angle the desk diagonally in a corner to take advantage of unused space.

– Allow enough clearance from both sides and the closet door. At least 2 feet is ideal.

– Face the opening of the closet rather than turning your back to leave the space less confined.

– Avoid blocking clothing rods or shelving with the desk placement.

Experiment with a few different arrangements to find the desk setup that feels most spacious and comfortable in your closet.

Maximizing Lighting and Ventilation

Closets are often windowless rooms with solid doors that block natural light. To make your closet workspace usable, pay attention to lighting and ventilation:

– Install overhead lighting on the ceiling or walls. LED lights work well.

– Use a desk lamp for focused task lighting. Gooseneck designs take up little space.

– If possible, replace the solid door with a louvered one or install vents in the closet door.

– Use a small fan to improve air circulation if there’s no AC vent.

– Keep the closet door open when working inside to let in light and air.

Making some simple upgrades transforms an enclosed closet into a more inviting and comfortable workspace.

Making the Most of a Closet Desk Space

Setting up a functional home office in a closet takes some planning. Follow these tips:

– Add organization systems like shelves and bins for office supplies. This keeps the small desk surface clear.

– Use vertical space on the walls wisely. Install pegboards, hanging files, shallow shelving, and magnetic paint.

– Include a comfortable desk chair that fits in the available floor space.

– Use drawer organizers and trays to store office supplies neatly.

– Keep only essential items in the closet workspace. Avoid clutter.

– Upgrade the flooring if needed. Vinyl plank floors are affordable, durable options.

– Personalize the space with photos, art, and accessories if you’ll be working there daily.

With the right organizational setup, a closet home office can be quite efficient despite its compact footprint.

Closet Workspace Storage Ideas

These clever storage solutions help maximize usable surface and floor space in a closet office:

– Mount shelving above the desk for books and decorative items. Just leave enough head clearance.

– Use over-the-door storage bags and hangers for extra storage.

– Install closet rods at different heights to double hanging space.

– Use rolling carts like utility carts or kitchen carts for additional surfaces.

– Add a mounted laptop stand, monitor arm, and keyboard tray to save desk space.

– Use wall-mounted cabinets or open shelving to store office supplies within reach.

– Slide storage bins and baskets under the desk to utilize vertical space.

– Use pegboards and magnetic strips to hang frequently used items.

With some savvy space-saving solutions, even a very small closet can accommodate an efficient desk area. Just get creative!

Best Paint Colors for a Closet Office

The right paint color can make your compact closet workspace feel more inviting and expansive. Consider these color ideas:

– White or light neutrals: Open up a small dark closet with bright white or greige paint.

– Soft blues or greens: Calming cool hues give the illusion of more space. Avoid intense shades.

– Grays or beiges: Versatile neutrals work for any style, from modern to farmhouse.

– Pale yellow: This cheerful hue feels fresh and bright. Avoid going too bold.

– Mint green: This pale pastel shade is both trendy and timeless.

For closet offices with no windows, lighter matte finishes visually expand the compact space better than dark dramatic colors. Add pops of color with desk accessories instead of overpowering paint colors.

Best Paint Finishes for Closet Offices

In addition to color, the paint finish impacts how light reflects in a small closet workspace:

– Matte finish: Diffuses light evenly in windowless closets and hides imperfections.

– Eggshell finish: Provides subtle sheen while still obscuring flaws.

– Satin finish: Has a smooth, silky appearance. Shows some wear over time.

– Semi-gloss finish: The moderate gloss amplifies light but shows imperfections.

Flat matte paint is the top choice for light-challenged small closet offices. Soft matte or eggshell finishes also work well. Avoid glossy paints that highlight flaws.

Is It a Fire Hazard to Put My Desk in a Closet?

With proper precautions, installing a desk in your closet does not inherently create a fire hazard. Here are some tips for fire safety:

– Use lighting and electrical products intended for closet use. Look for enclosed fixtures rated for closets.

– Avoid overloading outlets with too many devices.

– Ensure cords are not damaged, tangled or tightly bundled.

– Leave closet door fully open when working inside.

– Limit use of space heaters, candles or other ignition sources.

– Install a smoke detector just outside the closet for early warning.

– Keep the area under and around the desk clear of storage and combustible materials.

Closet offices filled with paper and electronics do require vigilance. But taking sensible precautions minimizes any increased fire risk.

Tips for Closet Electrical Safety

Poor wiring quickly becomes a hazard in the confined space of a closet. Follow these electrical safety tips:

– Hire an electrician to assess the closet’s circuits and do any needed upgrades.

– Use heavy-duty extension cords intended for permanent placement. Avoid “octopus” plugs.

– Route cords neatly along walls and ceiling to avoid tripping hazards.

– Ensure outlets have proper grounding with 3-prong receptacles or GFCI outlets.

– Add extra outlets as needed so devices don’t overload existing outlets.

– Shut down and unplug equipment when not in use to reduce load.

– Cover outlets and wiring to protect from damage.

– Check that lighting fixtures are properly wired and installed.

Taking the time to address electrical needs makes closet offices far safer for long-term use.

Conclusion

While unconventional, setting up a compact workspace or study in your closet can be a smart way to carve out a useful home office when space is limited. The key is choosing furniture sized appropriately for the closet, maximizing storage, and addressing lighting, ventilation and electrical needs. With some creative problem-solving, a closet office can function nearly as well as a full-sized room. Just be sure to abide by fire codes and safety standards. Done right, a closet office opens up new possibilities for productivity and efficiency even in the smallest homes.