After our bathroom renovations were done (they look sooooooo good!), Jon and I decided it was time to take on the closet situation. The only problem was, I needed way more space than our master bedroom allowed. After we found these old bookshelves, we decided this would make the perfect, glam closet for my office. I could store all the DIY clothes I make and write about and keep everything organized and together.
Are you also tired of cluttered closets and dreaming of a stylish, organized space without breaking the bank? We transformed old bookshelves into a glamorous DIY closet, perfect for storing handmade clothes and accessories! This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a chic, functional closet using repurposed materials—all for less than $100! With a little creativity and effort, you can make the most of small spaces, showcase your personal style, and keep everything in its place.
Why a DIY Closet Makeover? Creating a DIY closet offers unique benefits:
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by repurposing old furniture, avoiding costly closet systems that can run into the thousands.
- Customizable: Tailor the design to your style, needs, and the unique dimensions of your space. No more dealing with off-the-shelf solutions that don’t quite fit!
- Sustainable: Reduce waste by upcycling materials instead of discarding them. It’s an eco-friendly approach that gives old furniture new life.
I chose a High Gloss White Paint
Step 1: The Vision and Preparation
Our closet makeover journey began after the bathroom renovations I already mentioned. With limited space in the master bedroom, we decided to convert part of my home office into a stylish closet. The solution? Repurposing those old bookshelves from an entertainment center we previously sold. The large center piece that held a boxy TV was beautiful, but not necessary anymore. They were also a natural, light wood color so they needed to be sanded, primed, and painted to match the rest of our decor. This approach saved us the cost of purchasing new storage shelving while offering a creative challenge. If you don’t have anything on hand, it’s easy to look at garage sales or get online and see if there is something that gives you inspiration for this and bring it home!
Before diving into the transformation, it’s important to consider your vision. Think about what you want your closet to look like and how it should function. Would you prefer open shelving for easy access or doors to conceal clutter? Are you displaying a capsule wardrobe or organizing seasonal pieces? Answering these questions helps create a plan and ensures your closet suits your lifestyle.
The bookshelves we had on hand had a natural, light wood finish. To match our decor, we sanded, primed, and painted them. We chose High Gloss White Paint for the sides and shelves, making them easy to clean and giving them a polished finish. For a dramatic backdrop, we used Satin Black Paint on the wall behind the closet. This bold contrast made the closet look more upscale and visually interesting. Adding a statement wall is a great way to create depth in a small space.
Pro Tip: Always sand surfaces before painting to ensure the paint adheres smoothly. Priming is essential to prevent stains from bleeding through and to achieve a uniform color.
Step 2: Creating a Glamorous Shoe Display
The left side of the closet became a chic shoe display. A good tip for organizing shoes on shelves is to face one shoe forward and the other backward—this maximizes space and adds visual interest. For non-heeled shoes, an affordable matching wooden shoe rack kept things tidy. The non-heel shoes fit great on the inexpensive matching wooden shoe rack.
For added flair, you could line the shelves with adhesive shelf liner in a subtle pattern. This small touch could make the shelves pop while protecting them from scuffs. To make your shoe display feel like a boutique, arrange shoes by color and style. Display statement pieces at eye level to draw attention.
Pro Tip: Clear acrylic shoe boxes are a great way to protect shoes from dust while keeping them visible.
Step 3: The Clothing Rod Installation
Transforming the bookshelves into a true closet meant adding a clothing rod. The bookcases truly took on the feel of a closet after the clothing rod was installed. Honestly, we expected this process to be sooo much harder than it was! We feared it would be a complicated task, but it was surprisingly easy! We used a Closet Pole Socket (under $6) and a Closet Pole Rod (under $30). Installation was as simple as screwing the sockets to the bookcase sides and slipping the rod in place. Easy enough right?
To ensure the rod could handle the weight of our clothes, we chose a heavy-duty metal rod and reinforced the sockets with wall anchors. Measure the width of your space carefully and cut the rod to fit snugly. For an upscale touch, we spray-painted the rod with metallic gold paint.
Pro Tip: If you’re concerned about stability, consider mounting a shelf above the clothing rod to create extra storage and strengthen the structure.
Step 4: Maximizing Storage and Style
The right side of the closet became home to my sweaters, purses, and hats. The shelves offered easy access and visibility. By folding your sweaters and having them displayed instead of fitting them into a dresser drawer, you can see them and grab what you need to get dressed faster. Any way to get things done faster is a win right?
The doors on the bottom hide a linen box for storing beanies, baseball caps, and my bags and other accessories. This would be an excellent place for all the DIY lingerie I taught you to make. Incorporating your accessories into your closet design can add function and style, making the space feel personalized to you.
Step 5: Final Touches and Practical Tips Here are some bonus tips to enhance your DIY closet:
- Use decorative storage boxes for small items—think velvet or patterned options to elevate the look.
- Label storage containers for easy identification—chalkboard labels or custom tags work great!
- Add hooks for accessories like jewelry, bags, and hats.
- Arrange items by color or season for a boutique feel.
- Consider adding LED strip lights or puck lights under shelves for a soft glow that highlights your items.
DIY Closet Cost Breakdown
Transforming your space doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Using repurposed bookshelves and budget-friendly hardware saved us over $1,000 compared to a custom closet installation. Our entire DIY closet makeover cost less than $100! We shopped smart, using recycled materials, affordable hardware, and leftover paint from previous projects.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our costs:
- Repurposed Bookshelves: Free (previously owned)
- High Gloss White Paint: $15
- Satin Black Paint: $10
- Closet Pole Socket: $6
- Closet Pole Rod: $30
- Shelf Liners and Adhesive: $8
- Hooks and Accessories: $10
Total Cost: $79
Repurposing old furniture and materials not only saves money but also benefits the environment. By upcycling, you reduce waste and avoid the environmental impact of producing new items. Plus, your DIY closet becomes a unique, personalized statement piece that reflects your style and creativity!
Final Thoughts:
We Have Created A Dream Closet on a Budget
This DIY closet transformation was easier and more affordable than expected. By repurposing old furniture and using simple tools, we created a functional, stylish space for clothing and accessories. If you’re looking to revamp your closet, try this budget-friendly project and enjoy a personalized, organized oasis! Pro Tip: Filling up your new oasis is a great time to go through your clothes and maybe refashion a few into new outfits to go inside it! For some refashion fun, you can check out some of my other DIY articles! My favorites are this one on how you can easily make old leggings into a DIY top, or this one on how to refashion old baggy t-shirts into summer dresses!
I hope you guys really liked this DIY closet idea! It was so much easier than we thought and I absolutely love all the storage I have now to display and store my handmade clothes. By using recycled bookshelves instead of buying an entirely new closet, we saved over a thousand dollars. Yes…. over a thousand. Our entire DIY Closet cost less than a hundred bucks to make!
As always, thank you so much for reading, sharing, and following Creative Fashion Blog. It really means the world to me that I can do what I love and get to know all of you guys better. I hope this inspires you to create your own DIY closet in your own style that fits your personal closet needs. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
