2021 feels like the year that the “cloffice” could really take off as a design choice. A cloffice is just what it sounds like, a closet + office, and it’s currently one of the most functional ideas for our homes. From desks in closets to clothing racks in offices, this trend is very flexible. Are you intrigued? Here’s how a cloffice can maximize your space.
Small Cloffice Inspiration
Since our last year at home has demanded extra desk space, some folks have run with the idea of creating a cloffice. If you can spare a small closet, it does make for a cozy little office or learning nook. Plus, if you have the option to keep the doors on, you can easily close up shop. Here are great examples filled with striking paint choices, fun lighting, and clever built-in details.
Tyler, over at the Tidy Dad blog, set up this color-blocked nook in order to teach remotely. The mustard chair caught my eye because I have a very similar version for my own desk. (If you love organization and tidying inspiration, definitely check out Tidy Dad.)
This is an alcove, rather than a closet, but the idea still works. The shelving is a folding bookcase from The Container Store.
Walk-in Cloffice Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, perhaps you can make space to add a desk. A window is ideal, and a unique light fixture can make it feel more like a real room than a closet. Here are some design ideas.
My aunt crafted this creative office space in a small walk-in closet. She is the master at maximizing every inch of space!
Here are a few more ideas, in larger spaces.
Bringing the Closet to the Office
Lifestyle and fashion bloggers probably started this trend by bringing rolling racks of clothes into traditional office spaces. Working at home requires flexible thinking for bloggers who have clothes galore. The key is to integrate storage, so it doesn’t feel like laundry day took over. Here are some ideas to make an overflow closet work in your office, or to make the most of a small apartment.
You don’t have to let it all hang out, either. IKEA Pax closet system is very popular for designing these multi-use spaces. The next two images are from California Closets and The Container Store, showing how closet systems can be used in a cloffice design.
I’ve saved one of the best ideas for last. You’ve got to see this ingenious use of space; Lee created a closet + office + spare bedroom. Check out this blog post to see the wall bed that folds out over her desk. The desk tucks away underneath and the room can then be used as a guest bedroom.
Stylish Office Furniture
If you’re feeling inspired by some of these spaces, here are a few ideas to update your office furniture.
To Cloffice or Not?
What are your thoughts? I’ll admit, it takes a little brain rewiring to adjust to seeing a desk with racks of t-shirts, but the cloffice is a clever solution for tight spaces. Plus, the cloffice designs with closed doors could help make better use of space without displaying clothing. However you slice it, this is a functional and flexible design idea. Would you try it?
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