How to Decorate an Open Closet

Remove the tracks or hinges from old closet doors with a Phillips screwdriver to make the area look like a purposeful nook rather than a closet.

Remove any shelves or rods from the closet, then paint or wallpaper the space to complement the decor in the rest of your room. If you want to highlight the open closet area, use contrasting colors instead.

Incorporate cubed shelving in the open closet. Cubed shelving can hold toys, books, artwork or clothing. You can build cubed shelving or purchase cubed shelving.

Place baskets or bins on the shelves to hold clutter like toys, shoes or small mismatched items to bring organization and uniformity to the open closet. Wicker baskets add decor and functional storage space. Paper bins designed for office organization can also be used to hold items.

Build a desk into the space, if you are changing it into an office nook. Anchor it between the side wall and the cubed shelving. If you lack building skills or time, find a desk that fits and place it in the space. Find a chair that fits smoothly underneath the desk.

Place a comfortable chair or chaise lounge rather than a desk in the space to turn the closet into a reading nook. The chair or chaise can extend past the frame of the closet, but place the piece at an angle rather than straight forward. If room allows, place a small table or magazine holder to hold books and periodicals.

Place a tension rod in the doorway of the closet, and hang a curtain from the rod. The curtain can be used to hide clutter and add privacy, or you can tie it back and use it as an accessory to the decor.