A cloffice can add functionality to your home while saving space, but this closet home office setup may not work for people who dislike enclosed areas.
For this article, we talked to Carolina Rodrigues, an interior designer for Todeschini, who gave us some insightful advice about the advantages and setbacks of this type of design. So before you grab your tools, consider these pros and cons of a cloffice.
If you’d like to understand more about the cloffice concept, read: What is a Cloffice?
Pros of a Cloffice
✓ Saves space
One of the main advantages of a cloffice is that it adds a dedicated working space to your home without taking up living space or an area in a separate room, making it a great solution for those living in smaller homes or apartments.
If your home is short on space, consider working with a top local interior designer to make the most of your small space.
✓ Provides a Separate Work Area
Having a separate area where you can work can have a positive impact on your mental health, as it helps with getting in and out of “work mode.” Cloffices make it easy to “log off” after you’re done with your working hours. You just have to close the closet doors, and the room is back to normal, as if there were no office there.
My Tip: As a remote worker, I know firsthand how easy it can be to blur the lines between work and home environments — like bringing your laptop to the couch, or eating lunch at your work desk. However, something that my background in psychology taught me is that it is very important to have separate, designated spaces for each purpose.
Our brain readily responds to environmental cues, so if you try to bring work to a space where you commonly relax, your brain will struggle to separate things. For example, if you try to work on your living room couch, you will most likely struggle to concentrate. Then later, when you’re trying to relax on the couch, you will likely keep worrying about work and struggle to “log off.”
✓ Adds Functionality to Your Home
Another key advantage of cloffices is that they maximize your closet’s functionality. Cloffices will transform your closet (a space typically used only for storage) into a useful workstation, expanding the usability of your home without the need for extra space — a smart solution for the modern lifestyle.
✓ Easy and Affordable to Customize
One of the biggest pros of having a cloffice is that it is easy to personalize according to your style. Because it is a small space, customizing it is simpler and more affordable. Paint the back wall with your favorite color or just add your favorite decor, and you’re set.
See Related: Creative Ideas for Your Cloffice (Closet Office)
✓ Attracts Buyers
Adding a cloffice to your home may attract potential buyers. Because remote work has become increasingly common, a dedicated home office space is a selling point for many buyers.
Cons of a Cloffice
✗ Can Be Claustrophobic
If you’re not a fan of enclosed spaces, a cloffice might not be for you. Because it is set inside a closet, which is generally a smaller area, a cloffice might be uncomfortable for people who are leery of tight spaces.
✗ Can Be Dark
Standard closet lighting might not be effective for a functional working space. Because of this, you might need to add lamps or other light sources to your desk so it becomes suitable for long hours of work.
✗ Depends on Your Room Layout
Depending on your room’s configuration, it may not be possible to add a cloffice. If your room is too small, or if the closet is in a weird position, you might be better off setting up an office in another space.
✗ Loss of Storage
If you don’t have a spare closet (as most of us have already put our closets to use), you may have to relocate your clothes and other personal belongings.
✗ May Have Issues With Ventilation
Most closets don’t have windows inside them, and depending on our home’s layout, you might not get enough airflow in your room or hallway (or wherever your closet is located). However, this can be easily fixed by adding a small fan or air purifier.
Would a Cloffice Work For You?
If you are considering a home office, you know the importance of having a dedicated, organized space to work. A cloffice would work great for you if you:
- Have a spare closet
- Have no other room in which to put your office
- Want to optimize your home’s space
For Rodrigues, cloffices are “a practical solution for professionals who need a dedicated workspace at home. The closet setup ensures privacy and seclusion, which may be required for certain professions.”
But, at the same time, this model might not work for everyone. “For professionals who need space for bulky equipment, a variety of study books, or to carry out creative work, the limited space could hinder productivity,” she says.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
Now that you’re aware of the advantages and setbacks of a cloffice, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right home office design for you.
For help creating your perfect office, in a closet or elsewhere in your home, let Home Gnome connect you with top interior designers near you or experienced handymen near you.
Read More:
— How to Choose an Office Chair
— Types of Office Chairs
— How to Fix a Squeaky Office Chair
— How to Fix a Wobbly Office Chair
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Bilal / Adobe Stock / License generated with AI
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