What is a Cloffice (Closet Office)?

Elegant and organized home office closet for a tranquil workspace

In short, a cloffice is an office set inside a closet, which is a clever way to optimize limited space and bring functionality to an unused area. 

To Carolina Rodrigues, an interior designer for Todeschini, home offices inside closets are a practical solution for those who need a workspace at home. In addition to her insights, I’ll also share helpful tips so you can set up a cloffice in your own home.

A Cloffice: What is It?

A cloffice is an office set within any closet, from a walk-in bedroom closet to a hallway linen closet. (The word “cloffice” itself comes from the combination of the words “closet” and “office.”) 

A closet office doesn’t have to be an expensive or elaborate project: With a small desk, a shelf or cabinet to store your papers, and a chair — ta-da! You have a cloffice.

Although most cloffices are set in very small spaces, Rodrigues notes that for those with a big enough closet, they can also offer the privacy and seclusion needed for work.

Design Ideas for Your Cloffice

a white themed cloffice
Photo Credit: Dariusz Jarzabek / Adobe Stock Free / License

In this section, we’ll cover the basics of a functional and organized cloffice. If you’d like to see more ideas for your cloffice, take a look at our other article: Creative Ideas for Your Cloffice (Closet Office).

And Home Gnome can help you to find an interior designer near you to help you create a great small workspace.

1. Invest in a Good Desk

One of the key elements of a cloffice is a desk where you can place your desktop or laptop and other work essentials. If you have enough space, consider a traditional office desk with drawers. 

There are many options on the market, from vintage wooden desks to sleek, industrial-style desks. Trestle desks are also a great option, according to Rodrigues. 

If standard desks won’t fit in the closet, you can have one custom-made or make your own as a DIY project. Floating desks, for example, are simple to build and are a great space-saving option. Standing desks are also a good choice if you like to switch positions throughout the day.

2. Get a Comfy Chair

A comfortable chair is another essential part of a good home office space. The classic choice is usually an ergonomic chair with wheels, but you can be creative and play with different types of office chairs; each chair style offers a different look and function. 

For extra coziness, for example, consider an upholstered armchair. For a more casual vibe, borrow a chair or stool from the kitchen. They may not be as comfortable, but they can work just fine and add a touch of style to your cloffice.

See Related:
How to Choose an Office Chair
Types of Office Chairs

3. Improve Your Lighting

Another important aspect of a good working space is the lighting. Maybe your closet’s existing light isn’t enough to let you work comfortably, so what about investing in a table lamp? There are different styles on the market to match your vibe.

If your cloffice gets direct sunlight, that’s even better. Natural light is a great asset, but remember to install curtains, blinds, or shades on your windows so you can control the brightness throughout the day. For a rustic look, for example, go with woven wood shades, or opt for floral curtains with a beige background for a cottage-style vibe.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have an outlet installed in your closet to plug in your lamp and other devices. Or you can use an extension cord from the nearest outlet to your cloffice space and hide the cord with a cable raceway for a neat look.  

4. Organize Your Space

cloffice in a house
Photo Credit: Pexels

Adding shelves and storage supplies is another important step in completing your cloffice. Install floating shelves above your workspace to keep paperwork and books properly stored without cluttering your view as you work. Rodrigues also advises installing drawer units under your desk for a clutter-free space.

Pro Tip: One of the downsides of a cloffice is that it can feel a bit claustrophobic. To prevent this overwhelming feeling, make use of office storage solutions such as desk organizers, bins, and file cabinets to keep the space tidy and important documents within reach.

Rodrigues mentioned in her interview that cloffices can be built with no doors, as an open space, or with retractable or folding doors that can make the room look bigger, alleviating this claustrophobic feeling.

See Related: Pros and Cons of a Cloffice (Closet Office)

5. Add a Personal Touch 

One of the best parts of having a workspace inside your home is that you can have fun with its decor. Don’t be afraid to personalize your space: 

  • Paint the walls with your favorite colors.
  • Add your favorite painting or a family picture that brings you joy.
  • Decorate the space with flowers, whether real or artificial.
  • Experiment with decorative accents.

My Tip: Although I’m very much into darker colors and goth decor, I prefer lighter tones in my workspace. I use a light pink keyboard, mouse, and keyboard mat to add color while keeping a soft aesthetic. And for a touch of fun, I also keep a few vinyl figures from my favorite movies on my desk.

Cloffices Get all the Hype for a Reason

Cloffices are popular for a reason — they’re a simple yet effective way to incorporate an office into your home without giving up extra space. And with our tips, you’re now ready to grab your tools and turn your unused closet into your own home cloffice. 

When you’re ready to create your cloffice, Home Gnome puts local interior designers at your fingertips. Home Gnome also connects you to handymen near you who can help with the shelving, doors, and even hanging pictures or installing overhead lights.

Read More:
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: Vilayat / Adobe Stock / License generated with AI

Teresa Joaquim

A creative writer with an academic background in psychology, Teresa is also a proud cat mom who loves creative endeavors. As a child, she once helped paint the interior of an entire house with her parents. But the color choice was a bit tacky: a strong, bright blue on the living room walls. These days, she still enjoys home décor projects but prefers a mix of both cottage and goth styles.