Like any well-used bedroom, our current office/playroom/guest room includes a closet. It used to be my clothes closet until we installed built-in wardrobes in the bedroom, which freed this space up and gave me the upgrade of keeping clothes in the room where I actually sleep.
Over time that closet shifted roles: after serving as a bonus storage spot (for many months it held nothing but Burger’s crate), it eventually became a dumping ground for extra coats, books and random household items. Its two main jobs were storing Burger’s small dog crate and holding the bedding for the sleeper sofa in the room. Those two functions constantly clashed — every time we slid the crate out, the stack of linens would tumble to the floor and then be shoved back on top when we returned. The pile got messier each time.
Because the closet door is typically left open and Burger likes to relax in his crate, it was time to tame the clutter. The first step was a simple shelf to keep linens from toppling whenever we removed the crate. After clearing the space we planned a straightforward rail-and-plank solution.
We took inspiration from a lower shelf that had once been inside the closet and decided to install two side rails to support a wide plank. We picked up a 1 x 2 and two 1 x 8 planks at Home Depot and had them cut to size. The two 1 x 8s sit side-by-side to create a 16″ deep shelf that rests on the 1 x 2 side rails. I also cut an extra 1 x 2 for the back as optional reinforcement, though I didn’t end up needing it.
With Burger’s crate still in place I measured the shelf height, leaving a little clearance so the crate could slide in and out easily. Note: I measured from the top of the baseboards in the photos — the crate is taller than it looks.
After marking level lines on both sidewalls, I positioned the rails and secured each with three screws. One screw on each side engaged a stud for extra strength. I didn’t need heavy-duty anchors since the shelf is intended for linens and lightweight items, but if you plan to store books or other heavy objects, fasten the rails to multiple studs or use proper anchors. Once the rails were secure, I placed the planks on top and checked for level — everything lined up nicely.
One rail extends slightly past the plank to allow wiggle room; if needed we could add a 1 x 3 to extend the shelf to the edge of the ledge. The shelf doesn’t go as deep as the closet because a plastic pipe for the radon mitigation system runs up the left wall and limits how far I could extend the rail. I could have notched the shelf around the pipe, but it wasn’t worth the extra effort for this install.
Of course I double-checked that Burger’s crate fit under the new shelf before finishing the project.
Next came painting. The closet walls were a little shabby, so I took the chance to paint the shelf semi-gloss white and give the entire interior — walls, hanging bar and the back of the door — a fresh coat. Painting was the most time-consuming step. We used a low-VOC semi-gloss white for a clean, durable finish.
With the new shelf painted and dry, it was time to put things back — more thoughtfully this time. We reduced the amount of guest bedding by storing some sheets directly in the sleeper sofa mattress and only keeping two pillows in the closet; the extra pillows live in the bedroom wardrobe. That pared-down approach meant the remaining linens fit neatly on the new shelf and the closet instantly looked neater and more inviting.
The biggest payoff is practicality: we can now remove Burger’s crate for travel without all the bedding cascading into a heap. Order restored feels great, especially when you use the space frequently.
We also culled hanging items. Old winter coats and unused bags were donated, and the few remaining coats were moved to the bedroom wardrobe after I cleared out some old work shirts. That left ample hanging space for guests and a couple of handbags that actually look good in the closet.
While organizing the upper shelf we removed books to donate, contained scarves and gloves that had been spilling out of a basket, and bundled spare surge protectors by wrapping the cord and plugging it into itself to keep it tidy. We also kept Sherry’s mailing envelopes for the shop neatly stacked.
A fun finishing touch was hanging Clara’s personalized growth chart on the inside of the closet door, paired with a whimsical ceramic pig hook. It adds personality and makes the space feel more finished.
All told, the closet is now a much more pleasant and functional space. We’re genuinely excited to pull out Burger’s crate for the next road trip and not have pillows and blankets crash down. Most importantly, Burger gives the new setup his stamp of approval — which matters, because he can be a tough critic.
Have you tackled a closet rework lately? Any tips for storing linens or guest bedding — especially if your closet has an unusual combo of uses like ours? We’d love to hear creative solutions.
