A living room closet can be a total game-changer when you need real storage but still want the space to feel cozy and styled.
Fireplace-Flanking Closet Towers
Built-in closet towers on both sides of a fireplace are a classic for a reason, and I’ve used them to hide everything from speakers to extra throws. I like mixing closed doors on the bottom with open shelves up top so it doesn’t feel too heavy.
A few relevant products:
- Decorative Woven Storage Baskets: Keep throws or toys within reach but out of sight with these textured, stylish storage solutions.
- Cabinet Hardware & Pulls: Upgrade your existing cabinetry instantly by swapping in modern, matte black handles for a custom look.
- Ceramic Vases & Shelf Decor: Style your open shelves effortlessly with neutral ceramic vases that add organic texture to your display.
Wall-to-Wall Built-In Closet Cabinets
My go-to is a built-in closet wall with floor-to-ceiling doors because it hides everything from games to extra blankets without screaming “storage.” I like to build it from paint-grade plywood and add simple trim so it reads like clean, classic millwork.
Some handy options:
- Brass Cabinet Knobs: Upgrade your built-in cabinet doors with simple, classic hardware for an elegant and timeless finish.
- Shaker Style Cabinet Doors: Order unfinished or pre-primed door fronts to achieve that custom millwork look without building from scratch.
- White Semi-Gloss Interior Paint: Paint your plywood structure with a durable, washable finish that mimics professional high-end cabinetry.
TV-Framing Media Closet Wall
I’ve framed a TV with living room closet cabinets on both sides, and it instantly made cords, consoles, and movies disappear behind doors. I always include a couple adjustable shelves so the setup can change when your tech does.
Possibly handy products:
- Brass Cabinet Pulls: Upgrade your plain cabinet doors instantly with sleek gold handles that add a modern, high-end finish.
- Adjustable Shelf Pegs: Ensure your closet shelving is sturdy and flexible enough to accommodate changing tech setups and consoles.
- Cable Management Kit: Keep cords neatly hidden behind your new cabinet doors with organizers designed for clean, tangle-free setups.
Half Display, Half Hidden Closet
One of my favorite layouts is open shelving in the middle for books and pottery, with closed cabinets above or below to stash the messy stuff. I’ve built this look using the same wood species for both parts so the whole closet wall feels unified.
A few things you might like:
- Ceramic Vases & pottery: Add visual interest to your open shelves by mixing textured ceramic vases with your book collection.
- Decorative Bookends: Keep your favorite novels organized and upright while adding a subtle, stylish accent to your display.
- Cabinet Hardware: Refresh your lower cabinets instantly with sleek, modern pulls that create a unified, custombuilt appearance.
Corner Living Room Closet Tower
If you’ve got an awkward corner, I’ve had great luck building a corner closet tower with a tall door and a few angled shelves inside for baskets. It’s such an easy way to use dead space, and I’ve watched it save tiny living rooms more than once.
These products might be useful:
- Tall Slim Wooden Storage Cabinet: Maximize vertical space with a tall, slender cabinet that fits snugly into tight living room corners.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Baskets: Organize clutter instantly by placing these natural woven baskets on open shelves for a tidy look.
- Black Matte Cabinet Hardware Handles: Update existing furniture pieces easily with sleek, modern black pulls that add a custom, finished touch.
Mudroom-Style Entry Closet by the Sofa
In homes where the front door opens into the living room, I’ve turned one closet into a mudroom-style closet with hooks, a shoe shelf, and a tall cabinet for bags. It keeps the “drop zone” contained, and I swear it makes the whole room feel calmer.
Useful items to consider:
- Freestanding Hall Tree with Bench: Create an instant drop zone in your living room with this all-in-one storage bench and coat rack.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Keep clutter hidden on upper shelves using these textured baskets for organizing hats, gloves, and small accessories.
- Decorative Throw Pillow: Soften the look of your entryway bench and add cozy comfort with a textured, neutral throw pillow.
Board Game and Puzzle Closet
A dedicated living room closet for board games is underrated, and I like adding shallow shelves so boxes don’t get buried. I once labeled shelf edges with simple wood tags, and it made clean-up after game night way less painful.
A few suggestions:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Contain looser game pieces or small card decks in these textured baskets for a cleaner, unified look.
- Decorative Storage Boxes with Lids: Protect puzzles and vital game components from loss or dust while adding a stylish touch to shelves.
- Wooden Basket Tags or Labels: Clip these simple tags onto baskets or shelves to ensure every game returns to its proper home.
Toy Closet With Pull-Out Crates
For family spaces, I’ve turned a living room closet into a toy closet with pull-out wooden crates that act like big drawers. It’s the easiest “toss it in” system I’ve built, and it still looks tidy once the doors close.
Explore these options:
- Wooden Storage Crates with Handles: Transform open shelving into tidy drawers using sturdy wooden crates perfect for quick toy cleanup.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Add texture to your closet organization with woven baskets, ideal for storing soft toys or linens.
- Fabric Cube Storage Bins: Keep smaller items sorted with neutral fabric bins that slide easily onto closet shelves.
Cloffice Hidden in a Living Room Closet
I’ve tucked a tiny desk into a living room closet office, and closing the doors at the end of the day feels like magic. I always add a wood countertop and a couple shelves above so it works like a real workspace, not a sad little corner.
Check these products out:
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep cords and papers hidden with a textured basket that adds warmth and organizes your new workspace.
- Gold Desk Lamp: Illuminate your compact desk with a stylish metallic lamp to ensure comfortable reading and working conditions.
- Floating Wood Shelves: Maximize vertical storage space above your desk to display books and decor without cluttering the surface.
Double-Duty Closet and Display Ledge
Try adding a slim picture ledge across the face of your living room closet so the closet blends into a styled wall. I did this with a simple scrap-wood ledge and it made the doors feel like part of the room’s decor, not an interruption.
Some ideas to consider:
- Wooden Floating Shelves: Instantly create your display area by installing these shelves to showcase art, photos, and small decorative objects.
- Modern Picture Frames: Elevate your displayed artwork or family photos with clean, minimalist frames that complement your closet’s modern style.
- Ceramic Decorative Vases: Add texture and organic shapes to your ledge styling with a neutral vase suitable for dried stems.
Reclaimed Wood Armoire Built Into the Wall
When you don’t have a closet at all, I’ve built a closet-style armoire and trimmed it into the wall so it reads like original millwork. Using reclaimed wood for the doors gives that rustic character that makes the storage feel intentional.
Might be a good match:
- Freestanding Solid Wood Wardrobe: Choose a substantial wooden wardrobe as your base to create the look of custom, built-in storage efficiently.
- Vintage Black Cabinet Hardware: Update standard knobs with rustic black iron pulls to achieve that authentic, reclaimed farmhouse aesthetic instantly.
- Wood Molding and Trim Kit: Finish the built-in illusion by framing your armoire with matching trim to seamlessly blend it into your wall.
Cleaning Closet Disguised as Paneling
I once made a living room closet for the vacuum and cleaning supplies, then faced it with vertical wood slats so it looked like wall paneling. It’s such a weirdly satisfying trick—your living room stays pretty, and the “not pretty” tools still live nearby.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Vertical Wood Slat Wall Panels: Create a seamless, high-end look by covering your closet doors or surrounding walls with these acoustic wood panels.
- Matte Black Sliding Door Handles: Upgrade your closet functionality and style with sleek, modern pulls that provide contrast against natural wood finishes.
- Sliding Barn Door Hardware Kit: Install your disguised cleaning closet doors easily with a reliable track system designed for smooth, quiet regular use.
Secret Bookcase Door Closet
Yes, a bookcase door can hide a living room closet, and it gives that “how is this even real?” vibe without being cheesy. I’ve built one with a sturdy pivot hinge setup, and it’s the kind of project guests talk about for weeks.
These products might help:
- Hidden Bookcase Door Hinge Kit: Transform any shelving unit into a hidden door with this robust hardware kit designed for smooth, invisible pivoting.
- Solid Wood Tall Bookcase: Select a sturdy, tall wooden bookcase as the foundation for your secret door project to ensure structural integrity.
- Magnetic Touch Latches: Install these push-to-open latches to keep your secret door sleek and handle-free for a truly hidden appearance.
Hidden Bar Closet Behind Wood Doors
Turning a living room closet into a hidden bar closet is my favorite surprise upgrade, especially when you add a little wood counter and a rack for glassware. I did one with warm stained shelves and soft lighting, and it instantly became the coolest “secret” in the room.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Complete Cocktail Shaker and Toolkit: Equip your new home bar with essential durable tools for crafting perfect drinks for your guests.
- Warm LED Strip Cabinet Lighting: Instantly add ambiance and visibility to your shelves with these easy-to-install, warm-toned light strips.
- Crystal Wine Glass Set: Upgrade your display with elegant, sparkling glassware that enhances both the look and taste of wine.
