We understand we sometimes become easily excited over things that most people aren't (under bed storage and diy labeling projects probably top the list). So it's no surprise that we are completely enthralled with the makeover of this deceptively normal looking closet. Little do you know it holds one heck of a surprise!
Now, most moms probably wouldn't be too keen on the idea of showing off their 3 year old's closet, but Ana over at Knock Off Wood shares all her projects without fear (or at least we never see it) and in the name of bettering homes around the world. Her ideas are easy to understand and empower you to actually execute them instead of saving a photo to your desk top for another time.
These doors were a traditional bi-fold door that with a few modifications and the addition of interior shelving became not only a place to hold clothes, but also a library and storage for a million other things. We love the look, the organization it offers and the overall amazingness that has us running to the store for casters.
• Check out the full tutorial and building plans to make your own!
(Image: Knock Off Wood)
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Oh wow... that is incredible!!!
Thats really cool. Wish I had a walk in closet I could do this with. My closets are way to shallow. Hmmm maybe I could do this with the lower half so that the hangers don't hit whatever is attached to the doors. Thats a thought.
Thanks Sarah for posting my closet!
Couchfit, the shelves fit in the door jamb, and do not sit inside the closet. The inside dimensions of your closet will not change, the shelving system takes advantage of the wasted space in the closet doorway.
Thanks Lisa!
This is amazing!
This is great, but how are the doors pulled open? I don't see any doorknobs or pulls.
Hi Levmarc, like any closet door, you can simply add a knob or handle. I just can't make up my mind yet on what type of hardware, girly pink flowers, classic stainless, or some pretty glass knobs . . . what do you think? Decisions, decisions!
Wonders if this would work on carpeted floors...
lazydaisy - Assuming you use a caster that moves easily, you shouldn't have too much trouble, though if you struggle, you could always try using one of those plastic mats that go under an office chair to help them roll?
wow - very cool! Makes me kind of wish we had left the doors on my son's closet! (we removed them and put up curtains instead)
Ana is seriously a genius.
This is a great project and the tutorial was really well done. Thanks for the great post.
Hope the hinges and door jamb hold up with the extra weight! Mine are seriously sagging.
Hi all, thanks! There are actually a few different ways you could work around carpeting or a change in flooring. Heavy duty hinges that screw into both the closet door jamb and the shelving unit could remove the need for casters all together, but I can't guarantee a weight limit. Use at least three hinges per side of the door (hinges often come with a weight rating for doors).
Here's to more storage!
Ana
Ana White is the greatest. Each new design is so fresh and clever and doable. I have made two beds, and already have a fat "want to do" list inspired by knock-offwood.com, but this design rockets to the top of that list. Love love love!!
Good point, dhmoninger. With prehung door kits for lightweight doors, the door frames inserts are flexible. Instead of a stud-strong door frame, picture 1x4s box floated into position and shimmed straight and plumb.
To add strength and rigidity for this project, it would be wise to remove the trim (my door trim is held on by narrow 3/4" staples) and solidify the gap between the floating door frame and the nearest stud using lumber infill, fasterners, and glue. Then build and mount Ana's storage closet doors to the strengthened frame, and finally replace the doorway casing.
Note: Depending on how the doorway was framed and trimmed out, it might be easier to remove the trim from inside the closet door. You would want to have a close look at it.
Thanks for mentioning that, dhmoninger. When I had to replace or re-align many of the lightweight prehung doors at our house, I found it incredible to look inside and see how much space existed behind the door casing between the door frame and the wall stud.
Does anyone else think of Barbie when they see this? Don't laugh! I used to have this trunk that opened up and the Barbies were on the bottom and the doors held her clothes and shoes. It's like that come to life!
This reminds me of that scene from "Overboard" with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn when he builds an elaborate custom closet for her yacht and she refuses to pay him because it wasn't built out of cedar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUNCshz1pZ4&feature=related
The scene is at the end.
@ BigTab: That's exactly what I first thought of, too! Mine was like a wardrobe, though, with a "closet" for clothes on one side and a little place for Barbie, with the doors next to it. It opened up to be like a dressing room!
I love Ana. Not only is she creative and impressive, but she's so generous with sharing her talents with others.
That is fab! I love organized space. How about these amazing knobs from Anthropologie: http://tinyurl.com/232zfa4
Or else some pretty glass knobs or pulls--after all that girly pink some crystal or something on the outside would look great.
Just wanted to give everyone an update - Mindy built the closets storage doors! You gotta check out her closet - soooo much storage! http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs309.ash2/58972_469070856549_578716549_7083022_6083064_n.jpg
This is amazing! I've always hated the bypass doors in my sons room. I was considering replacing them with bifolds but now I'm convinced I must have them!