Author’s note: This post is from 2010, back when I was single, living in a studio in DC. This was always a popular post so I’m leaving it here, as it captures the spirit of what jkcoolmom is all about.

I like to tell people I sleep in my closet.

Rents are rising faster here than in Manhattan, LA, and a bunch of other cities that most people would rather live in. I personally love living in my 500 sq-foot patch of DC, but you have to learn how to make the most of a tiny space, which brings me to the point of this post.  Live in a studio with a large walk-in closet? Boom. Instant bedroom. Or, as I like to call it, “the bedwomb.”

Here’s how:

CLOSET TO BEDROOM MAKEOVER

TOOLS

• Camera, for “before” picture (so you can reassemble closet at move-out)
• Electric drill, to remove existing closet components
• Wallpaper and supplies (optional but recommended)
• Bed (make sure it fits first)
• Light fixture, night stand, other bedroom essentials

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove all built-in closet shelves. Make sure to take pictures of the empty closet BEFORE YOU START, so you know how to reassemble it when you have to move-out and get your deposit back.
2. Hang wallpaper, if using. This makes a HUGE difference and instantly makes it seem like a cozy room vs. mental institution cell. I used Graham and Brown EasyChange wallpaper that you can peel off cleanly when you move out. I used water soluble wallpaper paste — I didn’t do that great of a job though (my first wallpapering), so I may redo part of it later because it’s already curling back in places.
3. (Optional) I removed the door from the frame completely. It felt too much like a coffin with the door closed. Plus, I hate doors that swing out because they waste precious floor space.
4. Deal with the lighting — this is very important. I swapped out the depressing, frosted glass closet overhead light with a DIY glass bubble lamp, inspired by this Jean Pelle creation. I’ll do a separate post on making and hardwiring it later. Alternately, you could use a simple bedside lamp. Anything is better than overhead closet lighting though.
5. Move your bed and bedding in place. Make sure it fits — I opted to keep my full-size (54″x75″), which fits well and leaves room for a headboard and nightstand. A queen (60″x80″) would fit, but it would be a tight squeeze. Those extra few inches matter when you’re moving into a closet.
6. Hang art and accessorize!