Our latest project is this fun closet nook!
This was originally just a storage closet in one of our spare bedrooms and we wanted to give it a custom update. So now it doubles as a functional sitting space and storage space. See below for specific details and the how to tutorial!
Oof, don’t judge me, but this is how this closet originally looked. We started by clearing Everything out and removing baseboards.
To remove baseboards, we scored the crease of the baseboard with a utility knife and then used a crowbar and hammer to pull away from the wall. Then we removed it the basic bifold doors.
Next, we installed vertical shiplap to the back wall of the closet. We used tongue and groove shiplap from Home Depot which is super easy to install. The closet is 8ft tall which is the length of the shiplap. So we didn’t even have to spend time cutting the strips...then we used a nail gun to secure in place.
Then we started to build the bench. We began with cutting 4 pieces of plywood to 26in tall by 24in wide using a circular saw. These pieces will be the sides and back of the bench. We drilled pocket holes using a KregJig and secured these pieces to each other and drilled into the shiplap to secure to the wall itself.
We added trim (1x2) using pocket holes to the sides of the bench that are facing out. This trim is where the cabinet door hinges will connect to.
For the top of the bench, we decided to use four 1x12 (cut to 54in) finished pine boards with two stacked on top of each other in order to get the desired thickness and support.
Next, we added a 1x2 to the front bottom of the cabinet as pictured below. You can see in the picture that we used two 1x2’s that meet in the middle... you can also just do one 1x2 that goes all the way across. We just happened to have two small pieces in our scrap wood instead of one long piece. We also added a piece of trim to the front of the bench to hide the crease and give a more finished look.
We wanted to provide extra support to the bench seat to ensure that it holds a good amount of weight. We used 2x4's with pocket holes to secure to the shiplap wall and to the underside of the bench seat.
Then, we added trim to the top of the bench and sides of the shiplap using 1x2’s to hide any imperfections and creases.
Then, we cut the cabinet doors. We used a 4ft x2ft x 1x2 inch thick (so the weight of the door isn’t too heavy) sheet of finished pine and cut it in half to fit our cabinet opening.
As pictured below, we added 1x2’s , 1x3’s , and 1 1/2 x 1/4 inch pieces to frame out the cabinet doors with a nice trim and attached with a nail gun. Then we applied two hinges to each door and attached to the side of the cabinet base.
Once both doors are attached it should look something like this! Now the hard part is done!
Next, I taped off around the bench top and stained in my favorite color. Varathane- Flagstone. I used a rag to apply and wiped off excess to prevent a super heavy stain. Then, I painted the cabinets white with a foam roller, this required a few coats for a nice even finish. We also applied this hardware to the cabinet doors that I got from Amazon.
Then, I painted the shiplap. I will say that once the shiplap is nailed into place, it is a PAIN to paint between the tiny cracks. If I had known I was going to paint it as opposed to leaving it white, I would have painted the sides of the shiplap BEFORE we nailed them up. However, painting black was a last minute decision. So I used a roller to paint and then a tiny paint brush to paint all the little cracks. I did a couple coats of black and once that dried, I taped off and painted the side walls white.
And finally time for my favorite part.. decorating and styling! We started by adding these super affordable sconces to the back wall. We did not want to go through the hassle of hard wiring... so, we used a little puck light hack by simply sticking battery operated puck lights in the sconces (with double sided tape) that work with a remote. Then I added some wall art, a floating shelf, and pillows to complete this cozy space. We couldn’t be happier with how this project turned out and love having the additional sitting space in this room! See the finish product below!!
