Cute and Organized Nursery Closet Makeover: Before and After
Transforming a cramped, disorganized space into a functional, cute nursery closet was no small feat, but the results were worth every minute of frustration. This project taught me how to navigate uneven walls, tricky measurements, and plenty of unexpected challengesāall in pursuit of creating a whimsical and organized space for my baby girl.
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Why a Functional Nursery Closet Matters
When I was pregnant, I thought a couple of IKEA storage cubes would suffice for the nursery. But once the baby arrived, I quickly learned the importance of having everything accessible and organized. This nursery closet makeover was my solution to the chaos, and itās now a space that makes life easier and feels like a little slice of magic.
Covering the Old Nursery Closet Walls: How to Smooth Out Stained Wood Panels
The nursery closet started as a shallow, oddly shaped space with stained wooden planks covering the walls. To create a fresh, clean look, I covered these panels with 5mm plywood. It was an easy alternative to drywall in such a cramped area.
Materials Used:
Pro Tip: Sand down the spackled seams between plywood sheets for a polished finish. Even if your paint color shifts slightly, it can blend into your design theme.
Building DIY Shelf Brackets for a Floating Shelf Look
To maximize storage, I built custom shelf brackets using 1x2s. These brackets created a sleek floating shelf effect and worked perfectly with the closetās uneven walls.
Steps:
- Measure the back and side walls where the shelf will go.
- Screw the 1x2s into a U-shape to support the shelf.
- Ensure everything is level before attaching the shelves.
Adding a Whimsical Accent Wall with a Stencil
An accent wall can transform a space, and for this closet, I created a custom stencil using my Silhouette machine. The stencil added a playful, dreamy vibe to the back wall.
DIY Tip: Complete your stenciling before attaching the shelves to avoid smudging.
Creating Custom Shelves: A Million Cuts of Plywood
Each shelf needed to be individually measured and cut due to the uneven walls. I used 5mm plywood for the tops and bottoms of the shelves and stained the wood in Golden Pecan for a warm, cohesive look.
Steps:
- Measure and label each shelf piece to avoid mix-ups.
- Attach a 1×3 trim piece to the front of each shelf for a seamless finish.
Installing a DIY Closet Rod for Hanging Baby Clothes
Instead of buying tension rods, I repurposed a 1-inch dowel and some rope for a charming and functional hanging rod.
How I Did It:
- Drill holes in the dowel and shelf brackets for the rope.
- Paint the dowel to match the decor.
- Thread the rope through the drilled holes and secure with knots.
This quick and easy solution added a whimsical touch while keeping baby clothes organized.
Finishing Touches: Trim and Organization
No DIY project is complete without some trim work to cover imperfections. I used pre-painted cove molding to hide uneven edges and gaps between plywood panels.
Pro Tip: Sketch a diagram of your closet and measure each piece of trim individually to save time and frustration.
Once the structural work was complete, I added functional and decorative elements:
- Storage Baskets: Affordable finds from TJ Maxx to hide clutter.
- Decor: A jewelry stand for headband storage, a row of baby shoes, and a framed printable from Etsy.
The Final Result: A Cute and Functional Nursery Closet
This nursery closet makeover transformed a chaotic, outdated space into an organized and adorable nook. The floating shelves, whimsical stencil, and DIY hanging rod work together to create a closet thatās as functional as it is beautiful.
If youāre tackling a nursery closet makeover, remember: uneven walls and unexpected hiccups are part of the process. Embrace the challenges, and youāll end up with a space you love.
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