I seem to be on a roll with closet organization this year. This last project is my second one! TV/display cabinets and bookshelves are a great starting point from which to build closet storage. These pieces frequently have a wood face frame which is more solid than particle board components in closet systems. Habitat for Humanity is a great source for these type of furniture pieces, affordable and supports a great cause. The piece I used for this project was $35.

This is where the closet started. (This was before demo at a foreclosed property.)

The closet is square and the entry is centered on one wall facing the back wall. I wanted this back wall to be the focal point of the closet, anchored with a nice piece of cabinetry. This display cabinet was my starting point.

I used Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel, Satin finish, in Alabaster to freshen this piece. This was easy work. A quick scuff sand and primer and paint through a paint sprayer.

This piece is centered on the back, closet wall.

My aim was to re-purpose as much of the original closet components as possible. There were two pieces of the same height to flank each side of the large cabinet. These were ripped down to fit. These pieces had the holes on the side panels to allow for shelves to be adjusted. The shelves from the original closet were cut down to fit into the opening.

The shelves above these components were installed by adding cleats to the wall and side of the large cabinet. The original shelves were also ripped down to fit the opening and sit on top of the cleat. Scrape wood was used to add the face frame around the shelves. This face frame made a big difference. It looks much more substantial with the frame compared to just the single shelf.

The base of the cabinetry is the same height as the base moulding for continuity. Base shoe nicely trims out the bottom.

Rods were installed on each side of the closet. The original braces were used (after a quick coat of spray paint) to support on side of the rod and a cleat installed on wall to support the other.

Lots of caulk and paint finished it off! Because much of the material was repurposed and I used this affordable display cabinet, the cost for the project was minimal – $125!