Tidy Office In A Tiny Closet

@Jason: If you guys don't like such posts, just don't read LH anymore.

Here's a better idea. Come up with your own blog - if it's good enough, the LH readers will follow you.

qrius

@ericesque: you can wire an outlet in the closet.

utkhexon

@shadowfirebird: Just make some shelves and screw them into the wall for those things.

@ericesque: You can hide the cords. I turned my closet into a workspace like this after reading this article. There is a power outlet right next to my closet, so I hooked a power strip up to that and hid the wires under a carpet. It's actually really seamless.

@Ryan Stiner: Try hooking an extension to a power outlet, and hook the power strip up to that. I have a plug right next to my closet, so I didn't even need to use the extension cord.

@jupiterthunder: I did this after reading this article. I am not the least bit claustrophobic; I like these small spaces. I recommend it. But if you don't like it, that's fine. To each their own.

@madjack1987: Why not just ditch the subeoofer? If you really need it, make a small shelf and attach it to that.

This is an amazing workspace. I liked it so much that I decided I would try it. My closet had lots of shelves nailed and screwed into the wall, so I had to unscrew and unhinge all of those. Then I moved my desk, a painting, a corkboard, and a clock in. I put a lamp on the left sie of the desk, speakers on the right, and a few sculptures and things next to the lamp. Then I hooked my MacBook, lamp, and speakers up to a powerstrip, completely hid the wires to make it aesthetically pleasing, and I was ready to go. I'm going to put a couple if little shelves in tonight. Thanks so much!

@andrewkane:

"Just keep the negative comments to yourselves, they needlessly belittle the accomplishments of others and serve no constructive or entertaining purpose."

Well, except for the fact that Lifehacker has been deteriorating to an astonishing degree. It's turning into Better Ikea Offices for Mac Users. It's not Closet Officeboy's fault or anything-- that's sort of a good idea-- but I'm puzzled. Next Up: How to Hack Your Ears With Q-Tips!

Jason

@Adriel Cartmell: Oh hush. Besides, here are 5 AWESOME HACKS for changing your desktop wallpaper to pictures of Moleskine notebooks!

Jason

@SJRNWT: there is nothing "efficient" about this workspace. And I use the term "workspace" lightly. The chair he uses is not something you want to be sitting on when working for long periods of time. This setup is ok for light internet surfing or email checking, but definitely not for "efficient", long-term working.

On top of that, even if you do live in a tiny apartment, room, etc, putting your desk in the closet totally takes up the space you put your clothes in. And I understand that he has a shelf mounted above where he puts clothes, but there is only a certain amount of weight you can put on that shelf before it breaks and crushes your laptop below.

atomicrabbit

I'd never do this even if I was able to. Waaaay too confining and claustrophobic. What's strange about this though is that he has it set up with a laptop. If you have a laptop, take it somewhere, anywhere, and be comfortable. Isn't that the point of paying extra for one? Keep the rest of the stuff in the closet.

DiscoZombie

This is clever -- but in NO POSSIBLE WAY does it constitute an "office".

No filing space, not even an in-tray. Nowhere to store stamps, pens, thumb drives, blank CD/DVDs. No waste bin.

Nowhere to store ink cartridges and printer paper, either, although at a stretch I suppose they could live somewhere else.

Sorry, this is just a cute place to hide a printer and some speakers (since the computer is a laptop, it can be hidden far easier -- just fold it up).

@Brain.wav:
Speaking of high-powered, I don't have any outlets in my closet that I'm aware of.

Sure you can run an extension cord in there, but all of a sudden your stealth seems less stealthy. Like having a helicopter painted cammo, but hearing those blasted loud rotor blades...

ericesque

I really appreciate all the comments! I really took the inspiration for this project by seeing other featured workspaces on Lifehacker, and to have it actually featured on the site is flattering. And after reading the comments, I definitely see how this concept could be improved. I did consider elevating the sub or moving it to the side, but the wire rack was mounted before the bass was placed so I just went with it. Also, the wonky crooked picture is a souvenir my Mom brought back from a business trip to South Africa. More of a sentimental personal decoration...turns out it just didn't hang well at all!

@Adriel Cartmell: I don't fully understand what you're trying to say... are you implying that... hmm... you... don't like this workspace?

+1 to andrewkane for hitting the nail on the head. Your comment was pointless-- the fact is, this guy has a nice clean workspace. Efficiency can look simple, and this guy's workspace proves that.

Personally I like this workspace, it's simple, small, and doesn't look expensive (aside from that Macbook-- oh I went there girlfriend *snaps fingers, head bob, mmmhmmmm*). The perfect setup for someone like me, a brokeass 18 year old living on his own for the summer.

SJRNWT

@andrewkane: sorry andrewkane, but they have a point. LH has been posting a lot of workspaces that really don't deserve a post. I mean the first time LH posted a workspace setup in a closet was interesting and new, but there's really no point in posting another, just because another person did it and is proud of themselves. No one says this isn't a good choice for the guy who set it up, but why is it special enough to be posted here? I mean, there are lots of posts they could have used from the "Remains of the day" post that were more interesting than this.

Also, read my post above for another argument against this post ^ It's more of a constructive criticism how I don't see that it can be a productive workspace because... well read it above!

atomicrabbit

no way. i need a view beyond the monitor. that setup would make me claustrophobic and unhappy.

Amethysaurus

@urbanturban666: your argument gains more and more credence, my friend. this is exactly what I was thinking as well!

My niece had an "office" in her closet & referred to it as her "cloffice."

The main problem with this workspace has to do with that Chelsea wallpaper on the macbook.

omred

This would make no sense for me, since the closet would always be opened.....

So basically he works out of a cubicle in his apartment? Doesn't this negate one of the major benefits of working from home? Or he doesn't actually work full days at that desk, in which case it isn't really a "featured workspace", more of a "featured place I keep my laptop". This is further evidenced by the crappy chair and the lack of external keyboard, monitor, etc, all of I think are necessary for a to stay comfortable when sitting at a desk for a long period of time.

I do like the cable sheath thingy though.

cc82

Really? Just keep the negative comments to yourselves, they needlessly belittle the accomplishments of others, and serve no constructive or entertaining purpose. Kudos to splitlog for having an idea, implementing it neatly and effectively, and sharing it with others. As those others, we're free to read it and let it influence our own lives in some way, or to ignore it. If you feel it wasted your time, it's nobody's fault but your own for letting it. We're all on the same team, so support your teammates.

andrewkane

@undefined: I masturbated today, it benefited me. I also had some Wendy's and am in the process of pooping it with my MBP right now as a matter of fact.

Let's make that a feature!! I do have a MBP so if someone would be kind enough to come into my bathroom and take a picture of me, I could most likely get it featured here!

Very svelte.

baest

Everyone complaining about claustrophobia and inadequate legroom seem to be forgetting what the draw of a closeable-closet-workspace is:

You can close it.

If the guy was planning to spend all day at his desk, he wouldn't put it in a closet. No this isn't the ideal setup for a 12 hour WoW marathon, but for getting some emails and work-stuff out of the way before moving on to more important things? It's great.

Lack of leg room is just one more reason to not spend more time sitting at your computer than necessary.

Heh, i have my home desk inside a similarly-sized closet, but it is bursting at the seams with stuff. Where is the paper? The supplies? Books, CDs, reference material, mail, etc?

The placement of the subwoofer is right where you'd naturally place your feet. The whole thing looks unnatural.

yagameister

@Adriel Cartmell: YEAH!!! lets all make him feel like a worthless piece of sh!t because he did something that benefited him and he wanted to share it with others!!

madjack1987

...waiting for someone to say that mac users should come out of the closet.

anyways, not enough leg room, but I guess it would work if it had to.

SamburgerHandwich

Who cares? Wow some clown has a small house and tossed a small desk with a mac book into a closet. He is so awesome.

Tomorrow you can post pictures of my small room with plain white walls that I fit a bed in.

Adriel Cartmell

IMO this is pretty uninspiring. Being a graphic & web designer, I don't think I could get anything creative done in a closed.

Come to think of it, even if you had a mundane job of data entry or something else, what would inspire you to actually do work if you have to do it in a flippin' closet.

Aside from being able to hide your cluttered desk, there is absolutely no productive use for this type of setup.

btw, I have the same speakers.... they're alright. Nothing special.

atomicrabbit

I would like to see a video of him assembling that desk inside of there. Very nice small workplace, I love seeing these hidden work spaces.

remember what i said last week about piling macs on tables just to make the FW section?

urbanturban666

I wouldn't care for that at all. I'd sooner put some shelves or a dresser in the closet to save space, and then leave my desk out in the open.

NealCabbie

@dsh: That would make his desk shake like a sh!ttin Dog. If he attached it to a bracket out of sight just below his desk though...

madjack1987

@awperk: same here. plus why would i wanna hide my computer?

It would look between seven and a billion times better if he hid that subwoofer somewhere. Maybe attached to the underside of the desk?

@Josh Lewis:

You'll get claustrophobic? Some really bad stuff must've went down in that closet.

I like the idea. I was going to do this, but I already didn't have enough closet space. I figure if I can do this, it will give me a nice distraction free work zone. Or couse, those distractions will keep calling from across the room and then I'll find that my computer is now located someplace where I can't even use it while sitting in front of the TV or saving the world from baddies.

jupiterthunder

One of your pictures is wonky LOL ... sorry im anal 'bout that. I like your workspace though its a great idea and when you need to tidy your desk you can just shut the doors and pretend its not there

madjack1987

it looks a little too awkward for my tastes. i like to have room to move in my work space, especially since i have long arms and legs.

awperk

I did this in my college days, and it freaking sucked. DO NOT DO THIS. It get shot, you're get claustrophobic if you do anything more than check email. Suck it up and at least get a little corner desk.

Josh Lewis

My main computer is stuffed into a closet, although it isn't close to that clean.

I was worried when I put the wireless router in there, since it is in the center of 3 brick fireplaces and is completely surrounded by brick except for the short wall with the door. It gets nice and toasty in there during winter parties since we get all 3 fireplaces going.

sjkeegs

also can be tough on cord storage/hiding. Most closets do not have power outlets.

Ryan Stiner

i had this setup in my closet years ago. and yes, it is very hot. we had central air, as well ... but the ability to close the doors on your workdesk is veddy nice, indeed.

Ryan Stiner

i like this idea!

This is actually pretty inventive... if I didn't need to use my closet for clothes, I think I'd be getting on this this weekend.

The only major (non-clothes) issue I can see is if you have a high-powered computer, and thus generate a lot of heat.