$100 DIY Closet Makeover – A Gardener’s Dream

Everyone wants a well-organized and aesthetically pleasing closet, but the cost of built-in closets can be shockingly high. Fortunately, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, a budget-friendly closet makeover can still deliver stunning results. In this guide, we will share a cost-effective DIY closet remodel idea that is both unique and visually captivating.

The total cost? Less than $100. While it may not be the most conventional approach, this is hands-down the most visually appealing closet we have ever had. Plus, with a few simple modifications, this gardener’s paradise can be adapted to fit any space.

Transforming a Traditional Closet into a Zen Space

For context, this tranquil retreat was built inside my office—one of the only two spaces in my home where I have complete creative freedom to express my quirky, cat-loving personality. Many of us use bedroom closets in office spaces, which often become cluttered dumping grounds for paperwork and miscellaneous items. If you have ever lived in a small city apartment (NYC friends, I feel you), you know that maximizing every inch of space is essential.

This project may not be for everyone, but with some imagination and customization, you can scale it to fit your needs. A smaller space simply means fewer plants, but we can all enjoy the same calming vibe.

Creating a Functional Yet Relaxing Closet

This is an evolving project, and I plan to add storage boxes and hanging accessories to maintain functionality while enhancing the aesthetics. My goal was to create a space that relaxes me while remaining practical. Most importantly, I wanted a flexible design that could easily be reconfigured if I ever needed to revert this back to a traditional closet.

Need space to hang clothes? No problem. Simply adjust the bottom shelf to where the middle shelf is now and add a hanging dowel beneath it. This way, you can still incorporate elements of this design while maintaining traditional closet functionality.

Planning a Budget Closet Remodel

Careful planning is essential for any affordable closet renovation. Be clear about your budget and goals before getting started. Your DIY closet makeover should be practical, visually appealing, and most importantly, achievable within your financial limits.

Here is what makes this DIY closet transformation incredibly affordable:

• Wood: Recycled pallet boards (I kept the shipping markings for an industrial aesthetic).
• Support: Simple 2x4s costing around $5.
• Lighting: $40 worth of Amazon grow lights.
• Hanging Plants: Inexpensive finds from Temu.

We will dive into all the details below, but for now, thank you for being here! I hope this project inspires you to take on your own DIY closet renovation.

Declutter First: The Key to a Successful Closet Makeover

Let’s take another look at this before-and-after transformation. I wish I could say I staged the mess for dramatic effect, but unfortunately, that is not the case. That computer box at the bottom? It sat there for months. The outdated computer on the top left? Untouched for over five years. The tangled wires and miscellaneous parts scattered on the floor? Remnants of an old project—why they ended up in my office is anyone’s guess. And let’s not forget my 15-year-old leather briefcase, casually thrown on top of the computer box.

Of course, everyone’s situation is different, but one thing remains universal: organization should always be the first step in a closet remodel.

Decluttering Your Closet for a Clearer Mind

Not to get too metaphysical, but I firmly believe that clutter contributes to a restless mind. This chaotic setup had been sitting in my peripheral vision for months, silently feeding my subconscious with stress and disorder. Just take a look at the before-and-after photos—doesn’t the "after" picture instantly make you feel better?

The first truly rewarding step in any DIY closet makeover is sitting down, assessing your space, and purging unnecessary items. Start by sorting everything into three categories:

• Keep: Only the essentials that serve a real purpose.
• Donate or Sell: Items you have not used in years but could benefit someone else.
• Store: Sentimental items or seasonal clothing that does not need to take up daily space.

Making the Most of Limited Closet Space

If you plan to integrate hanging storage into this project, take a critical look at your wardrobe. Be honest with yourself—do you actually wear everything in your closet? Or are you holding onto clothes that have been collecting dust for years? Keepsake outfits from special moments? Neatly fold them and store them elsewhere. Let’s be real—you will probably never take them out again (too harsh?).

Reorganizing your closet is not just about aesthetics; it is about reclaiming your space and making it functional. If this is the only area where you can store household items, that is perfectly fine. The goal is not to eliminate storage but to streamline what stays. A full 6-foot shelf with a dowel will provide ample hanging and folding space, so do not be discouraged if your “great reorganization” does not immediately transform into a minimalist dream.

The bottom line? A clutter-free closet leads to a more organized space—and a clearer mind. This simple step alone will set the foundation for your **budget-friendly DIY closet makeover**.

Closet Layout: Simple, Functional, and Stylish

This **DIY closet design** features **three shelves** for **storage and plants**, creating a functional yet visually appealing space. If you need a **closet with hanging storage**, adjust the **center shelf** to be the longest (6 feet) and install a **wooden dowel** with **mounting brackets**. These can easily be found at **Home Depot**, typically near the **pine shelving section**.

Optimizing Your Closet Shelving for the Best Look

The key to making your **budget closet makeover** look as professional as possible is to ensure the **design is centered** and **everything is perfectly level**. Before you start cutting or drilling, plan your layout carefully. There are two great ways to do this:

• **Sketch by Hand:** Draw your project out on paper with detailed measurements.
• **Use 3D Modeling Software:** Platforms like SketchUpSketchUp is a 3D modeling software used for architectural, interior, and mechanical design, as well as landscape architecture and game development. allow you to visualize your design before building.

Finding Studs for Secure Shelf Installation

Once you finalize your design, you will need a **stud finder** to locate the **wall studs** behind the drywall. These studs provide the necessary support for your shelving. Standard wall studs are usually **16 inches apart**, so mark their locations clearly before securing any brackets or shelving.

If you like my **custom DIY closet design**, simply measure the **back wall of your closet**, find the **vertical center**, and align the shelving accordingly. With a **well-planned layout**, this **affordable closet renovation** will not only be functional but also a stylish focal point in your space.

Transforming Pine Shelving into a Relaxing Plant Haven

Now it is time to **turn raw pine boards into beautifully finished shelving** that enhances the natural contrast of plants and wood. The secret? Minwax Warm Polyurethane. This **tinted polyurethane** is incredibly easy to work with, thanks to its **hybrid mix of oil and water**, which allows for **smooth application** and **forgiveness in technique**.

Setting Up Your Workspace

Before applying polyurethane, it is crucial to prepare a **clean, controlled workspace** to prevent unwanted dust or debris from sticking to the finish. Here are a few **workspace setup tips**:

• **Gloves Optional:** Polyurethane can be messy, but it is not a requirement to wear gloves.
• **Protect Your Surface:** Work over **shop towels, a drop cloth, cardboard, or plastic liner** to prevent spills.
• **Make Use of What You Have:** I had some large **Amazon boxes** lying around, so I layered them over my **sawhorses** as a makeshift workstation.

For a more detailed polyurethane application process, check out my complete polyurethane guide.

Key Tips for a Smooth Finish

When applying polyurethane, **bubbles are your enemy**. Here are the key steps to avoid a rough, uneven finish:

• Do NOT shake the can. Shaking introduces air bubbles that will appear in your finish.
• Stir thoroughly. Certain components in the polyurethane will separate over time. Stir **gently in a figure-eight motion**, making sure to scrape the bottom of the can.
• Apply in thin layers. Multiple thin coats are much better than one thick coat.
• Feather the polyurethane. After applying, go back over the entire board **using a brush at a 45-degree angle**, gliding from end to end to smooth out any streaks.
• Check the edges. Lightly brush the sides and ends of the boards to **prevent drips**—dried polyurethane drips **look awful** and are hard to fix.

How Many Coats Should You Apply?

Always read the **manufacturer’s label** for **recommended recoat times**, and for best results, lightly sand between coats. For this **DIY closet makeover**, I applied **three (3) coats** of polyurethane. The more coats you apply, **the warmer and richer the wood finish will appear**.

A well-applied **polyurethane finish** will not only protect your **DIY closet shelving** but will also **enhance the natural beauty of the wood**, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your space.

Mounting the Vertical Pine Boards

Now our closet project is finally starting to take shape! With the 2x4 supports securely in place and level, it is time to install the vertical pine boards. This step is straightforward, but proper alignment is key to ensuring a clean, professional-looking design.

How to Center Your Closet Design

Your DIY closet shelving should be vertically centered for the best visual balance. Follow these steps to make sure your installation is properly aligned:

1. Find the midpoint of your closet’s back wall and mark it.
2. Line up the first pine board on one side of that midpoint.
3. Place the second pine board on the opposite side of the midpoint.
4. Once the center boards are in place, install the third and fourth boards, ensuring they are flush against the first two.

By installing the center boards first, you ensure the entire closet shelving design is symmetrical and evenly spaced.

Placing Screws & Hiding Bracket Mounts

At this stage, you need to determine where your shelving brackets will go. A smart trick is to place the vertical board screws in line with the brackets so that the brackets hide the screw heads for a cleaner look.

To securely attach the pine boards:

• Make sure your screws are centered on the 2x4 supports for maximum hold.
• Use a level to double-check alignment before drilling.
• Drill wood screws through each pine board and into the 2x4 supports.
• Start with the first board, then butt up the remaining boards to ensure they stay level.

Pro Tip: The First Board is the Hardest

The first pine board is always the trickiest to install since it sets the alignment for everything else. Take your time, get it right, and the rest will fall into place smoothly.

With the vertical boards mounted, your DIY closet makeover is finally looking like an actual closet!

Installing the Shelving Brackets

With the vertical pine boards securely mounted, it is time to install the shelving brackets. Using a simple trick, we can hide the original wood screws while also ensuring that the brackets are anchored directly into the 2x4 supports for maximum strength.

How to Secure the Closet Shelving Brackets

Follow these steps to properly install the brackets:

1. Align each shelving bracket over an already-installed wood screw.
2. This hides the original screw and ensures that the bracket is anchored into the 2x4 supports.
3. Secure the first bracket in place using the provided mounting hardware.
4. Repeat the process for the other brackets, ensuring even spacing.

If you lined up everything perfectly in the previous step, then your shelves should automatically turn out level. However, nobody is perfect—and mistakes happen.

How to Double-Check Shelf Leveling

If you need to adjust for accuracy, use this method to ensure level shelves:

• First, install one side of the shelving brackets securely.
• Place a pine board onto the installed bracket.
• Use a level to align the second bracket to ensure the shelf sits evenly.
• Once level, secure the second bracket in place.

Pro Tip: Small Mistakes Are Not a Big Deal

It can be a little tricky, but do not stress if you need to redrill a few holes. Any minor mistakes will be hidden by your plants or other storage items once the closet is complete.

With the brackets installed, you are now one step away from a fully functional, stylish DIY closet shelving system!

Installing Grow Lights & Selecting Indoor Plants

For this project, I installed two grow tubes—one mounted on the ceiling and another placed discreetly on the right-hand side, pointing towards the back of the closet. If you look closely at the pictures, you will notice that the right side appears brighter than the left. This setup allows for a **diverse selection of plants**, making this space feel more like an **indoor garden** (can we officially start calling it that now?).

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Closet Garden

Your **plant selection** depends on your **personal preferences** and the **light conditions** you create. As a general rule, **full sun plants should be placed directly under grow lights**, while **partial sun and shade-loving plants** can thrive with **strategic placement**.

For this project, I chose to **avoid succulents** and instead incorporated a **healthy mix of flowering plants and crawling ivies**. If you are looking for affordable plants, I highly recommend checking **Facebook Marketplace or local plant groups**, where plant enthusiasts often **propagate and sell plants at lower prices**.

Best Indoor Plants Based on Light Requirements

Full Sun Indoor Plants

• Succulents: Echeveria, Aeonium, Haworthia
• Cacti: Barrel cactus, Christmas cactus, Star cactus
• Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
• Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
• Aloe vera
• Yucca
• Geraniums
• Hibiscus
• Desert rose (Adenium obesum)
• Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
• Kalanchoe
• Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii)
• Lavender
• Oleander

Partial Sun Indoor Plants

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• African violet (Saintpaulia)
• ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
• Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
• Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)
• Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Dracaena varieties: Dragon tree, Janet Craig
• Orchids: Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium
• Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

Shade Loving Indoor Plants

• Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
• Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
• Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
• Calathea varieties: Rattlesnake plant, Peacock plant
• Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
• Dieffenbachia
• Peace begonia
• Fittonia (nerve plant)
• Ivy (Hedera helix)
• ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
• Umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola)

By carefully selecting plants that match your lighting setup, you can create a **lush, thriving indoor garden** that enhances both **aesthetics and relaxation**.

Frequently Asked Questions