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Finished under-stairs closet makeover with white shelving, wood countertops, storage bins, woven baskets, and patterned peel-and-stick floor tile.
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DIY Closet Under Stairs Makeover

Turn an awkward under-stairs closet into useful storage with ready-made bookcases, peel-and-stick tile, wood countertops, and baskets. This layout can be adjusted to fit your own space.
Prep Time2 hours
Cook Time2 days
stain/drying2 days
Total Time4 days 2 hours
Course: DIY Decor
Cuisine: Skill Level Intermediate, Storage Solutions
Keyword: closet under stairs makeover, DIY closet organization, DIY closet under stairs, DIY Closet Under Stairs Makeover, IKEA Billy bookcase closet, small closet organization, under stairs storage ideas
Servings: 1 closet

Equipment

  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
  • Drill
  • Table Saw
  • Miter Saw
  • Nailer

Ingredients

  • IKEA Billy bookcases in sizes that fit your closet
  • 3/4 " edge-glued pine panels
  • 1 " wood screws
  • Golden Oak stain
  • Polycrylic optional
  • Peel-and-stick floor tile
  • Pre-finished shiplap wall panels
  • Sherwin-Williams Pure White paint
  • Storage tubs
  • Storage baskets
  • Instructions

Instructions

  • Empty the closet and measure the floor, walls, and ceiling height at several points under the stairs.
  • Plan the bookcase layout, placing taller storage where you have the most headroom and shorter units where the ceiling slopes lower.
  • Prep and paint the closet.
  • Install the peel-and-stick floor tile following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Assemble the bookcases and position them according to your layout. Secure them as directed by the manufacturer.
  • Measure the installed bookcases and cut 3/4" pine panels to fit. Leave a slight overhang if desired.
  • Attach the countertops with 1" wood screws driven up through the tops of the bookcases, then stain the wood.
  • Add the pre-finished wall panels above the shorter shelving.
  • Finish the closet with storage tubs and baskets sized to fit your shelves.

Notes

  • Every under-stairs closet is different, so adjust the bookcase sizes and layout to fit your space.
  • Measure countertops after the bookcases are installed for the best fit.
  • A coat of polycrylic can be added for extra protection.