How to Turn a Hallway Closet into Custom Built Ins

Hey friends! I'm so excited to share how I took this boring, loud, super irritating hallway closet and turned it into functional, beautiful storage.
This is a project I've been meaning to tackle for about two years and every time I walk down my hallway, I wonder why I waited so long. I LOVE how these custom wooden cabinets improved the look and I'm happy to have storage drawers here, too.
If you've got a closet you're not 100% happy with, I hope this gives you some ideas for how to customize it to fit your needs!
Check out additional project details here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-h...
*Follow Woodshop Diaries On*
Website: www.woodshopdiaries.com/
TikTok: / woodshopdiaries
Facebook: / woodshopdiaries
Instagram: / woodshopdiaries
Pinterest: / sharamccuiston
SHOP WOODWORKING TEES AND BUILDING PLANS HERE:
woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/
Helpful resources for this build:
How to cut plywood sheets: www.woodshopdiaries.com/cut-d...
How to use a pocket hole jig: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to use a dowel jig: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to build cabinet doors: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to build drawer boxes: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to install drawer boxes: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to install cabinet doors: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to add adjustable shelves to cabinets: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to trim out windows and doors: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
Bathroom vanity where I assembled doors using T&G lumber: • How to Build a Bathroo...
Full disclosure: This project did cause me to lose some cubic feet of storage space. The VOLUME of space inside the “new” closet is a little less than the existing closet. However, the adjustable shelves and storage drawers in the new built ins allowed me to utilize the space much more efficiently, so I was able to put everything back in and actually still had room leftover.
So, it’s not always about the AMOUNT of space you have. It’s about how you use the space you have. However, if you feel that you need every square inch of space you can get, this may not be the project for you.
That said, for reference, this closet was roughly 84″ (which is 7′) wide, about 18″ deep, and 96″ (which is 8′) tall INSIDE. I built these built in cabinets to kind of “slide” into the door opening, so the cabinets themselves ended up being roughly 72 ½″ wide, 21 ½″ deep, and 81″ tall. Most of the space lost was just the very top-which was hard to access anyway, so losing it wasn’t a big deal.
Tools & Materials:
*Affiliate links below
Tools:
Circular Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx
Cutting Guides (Kreg Rip Cut & AccuCut used here): amzn.to/3Y38tDQ & amzn.to/49jZFAe
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/Aoo6Ya
Miter Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/b3DkDx
Table Saw
Brad Nailer: homedepot.sjv.io/c/1404662/13...
Pocket Hole Jig Kreg 720: amzn.to/32eoPBY
Kreg Micro Pocket Hole Jig (the small one in the video): amzn.to/47Xyvxy
Dowel Jig (optional): amzn.to/3sNQ83O
Shelf Pin Jig: amzn.to/3SWWbh7
Concealed Hinge Jig: amzn.to/47uH8j6
Materials:
For Cabinet:
(3) 4×8 sheets ¾″ plywood: homedepot.sjv.io/EazMWQ
(2) 4×8 sheets ¼″ plywood
(8) 1x6x8 tongue & groove boards OR (16) 1x3x8 boards (cedar used here)
1 ¼″ pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3FKfikk
2 ½″ wood screws
Shims
(4) pair 18″ drawer slides: amzn.to/3sNLWRK
(4) pair concealed hinges for inset doors: amzn.to/46vXBlO
Dowel Pins: amzn.to/3urFKPD
Wood Glue
Shelf Pins:
For Trim:
(3) 1x4x8 boards
(1) 1x6x8 board
Cove, half round, and crown moldings
Minwax Helmsman finish: amzn.to/47QIULt
Black knobs: amzn.to/3SYS1W2
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Demo existing closet
01:55 Assembling the Built In Cabinets
05:28 Assemble Face Frame
07:28 Installing drawer slides
08:01 Building and installing drawers
09:29 Installing the Built Ins
11:39 Assembling the Cabinet Doors
13:18 Installing the Doors
14:22 Trimming Out the Built Ins
16:05 Finishing Hallway Built Ins
17:05 Final Reveal

[@GrampaFuzzy]

wearing a "give blood" shirt while using power tools is quite brave

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha had never crossed my mind 😂

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Great observation! Cracks me up!

[@rachelburgener819]

Whodathunk😳😝🤣🤣🤣🤣 ❤️😀

[@stephaniefoster1964]

She already gave blood...😏

[@Jonacarpenter]

True…..but isn’t that a given as a carpenter? Small or big, we will give…….

[@TPoPArt]

This looks 100 times better and the way you used the cedar is very creative. You’re rebuilding your house one little piece at a time. 😂

[@ianwalker682]

The built in looks so much better! I think it would be a lot more user friendly as well.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I'm loving having these large drawers here instead of the old shelving. I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@stevedockery3534]

What an awesome job Shara. I've been wanting to do something to the kitchen pantry and now I have another great idea. Have a great weekend. Steve

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So glad this gave you some ideas! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!

[@annabelazanutto9222]

This is my new favorite channel

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Aww thank you! 🙌

[@emilevoyer123]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching! Have a great weekend!

[@JayBergCustoms]

I didn't really get the bottom trim part until you installed it. That whole built in is so seamless like that! Excellent job!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I saw a similar built in a while back where they did the baseboard like that and knew immediately that's what I wanted. It feels more "built in" being behind the trim.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

This is a very nice closet conversion! I like your cabinet idea. It looks so much better than the uninspiring plantation closet doors…ugh… definitely hard to open and keep closed! You had plenty of help with Bub supervising in the shop and Lucy watching over you two inside! Lol…. Take care and please keep on building! Have a happy weekend!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! If we are counting, I've ditched a total of 7 doors so far from this house in 2 years 😂 I'm obviously not a big fan of the original doors and I LOVE these do much better. I couldn't have done it without Bubs and Lou--and Danny for the heavy lifting haha. I appreciate you watching and hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

@@WoodshopDiaries ….. You’re obviously my favorite woodworking channel and I hope your efforts continue to pay off and your channel keeps on growing! It’s hard to explain, but you just do it right, explain your mistakes, and always have a beautiful piece of work! Thanks Shara and I hope you, Danny, Bub and Lucy have a wonderful holiday season! Don’t forget to take time out for yourself and your family. That comes first!

[@createful_heart]

I'd love to do something like this in my master closet. Thanks for this perfectly timed video, Shara! Your project is gorgeous!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and it gave you some ideas! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@brewster3987]

Okay, so that look at 0:09 genuinely struck fear into my soul... 😉 Good on ya for the 1/4" wiggle room allowances. In my 60-year-old ranch house, I'd probably need twice that amount for tolerances... I love this modular design. Isn't it amazing how you can actually gain usuable space with proper organization, even if you sacrifice a little cubic footage? I'm totally stealing your idea of ripping t&g flooring into frames and trim pieces. Brilliant. I'm very glad to know that someone else drills their shelf pin holes last, too. This one was worth the wait!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha doors bring out the worst in me 😂 So glad you enjoyed the build--I really appreciate you watching! I honestly was really surprised when I put everything back in I still had almost a full shelf and drawer left empty--it's not about how much space you have, it's about how you use the space 😉 I'm glad I could share the T&G "cheat" with you! Thanks so much for watching and following along. I hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend and upcoming holidays!

[@cyndij8312]

A decor closet. I think this is my favorite project of yours. Love the built in look.

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, that is an impressive build. Now you have me looking at all my closets and scratching my brain! Nice to see the whole Family is doing well. Thanks for Sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it and I truly appreciate you watching and following along! I hope you and yours are doing well and have a great weekend (and upcoming holidays!)!

[@kmh997]

Great job! All 4 of my closet openings have unique measurements, so your doors were most interesting to me. And thanks for admitting to sacrificing space. It makes me more at ease about an unavoidable loss in my hallway storage project.

[@jessicagatson1025]

I have been wanting to do something similar to this in my tiny hall closet! The even tinier closet doorway makes it difficult to use ALL of the usable space which just irritates me to no end. I appreciate seeing someone else do this first. Thanks.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad this gives you some inspiration and ideas for your own space! This could work for just about any size closet-happy building! 🙌

[@nyleah411]

Just wow!!! Beautiful job!

[@tresgarcia1725]

Wow. Great job! Beautiful work!

[@catrinabass8388]

Absolutely stunning!

[@theabristlebroom4378]

Subbed when I saw that woman-handled that whole thing by yourself. Extra points for working out the plan on your workbench!

[@auvet1986]

Outstanding job! Looks great!

[@jeffsmith8836]

Incredible difference! I’m going to copy this.

[@athomewithjenny]

That built in is so beautiful! Great job!! Thank you for sharing ❤❤

[@derrick1125]

Those look amazing. Great job.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@sawdustman101]

Looks great. Nice job!

[@pmdinaz]

I'm really liking the crown molding above it! Nice detail indeed!

[@clayformations1638]

Amazing work! You make it look so easy!

[@anabeliagarza1805]

Your work is amazing!!! I love the finished product.

[@cleojones4427]

WOW!!! INCREDIBLE!!! I aspire to make something on my own like this! Thank you!!

[@timothycreasy2161]

Very nice Ms. Shara. The look of cedar looks really nice on the doors. The drawers on the bottom is a easier way to find what you are looking for, took me a long time to understand why people were doing that. Two thumbs up 👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I think cedar is my favorite wood--I almost used preprimed lumber and painted it, but I'm glad I changed my mind and used cedar instead. I appreciate you watching and I hope you have a wonderful weekend and upcoming holidays!

[@jimrosson6702]

Great job Shara it looks amazing such a huge difference

[@callynt]

This is amazing! Way more functional and just gorgeous to look at.

[@jshields67]

Fantastic job! This is the inspiration I have needed. I am remodeling my house and have not done the closets because I also have an aversion to closet doors. After I finish building the kitchen cabinets I will do the closets in the same style.

[@brodrick3164]

Phenomenal job Shara.

[@SawdustmakerLori]

What a big improvement......great job!!! That closet will be so much more enjoyable to use and easier to organize. Now you've inspired me to figure out something better for a couple closets I have. This project was really large sized and looked difficult to handle but I noticed you had lots of help from Bubby and Lucy!

[@LPerez7276]

Very very nice. Adds character and functionality. Great job

[@justavian]

Amazing work - it looks great. I have some long term plans to do something similar to at least one of my spare bedrooms. I'll have to come back and watch this again when i'm ready to get started! Thanks for sharing this.

[@alonzohollingsworth7712]

Fabulous project.

[@lovejones7545]

Very nice! Looks great🤙🏾💯

[@chrisnash2154]

Great project and very well done. I’ve noticed a few things about you… You’ve been on for seven years and you have done projects as simple as a stool to full cabinets, yet You use some of the more basic and, “entry level“ woodworking tools. Nothing from Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Saw-Stop, Woodpeckers or even Festool. I don’t recall even seeing bandsaws, planers or jointers. This is not a dig on you. Quite the opposite. I am in awe and applaud your ability to do all you do with general tools that are easily and affordably accessible to the masses. SALUTE!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! Thanks so much for your kind words! I definitely try my best to keep things simple and accessible on purpose. Since my goal and focus is to help beginner and intermediate DIYers, I purposefully try to use as few, basic tools as possible on each project. No need to overcomplicate anything OR turn people away with expensive, fancy tools 😊 I'm glad you noticed and appreciate the efforts!

[@HobbitBroad]

In a previous house I lived in I had a much smaller version of your hallway cabinet with drawers. I loved the way I was able to organize all my linens and towels in them. I have a space now under my stairs that something like this would work perfectly. Love your work.✨💖✨

[@re-inventedbymaria]

Great video, perfect timing for me, I am planning to change the closet in my bedroom

[@shaynesabala]

That looks awesome. You are so talented.

[@kalinn55]

You are the best at explaining in detail how to do every step! Thank you for sharing all your amazing information!

[@davidgiesfeldt6650]

I love the use of the hidden hinges for a flush look on the insert doors. KUDOS!

[@ThePrime206]

You did an amazing job. Well done my God that's awesome

[@davidbourland8118]

Big improvement and interesting to watch. Thanks, DB

[@johnkelley9877]

That was a massive project but it looks beautiful! Your work is always great. Thanks for sharing this.

[@NicolasIdrobo]

Amazing project!

[@maddminister]

I'm about to do the same thing and I got two ideas from you. Great Job!

[@yapunion]

Love this whole look; we have a hall closet w/bifold doors, but are in need of better shelving, this is actually a pretty cool solution to it.

[@BrenQ99]

This was a genius approach!! I love the way your built ins look compared with the white doors…. What a massive difference in functionality, as well as aesthetics!! Phenomenal job.

[@jamiereife5581]

Beautiful job! ❤

[@espnmk]

Nice job! Shara love the contrast of white walls and custom wood sealed built ins, Thanks for Sharing...

[@Kkuts37]

Wow! What beautiful job you have done! Looks stunning! 😊

[@reynaldoreyna1780]

Great idea on the cedar for the doors defenetly will have to use your idea on my next diy project.

[@oreobenavidez953]

Wow!!! Absolutely gorgeous great job you are a fabulous carpenter . Have a blessed weekend 😊

[@jasonthomas1760]

Awesome build as always Shara! Love seeing what genius things you come up with. Hope you and the family had a wonderful turkey day.

[@76Scutter]

Awesome job LOVE IT

[@deborahhaynes8361]

You are right, night and day. I love the look.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy with how this turned out!

[@IMDunn-oy9cd]

Quite the improvement!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I smile everytime I walk down my hallway now haha. I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@GeoRedtick]

Beautiful. Great work. I just might have to steal this idea for my house.

[@ds61821]

This is a great project and one very similar to what I want to do in two bedrooms to replace those crappy typical folding doors closet doors. Thanks for giving me lots of great ideas.

[@MR-ir3rl]

Amazing job as always. you make it look so easy!!

[@bskelly]

Very creative. I love it

[@EmorettaRobinson]

This was quite clever and more visually appealing than before. It looks much more organized. And the end result is really cute.

[@sunrae9441]

You've inspired me to try building new furniture and they've turned out great! This is AMAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing all your projects!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

This makes my day! Thank you so much and I'm so glad to hear these projects have inspired you. Happy building!! 😊🙌

[@crazydoglady5]

awesome...wow..amazing. beautiful. Love the tongue ands groove for frames....great idea...

[@brunnie]

Very nice project. Looks terrific.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I'm really happy with how it turned out and I appreciate you watching!

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Wow. Brilliant job

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@chasborring8285]

Great job as always

[@gytri9933]

very nicely done. so beautiful you are so talented!!

[@jimmyr4448]

Looks awesome

[@missylearned9821]

I would much prefer to have this in bedrooms than closets! I always love 1920s-1950s homes that have this type of storage in bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms as standard features! Well done!

[@farmervee_yt]

Wow! That was awesome.

[@laurendao4467]

This is a great idea. I have a single hallway closet and it’s a word dimension and a little too deep, with the shelves a bit too far apart, making it hard to utilize the space well. An upper cabinet and lower drawers would be so much nicer in the tight space, too. Definitely on my longer-term DIY list!

[@westtexas5754]

Very nice. I appreciate that you made good use of available door hardware.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I'm glad it was an easy "fix" haha! Have a great weekend and thanks so much for watching!

[@MikeTheSith200]

Looks amazing. 😊

[@mistygeller3193]

That looks fantastic!! I mean WOW! You are so talented and I love watching your projects come together!! Thank you so, so, very much for sharing! I have learned so much from you 😊

[@mrpbright]

Love the groove side for door frame trick! 20 years in construction and thats new on me. One thing of note is that access panel. It looked to be for a shower valve? (by its height). That was likely added when the valve was changed out for upgrade or to change valve body for some reason. We dont need to leave access to those after install. The panel was probably used as its easier to do than a drywall patch. Nice looking project!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! The access panel is actually for internet so we needed to keep it accessible in the closet 😊

[@jordandanar]

That looks great! This video will be very helpful for me if I ever get around to making my built-in entertainment center.

[@carmenponcedeleon2693]

Whoa whoa whooooaaa❤ this was fabulous! Now I’m thinking of closets I can attempt this on!😊

[@_.Dave._]

Great work. I did this in my bedroom 6 month ago... expect I used a piece from wayfair on the bottom, although the drawers could be 5" deeper, I live in NYC and don't have a full woodshop so gotta make it work. Did doors on top with caning to match the premade dresser.

[@rachelburgener819]

What a wonderful, inspiring, beautiful and ohhhh did I say awesome addition to any space. Your craftsmanship is spot on👏👏👏. ❤️😀

[@timdyer7692]

Very nice project! You did an excellent job on the built-in.

[@tyronepelfrey8192]

Great job Girl🤓👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@thanksididitmyself]

I recently did this to a linen closet that had bifold doors, but I didn't put a "top" on the upper cabinet so I could still access storage space up high. It worked great! I'm dying to do this to my bedroom closets but it's a big undertaking so I've been holding off.

[@jeanlow129]

First time seeing one of your videos. Amazing woodworking skills!

[@TheVideoGameVault]

Looks awesome. I love how you make such cool stuff without a planer, jointer, biscuit joiner, drum sander, etc. because i don't have any of those tools and this shows me what is possible with what i have.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I love keeping things simple! Glad you find it helpful. Thanks so much for watching and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@jhold7553]

Thats actually genius. Now we know Shara is a pillow hoarder ha

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I have to confess it’s true 😂 this is my “staging closet” so I keep all my decor for staging my photos in here. Throw pillows are my weakness 🙈

[@scottmorris4914]

Great project and video. So many pieces to where it seems never ending.

[@lynjermey6423]

Looks so much better, very beautiful.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a wonderful weekend and upcoming holidays!

[@lynjermey6423]

Thank you, you too. @@WoodshopDiaries

[@kevinf3641]

Awesome build

[@jerrymay3806]

Nice work!!

[@rodpotts2666]

nice job Shara!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@dougdugan3358]

Very nice project, keep it up 😊

[@janadowns5361]

Love it!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@MrAlbrimm]

Great idea and great execution! Keep up the good work

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@fabianvalderassur]

Maravilloso como siempre, amo 😍

[@susanharrell2629]

Gorgeous 🎉

[@annettearties8538]

Fantastic!

[@guill0tine246]

omg beautiful! so happy you kept the wood look - so happy you popped up in my recommended :) subscribed!

[@ramakmaslahati3577]

Great job 👏