A nursery closet makeover can make baby essentials easier to store, find, and put away. This project replaced old wire shelving with a solid storage system, added drawers and baskets, and finished the space with peel-and-stick wallpaper. A closet divider printable set is also featured to help organize clothing by size.
Before and after: nursery closet makeover
The original closet had wire shelves that were usable but did not provide the organization or appearance wanted for the nursery. Updating the shelving created a more functional layout, with dedicated places for clothes, diapering supplies, books, and outgrown or future-size items.
Replacing the shelves made the biggest difference. Before starting a similar project, take stock of what needs to fit in the closet and consider how often each item will be used. Keep everyday necessities within easy reach, and use higher or less accessible areas for items needed less frequently.
Materials used
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper
- Spackle and medium-grit sandpaper for repairing holes left by the old shelving
- A wallpaper smoother and utility knife
- A closet tower kit with solid shelving
- Two drawers
- Four small woven baskets
- Children’s velvet hangers
Preparing the closet and adding wallpaper
The old wire shelves were removed before the wall was repaired. After taking down any existing hardware, fill holes with spackle and let the surface dry according to the product instructions. Sand the patches smooth, then remove dust so the wallpaper can adhere to a clean, even wall.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper was used to add a soft gray tree pattern. A smoother helps press the material evenly against the wall and reduce bubbles; a utility knife can trim excess at edges and corners. Check the wallpaper instructions and measure the wall before cutting. When installing near shelving or other obstacles, work in manageable sections for better alignment.
Once the wall was ready, the solid shelving system was assembled and installed in place of the wire shelves. Follow the kit’s assembly and anchoring directions, and check that shelves are level and secure before loading them. A stable setup is especially important in a nursery, where stored items should not be able to tip or fall.
Storage ideas for a nursery closet
The new layout uses a mix of open shelves, drawers, baskets, and hangers to make different kinds of storage easy to manage. Solid shelves provide space for folded items and supplies, while drawers help keep smaller essentials together. Grouping similar items makes it easier to see what is available and restock when needed.
Small woven baskets hold toddler clothes in larger sizes that are not needed yet. This keeps hand-me-downs and future-size clothing in one place without mixing them into the current wardrobe. Labeling baskets by size can make it even quicker to find the right items later.
A few children’s books are stored on a closet shelf for bedtime reading. Keeping a small selection nearby can be convenient, while the remaining books can stay in a separate reading area. The patterned wallpaper also gives the closet a coordinated look with the home’s reading nook.
One drawer provides extra room for diapering supplies, including wipes. Although the family planned to use cloth diapers, the wipes could still be useful for travel or when grandparents babysit. A drawer keeps these supplies contained and easy to reach; avoid overfilling it so the contents remain accessible.
The second drawer is used for miscellaneous items that do not have another dedicated place. As the nursery changes, its contents can be reviewed and reorganized. A small, flexible storage area can help prevent everyday odds and ends from gathering on shelves.
Printable closet dividers for baby clothes
Closet dividers help separate clothing by size, making it easier to choose outfits and keep unworn sizes organized. The printable divider set shown with this project can be used to create clear sections along a closet rod. For best results, print at the intended scale, cut carefully, and use a sturdy material if the dividers will be handled often.
Planning your own nursery closet makeover
This closet update brought shelving, drawers, baskets, books, and clothing into one organized space. Before beginning a similar makeover, measure the closet, make a list of what needs to be stored, and check that the selected system fits the available width and depth. It can also help to install the storage first, then decide where baskets and smaller organizers are most useful.
Allow enough time for wall repairs, wallpaper installation, and shelf assembly. If you are pregnant or have limited mobility, avoid climbing or lifting heavy components; ask someone else to handle tasks that require a step stool or strenuous work. Once everything is installed, keep frequently used baby items accessible and review the layout as clothing sizes and needs change.
This nursery closet makeover shows how a combination of solid shelving, drawers, baskets, and clothing dividers can make a small storage area more practical. With a measured plan and clearly grouped essentials, a nursery closet makeover can create a calmer, easier-to-use space without relying on complicated storage solutions.
