With modern homes being designed to maximise space and efficiency, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more compact layouts—especially when it comes to bedrooms. But smaller rooms don’t have to mean compromising on comfort or style. In fact, they open up exciting opportunities to get creative and make the most of every corner.
Take our own home as an example. Our bedroom is cosy and inviting, but once the king-size bed and two bedside tables are in place, there’s not much room left for wardrobes or additional furniture. Rather than let it feel cramped, we found a clever workaround that gave us the best of both worlds: a minimalist, clutter-free bedroom and plenty of storage.
We had a hallway cupboard just outside the bedroom that had become a bit of a dumping ground. It wasn’t being used to its full potential—so we decided to transform it into a functional wardrobe space. It’s been a game-changer!
In this post, I’ll take you through our step-by-step guide to converting a cupboard into a wardrobe. It’s a simple, practical project that can help you rethink your own space and make your home work even harder for you.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick tip: when you’re choosing your paint for the project, opt for Dulux Emulsion Paint in a metal can. Not only is it great for storage, but it’s also the most sustainable option. Metal recycles forever, has a high recycling rate, and the empty tin can be reused in all sorts of creative ways. It’s a small choice that can make a big difference for the planet.
Let’s get started—and make the most of every inch!
Above is a photo of the cupboard after I emptied it out.
So now it’s time for my step-by-step guide tutorial to convert this a cupboard into a wardrobe
Products and tools required to do the tutorial for converting a cupboard into a wardrobe:
- 2.5 litre of Dulux white emulsion
- asssorted grades of sandpaper
- 9” paint roller and paint tray
- 2” paintbrush
- dust sheets
- finishing skim filler
- filler knife
- clothes Rail
- screws, rawplugs and screwdriver
Step 1: Protect Your Floors
Before you start painting, lay down dust sheets to protect the floor—especially if the cupboard has carpet.
🛠️ Tip: It’s much easier to prevent paint spills than to clean them up later. Even if you manage to remove it, carpet stains are often still visible.
Step 2: Fill Any Holes or Cracks
Check the walls for holes or imperfections. Fill these with a finishing skim filler and let it dry.
Step 3: Sand the Walls Smooth
Once the filler is dry (after about 2 hours):
- Start with grade 120 sandpaper.
- If it’s tough to smooth down, try grade 60 first, then finish with grade 120 for a smooth surface.
Step 4: Paint the Cupboard
Now you’re ready to paint:
- Use a 2” paintbrush to carefully cut in around the edges.
- Then, use a 9” roller to paint the walls.
🎨 You’ll need 2 coats for the best coverage.
🕒 Tip: Wait at least 2 hours between coats. If the first coat isn’t fully dry, the second won’t go on smoothly.
It will all require 2 coats of paint.
2 coats of paint applied
Step 5: Install the Clothes Rail
Once the paint is dry, install your clothes rail:
- Drill holes where the rail brackets will go.
- Insert rawlplugs for a secure hold.
- Screw in the brackets and attach the rail.
✅ Make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of your clothes.
Final Touch: Add Lighting
Install a couple of battery-operated lights inside the cupboard so you can easily see your clothes each day.
And that’s it—your very own space-saving wardrobe solution! Perfect for smaller homes, and it keeps your bedroom looking clean and minimalist too.
Blog by Nigel Higgins – DIY Daddy
