We had a deep but narrow closet in our son’s room that always felt awkward and underused. After living with it for a while I decided to split the space into two zones: practical storage up high and a playful, treehouse-inspired reading nook below. The closet has very high ceilings, which creates a generous storage shelf above. Instead of trying to build an actual treehouse, I reserved the top shelves for bins and off-season items and focused the lower area on a cozy, colorful nook where our little guy can read, play, or turn the space into a fort depending on the day.
My goal is to keep practicality without losing the fun. I’ll maximize the high shelves for storage while making the lower half an inviting, imaginative hideaway. Below I share the plan, inspiration, and layout I’m using to transform this compact closet into a bright, kid-friendly reading nook.
The “Before”
Here’s the closet as it was: several clothing rods at different heights (one very low) and a deep shelf that runs most of the closet’s depth. Above that shelf is an even shorter shelf, which is exactly where I’ll put storage baskets and bins. Everything beneath those shelves becomes the nook.
Photos can make the space look larger than it is — the interior measures roughly 50 inches deep by 30 inches wide — so the design needs to be thoughtful and compact to feel cozy rather than cramped.
Design Mood and Inspiration
To give context to the layout, here’s the mood and palette I’m working from. I wanted the nook to relate to the colors in his nursery while still having its own distinct, playful vibe. Wallpaper felt like the perfect way to create that feeling of being tucked into trees, and removable wallpaper is ideal for a space that might change as he grows or when we sell the house.
Our son loves the opening scene of the movie Rio and has a thing for colorful birds, so a tropical, tree-filled wallpaper sets the tone. I plan to add plush bird accents and a few handmade pieces to strengthen that theme without overwhelming the small area.
Design elements include playful wallpaper, textured cushions, and small hanging accents to create a nest-like feel.
Custom Printed Fabric
I wanted a bold stripe to contrast with the tropical wallpaper, in a sand and chartreuse palette. Rather than compromise on scale, I designed my own stripe in Illustrator and had it printed on linen. The custom fabric will become a large tufted floor cushion and possibly side cushions. Printing the fabric allowed me to get the exact stripe width and color saturation I wanted — the results were vibrant and arrived quickly.
Large floor cushions make the space flexible and comfortable for reading, lounging, or play.
Layout and Storage Strategy
The primary function of the nook will be relaxing and reading, so the floor will be the focus. I’m creating a big tufted floor pillow that fills most of the footprint and layering many throw pillows on top to make the space inviting. The closet is narrow, so I’m keeping built-ins to a minimum and relying on hanging storage and baskets to maintain usability.
One practical tweak: I’ll convert the bracket that supports the high shelf into a DIY peg rail. With shallow shaker pegs installed along the back or side walls I can hang decorative items, small baskets for overflow essentials, and lightweight toys. Shaker pegs are simple to mount and add useful hooks without taking up much depth.
Keep shelving shallow in narrow spaces and favor pegs and baskets for flexible storage.
Because the room already has abundant book storage, I don’t plan to store most books inside the nook. Instead, we’ll bring a few favorites in rotation. I will add one adjustable wall sconce to provide directional light for reading — a compact, adjustable fixture keeps the nook functional without crowding the space.
Turning the Built-in Shoe Rack into a Mini Treehouse
This closet contains an old wire shoe rack — a charming remnant from the home’s 1930s build. I plan to repurpose it into a miniature “treehouse” or dollhouse for small figurines. Narrow wooden platforms can sit on the wire bars to create tiny floors, and playful details like a trapdoor or tiny pulley elevator will enhance the imaginative play.
My current design question is how to visually close or cover that area: a small decorative door, a roll-up curtain, or a painted panel? I love the idea of a tiny faux door next to the rack, but it needs to work with the closet’s actual door. I’ll experiment and share the finished concept once I decide.
Next Steps and Reveal
For now that’s the plan: store utility items up top, create a lush, bird-filled wallpaper backdrop, add a large tufted floor cushion, install peg rails for flexible storage, and convert the built-in rack into a small play feature. I’m keeping details simple so the area remains comfortable and functional for reading, quiet play, and imaginative uses.
I’ll follow up with a detailed post on the shoe-rack treehouse and share progress photos during the makeover. Turning compact, awkward spaces into kid-friendly nooks is one of my favorite challenges — stay tuned for the reveal.