How to Make an Armoire Into an Office

Armoires with shelves are best for organizing your office needs.

When TVs were big, bulky and heavy, people often housed them in large armoires. Now that sleek flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall, industrious armoire owners are repurposing their units into self-contained offices. An armoire office keeps everything close, while the closed doors hide clutter, paperwork and computer equipment when the work is done. It doesn't take much work to retrofit an armoire for office use -- all you need is your imagination and office supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Electric drill
• Drill bit
• Lighting
• Scissors
• Cork
• Fabric
• Pull-out keyboard tray
• File folder hardware
• Utensil trays or caddy
• Organizational boxes

Instructions

1. Prepare the back of the armoire to accommodate any additional power cords for your office equipment. Measure the width of your plugs and drill through the back wall of the armoire with the electric drill and appropriate drill bit. Drill as close as possible to the shelf that will hold your equipment.

2. Install under-cabinet lighting or make room for a small free-standing lamp on one of the shelves.

3. Hang bulletin boards on the inside doors of the armoire or create your own custom look with cork board and fabric. Use this space to tack up paperwork, memos, important reminders or photos.

4. Install a pull-out tray or a shelf made from drawer glide hardware for your keyboard. Create a secure spot for your computer and printer toward the back of the armoire. Tuck cords and other cables through the holes and out of sight. Place the armoire close to the electrical outlet.

5. Place a free-standing file cabinet in the bottom section of the armoire or install pull-out file folder hardware to hold important papers.

6. Organize pens, scissors, letter openers and other small items in a utensil tray or a caddy. Use matching boxes to store software, stationery and printer supplies. Store magazines, catalogs and other brochures in magazine storage boxes. Place heavy objects, such as books, on lower shelves.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a lock on the cabinet to keep your office contents secure.

References

• Country Living: Creating a Guest Room
• Tuscaloosa News: Armoire Makeover