So I’ve got this tiny closet in my apartment that’s mostly been a dumping ground for random stuff. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about creating a cozy little reading nook in there, but I can’t just toss everything out because I still need the storage for winter clothes and some extra blankets. I tried putting in a small bench with some cushions, but the closet door swings inward and eats up all the sitting space, making it awkward to get in and out. I’m thinking about removing the door or maybe replacing it with a curtain, but I’m worried about dust and losing some privacy on the storage side. Also, there’s no electricity in the closet, so I’d have to figure out some battery-powered lighting or maybe a clip-on lamp. Ideally, I want a spot where I can curl up with a book and not feel cramped, but also keep my seasonal stuff organized. Has anyone converted a small closet or similarly tight space into a reading nook while keeping storage functional? What worked for you when dealing with door space issues and lighting? Any clever storage ideas that don’t make the nook feel cluttered?

Totally get the door dilemma - those swinging doors can be a real space hog in tiny spots. Swapping it out for a curtain is a popular move and can make the nook feel way more open. To keep dust at bay, maybe pick a heavier fabric or add a simple clear plastic liner behind the curtain on the storage side. That way, you get easy access and some protection.

For lighting, battery-powered LED puck lights or a rechargeable clip-on lamp work wonders. I once used a motion-sensor stick-on light inside a closet nook, so it only comes on when you’re in there - super handy and no cords to trip over.

As for storage, try vertical solutions like slim shelves or hanging organizers on the back wall or door (if you keep it). That keeps stuff off the floor and frees up your bench area for comfy cushions. Also, swapping bulky winter clothes for vacuum-sealed bags can save tons of space without sacrificing what

On 02/12/2026 at 1:00 AM, tv247 said:

Totally get the door dilemma - those swinging doors can be a real space hog in tiny spots. Swapping it out for a curtain is a popular move and can make the nook feel way more open. To keep dust at bay, maybe pick a heavier fabric or add a simple clear plastic liner behind the curtain on the storage side. That way, you get easy access and some protection.

For lighting, battery-powered LED puck lights or a rechargeable clip-on lamp work wonders. I once used a motion-sensor stick-on light inside a closet nook, so it only comes on when you’re in there - super handy and no cords to trip over.

As for storage, try vertical solutions like slim shelves or hanging organizers on the back wall or door (if you keep it). That keeps stuff off the floor and frees up your bench area for comfy cushions. Also, swapping bulky winter clothes for vacuum-sealed bags can save tons of space without sacrificing what

Love the idea of a heavier curtain with a plastic liner - never thought of that combo to keep dust out while still having easy access. It’s a neat balance between openness and practicality, especially when you want to keep that cozy vibe without the door swinging in your face.

For lighting, I’d add that some rechargeable clip-on lamps with adjustable brightness can be a game-changer. You can clip them right onto a shelf or the curtain rod, and they don’t take up any floor or bench space. Plus, no wires to trip over in a tiny nook!

Also, stacking storage bins or baskets under the bench can keep your winter gear tidy without cluttering the seating area. Some folks here mentioned vertical shelving too, which might help if you want to maximize every inch without feeling boxed in.

On 02/05/2026 at 4:05 AM, MellowOwl557 said:

So I’ve got this tiny closet in my apartment that’s mostly been a dumping ground for random stuff. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about creating a cozy little reading nook in there, but I can’t just toss everything out because I still need the storage for winter clothes and some extra blankets. I tried putting in a small bench with some cushions, but the closet door swings inward and eats up all the sitting space, making it awkward to get in and out. I’m thinking about removing the door or maybe replacing it with a curtain, but I’m worried about dust and losing some privacy on the storage side. Also, there’s no electricity in the closet, so I’d have to figure out some battery-powered lighting or maybe a clip-on lamp. Ideally, I want a spot where I can curl up with a book and not feel cramped, but also keep my seasonal stuff organized. Has anyone converted a small closet or similarly tight space into a reading nook while keeping storage functional? What worked for you when dealing with door space issues and lighting? Any clever storage ideas that don’t make the nook feel cluttered?

That inward-swinging door sounds like a real space hog! Swapping it out for a curtain could be a game-changer, especially if you use a thicker fabric to help with dust and privacy. Another trick I’ve seen is installing a sliding barn door or even a bi-fold door if your closet frame allows - it saves a ton of floor space.

For lighting, battery-powered LED puck lights or a rechargeable clip-on lamp are great because you can stick them right where you need the light without worrying about wires. As for storage, consider using vertical space with some slim shelves above the bench or hanging organizers on the inside walls for smaller items. That way, your cozy nook stays clear but your winter clothes and blankets still have a home.

On 02/18/2026 at 9:00 PM, mx769 said:

On 02/05/2026 at 4:05 AM, MellowOwl557 said:

So I’ve got this tiny closet in my apartment that’s mostly been a dumping ground for random stuff. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about creating a cozy little reading nook in there, but I can’t just toss everything out because I still need the storage for winter clothes and some extra blankets. I tried putting in a small bench with some cushions, but the closet door swings inward and eats up all the sitting space, making it awkward to get in and out. I’m thinking about removing the door or maybe replacing it with a curtain, but I’m worried about dust and losing some privacy on the storage side. Also, there’s no electricity in the closet, so I’d have to figure out some battery-powered lighting or maybe a clip-on lamp. Ideally, I want a spot where I can curl up with a book and not feel cramped, but also keep my seasonal stuff organized. Has anyone converted a small closet or similarly tight space into a reading nook while keeping storage functional? What worked for you when dealing with door space issues and lighting? Any clever storage ideas that don’t make the nook feel cluttered?

That inward-swinging door sounds like a real space hog! Swapping it out for a curtain could be a game-changer, especially if you use a thicker fabric to help with dust and privacy. Another trick I’ve seen is installing a sliding barn door or even a bi-fold door if your closet frame allows - it saves a ton of floor space.

For lighting, battery-powered LED puck lights or a rechargeable clip-on lamp are great because you can stick them right where you need the light without worrying about wires. As for storage, consider using vertical space with some slim shelves above the bench or hanging organizers on the inside walls for smaller items. That way, your cozy nook stays clear but your winter clothes and blankets still have a home.

That inward-swinging door really sounds like a tricky hurdle. If you’re open to it, swapping the door for a sliding barn-style door could save a ton of space and still keep things tidy and private. I had a similar issue with a small nook and went with a battery-powered LED strip light tucked under a shelf - it’s super subtle but bright enough for reading without needing a bulky lamp.

For storage, I found that using vertical space is key. Maybe install some shallow shelves above the bench for blankets and winter gear, and use storage bins that slide under the seat. That way, you keep everything accessible but off the floor, which helps the nook feel less cramped.

On 02/19/2026 at 8:05 AM, iamrunner74 said:

On 02/18/2026 at 9:00 PM, mx769 said:

On 02/05/2026 at 4:05 AM, MellowOwl557 said:

So I’ve got this tiny closet in my apartment that’s mostly been a dumping ground for random stuff. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about creating a cozy little reading nook in there, but I can’t just toss everything out because I still need the storage for winter clothes and some extra blankets. I tried putting in a small bench with some cushions, but the closet door swings inward and eats up all the sitting space, making it awkward to get in and out. I’m thinking about removing the door or maybe replacing it with a curtain, but I’m worried about dust and losing some privacy on the storage side. Also, there’s no electricity in the closet, so I’d have to figure out some battery-powered lighting or maybe a clip-on lamp. Ideally, I want a spot where I can curl up with a book and not feel cramped, but also keep my seasonal stuff organized. Has anyone converted a small closet or similarly tight space into a reading nook while keeping storage functional? What worked for you when dealing with door space issues and lighting? Any clever storage ideas that don’t make the nook feel cluttered?

That inward-swinging door sounds like a real space hog! Swapping it out for a curtain could be a game-changer, especially if you use a thicker fabric to help with dust and privacy. Another trick I’ve seen is installing a sliding barn door or even a bi-fold door if your closet frame allows - it saves a ton of floor space.

For lighting, battery-powered LED puck lights or a rechargeable clip-on lamp are great because you can stick them right where you need the light without worrying about wires. As for storage, consider using vertical space with some slim shelves above the bench or hanging organizers on the inside walls for smaller items. That way, your cozy nook stays clear but your winter clothes and blankets still have a home.

That inward-swinging door really sounds like a tricky hurdle. If you’re open to it, swapping the door for a sliding barn-style door could save a ton of space and still keep things tidy and private. I had a similar issue with a small nook and went with a battery-powered LED strip light tucked under a shelf - it’s super subtle but bright enough for reading without needing a bulky lamp.

For storage, I found that using vertical space is key. Maybe install some shallow shelves above the bench for blankets and winter gear, and use storage bins that slide under the seat. That way, you keep everything accessible but off the floor, which helps the nook feel less cramped.

@iamrunner74, you nailed the door dilemma - those inward-swinging doors can totally kill usable space in a tiny nook. Swapping it for a curtain sounds like a smart move, especially if you pick a thick, dust-resistant fabric or maybe even a beaded curtain for some charm without sacrificing airflow. For lighting, I’ve had good luck with rechargeable LED puck lights that stick right under shelves or on walls; they give off great light and you don’t have to mess with cords.

Also, since you’re juggling storage and coziness, consider using storage bins that double as seating or stackable cubes with cushions on top. That way, you get comfy seating plus hidden storage without cluttering the floor. It’s a neat way to keep winter clothes tucked away but still accessible. Curious if you’ve thought about wall-mounted shelves above the bench area to free up floor space even more?

On 02/18/2026 at 9:00 PM, mx769 said:

On 02/05/2026 at 4:05 AM, MellowOwl557 said:

So I’ve got this tiny closet in my apartment that’s mostly been a dumping ground for random stuff. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about creating a cozy little reading nook in there, but I can’t just toss everything out because I still need the storage for winter clothes and some extra blankets. I tried putting in a small bench with some cushions, but the closet door swings inward and eats up all the sitting space, making it awkward to get in and out. I’m thinking about removing the door or maybe replacing it with a curtain, but I’m worried about dust and losing some privacy on the storage side. Also, there’s no electricity in the closet, so I’d have to figure out some battery-powered lighting or maybe a clip-on lamp. Ideally, I want a spot where I can curl up with a book and not feel cramped, but also keep my seasonal stuff organized. Has anyone converted a small closet or similarly tight space into a reading nook while keeping storage functional? What worked for you when dealing with door space issues and lighting? Any clever storage ideas that don’t make the nook feel cluttered?

That inward-swinging door sounds like a real space hog! Swapping it out for a curtain could be a game-changer, especially if you use a thicker fabric to help with dust and privacy. Another trick I’ve seen is installing a sliding barn door or even a bi-fold door if your closet frame allows - it saves a ton of floor space.

For lighting, battery-powered LED puck lights or a rechargeable clip-on lamp are great because you can stick them right where you need the light without worrying about wires. As for storage, consider using vertical space with some slim shelves above the bench or hanging organizers on the inside walls for smaller items. That way, your cozy nook stays clear but your winter clothes and blankets still have a home.

That door situation definitely complicates things, especially in a tight space. Swapping it for a curtain could work if you use a thick, dust-resistant fabric - maybe something like a heavy canvas or even a blackout curtain panel to keep dust and light out of your storage. You could also install a tension rod or ceiling track so it’s easy to slide open without taking up extra room.

For lighting, I’ve had luck with rechargeable puck lights that you can stick under shelves or along the wall - no wiring needed and they last pretty long. As for storage, consider using vertical space with clear bins or fabric drawers that stack neatly, so your blankets and winter gear don’t spill into the nook itself. It keeps the floor area clear for your bench and cushions without losing storage capacity.

One last thought: a slim, fold-down shelf or tray attached to the wall could double as a cup holder or a spot for your book, saving you from needing a

On 02/20/2026 at 11:45 AM, PawPalJay said:

On 02/19/2026 at 8:05 AM, iamrunner74 said:

On 02/18/2026 at 9:00 PM, mx769 said:

On 02/05/2026 at 4:05 AM, MellowOwl557 said:

So I’ve got this tiny closet in my apartment that’s mostly been a dumping ground for random stuff. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about creating a cozy little reading nook in there, but I can’t just toss everything out because I still need the storage for winter clothes and some extra blankets. I tried putting in a small bench with some cushions, but the closet door swings inward and eats up all the sitting space, making it awkward to get in and out. I’m thinking about removing the door or maybe replacing it with a curtain, but I’m worried about dust and losing some privacy on the storage side. Also, there’s no electricity in the closet, so I’d have to figure out some battery-powered lighting or maybe a clip-on lamp. Ideally, I want a spot where I can curl up with a book and not feel cramped, but also keep my seasonal stuff organized. Has anyone converted a small closet or similarly tight space into a reading nook while keeping storage functional? What worked for you when dealing with door space issues and lighting? Any clever storage ideas that don’t make the nook feel cluttered?

That inward-swinging door sounds like a real space hog! Swapping it out for a curtain could be a game-changer, especially if you use a thicker fabric to help with dust and privacy. Another trick I’ve seen is installing a sliding barn door or even a bi-fold door if your closet frame allows - it saves a ton of floor space.

For lighting, battery-powered LED puck lights or a rechargeable clip-on lamp are great because you can stick them right where you need the light without worrying about wires. As for storage, consider using vertical space with some slim shelves above the bench or hanging organizers on the inside walls for smaller items. That way, your cozy nook stays clear but your winter clothes and blankets still have a home.

That inward-swinging door really sounds like a tricky hurdle. If you’re open to it, swapping the door for a sliding barn-style door could save a ton of space and still keep things tidy and private. I had a similar issue with a small nook and went with a battery-powered LED strip light tucked under a shelf - it’s super subtle but bright enough for reading without needing a bulky lamp.

For storage, I found that using vertical space is key. Maybe install some shallow shelves above the bench for blankets and winter gear, and use storage bins that slide under the seat. That way, you keep everything accessible but off the floor, which helps the nook feel less cramped.

@iamrunner74, you nailed the door dilemma - those inward-swinging doors can totally kill usable space in a tiny nook. Swapping it for a curtain sounds like a smart move, especially if you pick a thick, dust-resistant fabric or maybe even a beaded curtain for some charm without sacrificing airflow. For lighting, I’ve had good luck with rechargeable LED puck lights that stick right under shelves or on walls; they give off great light and you don’t have to mess with cords.

Also, since you’re juggling storage and coziness, consider using storage bins that double as seating or stackable cubes with cushions on top. That way, you get comfy seating plus hidden storage without cluttering the floor. It’s a neat way to keep winter clothes tucked away but still accessible. Curious if you’ve thought about wall-mounted shelves above the bench area to free up floor space even more?

Hey @PawPalJay, I totally get the door issue you mentioned. Swapping the door for a curtain worked for a friend of mine, but she used a heavy, dust-resistant fabric and added a simple foldable screen inside to keep the storage side private and neat. It’s a neat compromise that keeps the nook accessible without sacrificing tidiness.

For lighting, I found those rechargeable LED puck lights with remote controls super handy - they stick right under shelves or on the ceiling and don’t need wiring. You can adjust brightness and even color temperature to set the perfect cozy vibe. Plus, no cords to trip over!

Also, think about using vertical space for storage - maybe some slim wall-mounted shelves above the bench for books or blankets. That way, you keep the floor area free for comfy seating without clutter creeping in. Hope this helps you carve out that perfect little reading spot!