Welcome to my latest DIY home renovation project! In this post, I’m showing you how I transformed a small closet in my daughter Lily’s room with slanted ceilings into a custom storage solution. With some creativity and the right tools, I created a functional and stylish space that makes the most out of the tricky angle. Follow along to see how I turned this space into something fresh, beautiful, and ultra-functional!

Step 1: Cutting the Plywood for the Slanted Ceiling

The first step in this project was cutting 3/4″ plywood to fit the angle of the slanted ceiling. This is the part that required the most planning to ensure the plywood would match the slant perfectly. I used a cut optimizer tool from OpticCutter.com to make the most efficient use of my plywood sheets, eliminating the mental math. It’s the perfect tool when you’re trying to minimize waste and maximize space.

Once the cuts were planned, I started cutting two sheets of ½” thick plywood to build the structure of the drawers. This plywood will be the base for a clever drawer system that pulls out, giving me access to all the space that would otherwise be wasted.

Step 2: Building the Frame for the Closet

Next, I moved on to building the frame that would house the drawers. I started by cutting plywood for the bottom and back of the frame. Using pocket holes and corner clamps, I attached the frame together, making sure everything was square and secure. The frame will be 40″ deep, 24″ wide, and 51″ tall, giving us plenty of space for storage.

I didn’t need a full top piece for the frame because the drawers would cover much of that space. However, I did create a small cubby at the top of the closet for additional storage. This cubby was created using more plywood and pocket hole screws to hold everything in place.

Step 3: Building and Installing the Drawers

With the frame in place, I moved on to building the drawers. These drawers are going to be 37″ deep each, which is a lot of space to work with! Each drawer will have a divider for added functionality, helping to organize everything inside.

When installing the slides for the drawers, I used spacers to ensure everything was perfectly aligned. This made the process much easier and ensured that the slides were positioned correctly, allowing the drawers to pull out smoothly.

Step 4: Adding the Face Frame and Finishing the Edges

Initially, I planned to do full overlay drawer fronts, but after considering it, I decided to try inset drawers for the first time. To do this, I built a skinny face frame, which added a nice touch of detail to the design.

For the edges of the plywood, I didn’t want to use edge banding. Instead, I spread wood filler on the edges to hide the plywood layers. Once it dried, I sanded it smooth with a speed sander and my favorite sandpaper, achieving a perfect finish.

Step 5: Priming and Painting the Wood

Before I could paint the plywood, I primed the pieces using Zinnser BIN primer, which is great for wood and provides a solid base for the final paint. Once the primer dried, I applied Rust-Oleum 2x Cover Spray Paint for a glossy, smooth finish. I chose a soft, warm color for the wood, which complements the rest of the room’s decor.

Step 6: Installing the Drawer Fronts and Hardware

Now that the drawers were complete and painted, it was time to install the drawer fronts. I decided to go with inset drawers to add a clean, sleek look. Using a cabinet hardware jig, I mounted 5″ champagne bronze pulls to the fronts of the drawers. This color choice added a modern touch that matches the overall aesthetic of the room.

Step 7: Installing the Drawers and Final Adjustments

With the drawer fronts and hardware in place, I slid the drawers into the frame and tested the fit. Everything was looking great, but I did make sure to use some silicone caulk along the seams where the drawers meet the frame and the walls. This not only helped secure the drawers in place but also gave the whole setup a polished, professional look.

The Final Look: Before and After

The transformation was absolutely incredible! The closet that once had a cluttered, awkward space under the slanted ceiling is now a beautifully organized storage area. The new drawers are deep, functional, and pull out smoothly, making the space both practical and stylish.

The inset drawers, face frame, and sleek hardware have turned this closet into a modern feature of Lily’s room. The slanted ceiling, which once seemed like a challenge, is now a feature that adds character to the space. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out!

Conclusion

This DIY slanted closet makeover proves that with a little creativity, patience, and the right tools, you can turn even the trickiest spaces into something beautiful and functional. From cutting the plywood to installing the drawers and hardware, each step in this project was a labor of love. If you’re tackling a similar project, be sure to plan ahead and take your time for the best results!

For anyone looking to build a slanted storage solution of their own, remember to customize the dimensions to fit your specific space. With the right approach, you can turn an awkward, underutilized area into a stylish, functional storage dream.