Build This Custom Nursery Closet for $100

Today I am showing you how we built this custom nursery closet for $100.

Most standard closets are not functional for a nursery, and if you’re like me you want to live an organized life with modern benefits.

Maybe you’re having a baby boy OR baby girl… either way, this nursery closet system is gender neutral and will work for you.

Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in this post, at no cost to you.

Step by Step Tutorial for this Baby Closet DIY

Prepping the Existing Closet

First, we removed the sliding doors and took out the single shelf and metal pole that were original to the closet.

We patched up the holes from removing the shelf and painted the entire closet with a fresh coat of white paint – Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.

Here’s what it looked like before!

Related: How to Design the Nursery of Your Dreams

Making Our Material List to DIY this Nursery Closet

We started off by taking measurements of the closet and making a list of the materials we needed.

For reference, this closet is 48 inches wide by 96 inches high.

Materials Used: 

1 x Closetmaid Vertical Closet Organizer, 12″, White – $39.00

2 x Closetmaid Selectives 48″ White Laminate Shelf – $26.00

1 x Closetmaid Selectives 14 in. White Metal Shelf Support Kit – $8.50

1 x Everbilt 6 Ft Oak Closet Pole – $19.00 (updated in 2021, this price went up)

4 x Everbilt  1-5/16 in. Heavy-Duty Wood Closet Pole Sockets – $12.00

Project Total: $104.50

Please note: If the exact vertical closet organizer I used is out of stock, I found this very similar one.

Building the Nursery Closet

We built half of the vertical closet organizer and secured it in the center of the closet.

Then we installed one of the shelves right on top of the organizer and screwed it directly into the organizer.

Next, we secured the second half of the closet organizer on top of the shelf.

Finally, we installed the second shelf on top of the entire closet organizer.

Our walls were uneven so there were small gaps between the wall and the shelf.

We used white caulk to fill in the gaps and now you don’t notice them at all.

All of the closet pole sockets went up first, ensuring each was level, then we cut the 72″ closet pole in four 18″ sections.

Customizing Our Nursery Closet

Because of the height of our closet opening, we could only use five cubes even though the system came with six.

The system also came with only three closet poles, leaving a space for long hanging.

Since our closet would be filled with children’s clothes, I wanted to maximize the space with four hanging sections.

Related:  9 Stylish & Top-Rated Nursery Dressers You’ll Love 

This led me to purchase these natural wood closet poles which look much fancier than the white plastic poles it came with anyway.

We used a metal support kit underneath the top shelf to ensure it could hold bulkier items.

Right now it’s holding her extra crib mattress cover and sheet, boppy pillow, diaper bag, blanket, and carrier.

My sister had this personalized banner made for my baby shower, and I love seeing it hung here!

Adding the Finishing Touches to our Baby’s Closet

Each cube fits a standard 11″ x 11″ x 11″ bin or smaller.

I chose these neutral, woven baskets because they were made of durable polypropylene.

While I would have loved some dressier hangers, I wanted to keep costs low so these white baby hangers work perfectly.

Related: The Best Nursery Gliders for Mom & Baby

The floral boxes are from Home Goods – one holds her bows & headbands and the other holds her socks, booties, and other winter baby accessories.

Some of my favorite accessories are displayed out in the open, and I’ll probably rotate these as I find new favorites.

What’s cuter than baby moccasins and a sun hat?

Here is the “After” shot again. I’m really happy with how it turned out, especially considering the price.

I LOVE seeing her pretty little outfits all neatly displayed.

Related: Dress Up Your Nursery With This Easy DIY Fabric Garland

Need More Inspiration on Closets for Babies?

You’ll love these 10 unique baby closet ideas! Some of them you won’t have to install a thing, which means no handy skills required.

Building a Custom Baby’s Closet – Frequently Asked Questions

What do you put in a nursery closet?

As a general rule, hang your dressiest outfits in the closet such as dresses, rompers, dress shirts, dress pants, cardigans, etc. Personally, I hang my best looking one piece sleepers in there as well which I use daily.

You don’t want your closet to look bare, but you also don’t want it bursting at the seams. Display your most favorite articles of clothing and once filled, store the rest hidden in your dresser. We have some great tips on how to organize your nursery dresser if you scroll to the bottom of the post.

While I keep blankets, sleep sacks, onesies etc in the dresser, use your closet baskets (or drawers) for shoes, socks, headbands, hats, and a system for baby clothing as it becomes too small. If you do not have space for a dresser, you’ll want to use standalone drawer organizers to maximize the floor space of the closet as well.

The top shelf of the closet can serve as a catch all for large items such as an extra crib mattress cover, extra boppy pillow, diaper bag, baby books, blankets you’re not using yet, baby carrier, etc.

Do babies need hanging space?

Need and want are two different things, but I think so! You’ll love seeing all of your baby’s special outfits on display. It’s more time consuming to hang clothing items versus rolling them up and putting them in a drawer. However, you’ll enjoy seeing them every time you open the closet and seeing them will help you quickly pick out outfits.

Can you use a walk in closet as a nursery?

Sure, why not! You’ll just have to get creative with how much space the room has. Depending on how small it is, you may not be able to fit all of your nursery furniture in there, like the glider, crib, and changing table.

We’ve actually got a great post on 12 creative small space nursery ideas.

Also, ask yourself… does it have a window, ceiling fan, and/or electrical outlet? You’re going to spend a lot of time in your baby’s nursery, so you may not be as comfortable without those things. However, if it’s your only option, you make due with the space you have!

Related Baby Nursery Posts

25+ Dreamy Nursery Wall Decoration Ideas

20 Ways to Decorate Baby’s Room Without Painting

The Best Nursery Paint Colors by Benjamin Moore

9 Affordable Cribs that Won’t Break the Budget

25 Pretty Playroom Storage Ideas to Stay Clutter Free

A Detailed Review of the Newton Baby Mattress

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