23 DIY Closet Islands Using Repurposed Furniture
Creating a dream closet doesn’t always mean hiring a carpenter or spending thousands of dollars. With some creativity and repurposed furniture, you can build your own DIY closet island that’s both stylish and practical. Closet islands make any dressing space feel like a boutique, giving you a central hub for storage, folding, or even displaying accessories. What’s exciting is that you don’t need brand-new furniture—old dressers, tables, or cabinets can be transformed into stunning islands with just a little love and imagination.
Think of it this way: every piece of old furniture has a hidden story, and when you bring it into your closet, you give it a new chapter. Repurposing is not just budget-friendly, it’s also eco-conscious and deeply personal. In this guide, I’ll share 23 DIY closet island ideas using repurposed furniture—each one unique, functional, and inspiring. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, you’ll find an idea here that sparks your creativity.
1. Old Dresser Turned Closet Island
An old dresser is perhaps the most obvious starting point. Remove the top, sand it down, and repaint it in a fresh, modern shade. Adding new drawer pulls can instantly elevate its look. The drawers give you hidden storage for clothes, scarves, or even handbags, while the flat top can be used for folding or displaying jewelry. If the dresser feels too low, simply add furniture legs or a platform to give it height.
2. Vintage Sideboard with a Twist
That sideboard collecting dust in the dining room? It can easily be moved into your closet. The long, sleek shape makes it perfect for a central island. You can paint it in bold tones—like navy or emerald—for a chic statement. The wide cabinets inside can store shoes or seasonal clothes. Add a marble or faux-marble top for extra elegance, and suddenly your closet feels like a boutique.
3. Kitchen Cart Reinvented
Kitchen carts already have wheels and compartments, which makes them an excellent base for a closet island. Simply sand and repaint it to match your closet’s vibe. The open shelves are great for baskets or folded jeans, while the top can double as a jewelry station. If you love flexibility, keep the wheels so you can move it around.
4. Repurposed Bookshelf Base
A tall bookshelf can be cut down and turned sideways to become the foundation of your island. Add a new top surface and paint everything to match. The shelves can hold baskets, shoes, or bins of accessories. It’s perfect if you like visible, open storage instead of drawers.
5. Filing Cabinet Transformation
Old filing cabinets are surprisingly sturdy. You can stack two side by side and place a countertop on top to create an instant island. Paint the cabinets with chic colors, and swap the handles for something stylish. The deep drawers are perfect for storing folded sweaters or off-season items.
6. Console Table Makeover
If you have a console table that’s too narrow for the hallway, repurpose it as a closet island. Add shelves underneath or baskets to create storage. Its slim frame works great in smaller closets where space is tight, but you still want that central focal point.
7. Repurposed TV Stand
TV stands are already designed for storage and display, which makes them ideal for closet islands. The compartments can hold handbags or shoes, while the top surface is great for accessories. Add decorative trim or legs to make it feel more custom-made.
8. Kitchen Cabinet Reuse
Old kitchen cabinets from a renovation project can be grouped together to form a closet island. Add a butcher block or quartz-style top for durability. The cabinet doors keep everything hidden and organized, making your closet look tidy and intentional.
9. Antique Trunk Island
That old trunk in your attic? Bring it down and transform it into a unique island. Place it on casters to make it mobile, and add a cushion to turn it into a seating spot as well. It’s perfect for storing bulky items like blankets, coats, or shoes.
10. Repurposed Workbench
Workbenches are strong and already have a flat surface. With a coat of paint and some baskets underneath, it becomes a rugged yet stylish closet island. It’s ideal if you prefer an industrial or rustic vibe in your space.
11. Two Nightstands Combined
Pairing two matching nightstands side by side creates a balanced island. Add a wood or stone slab on top to unify them. The drawers provide plenty of small-item storage, and the top surface can be styled with trays and decorative items.
12. Rolling Drawer Unit
Those plastic or wooden rolling drawer units used in offices or craft rooms can be upgraded with paint and a custom top. Stack two together for a taller island. It’s lightweight and flexible, perfect if you’re renting or like rearranging often.
13. Repurposed Wine Rack
A wine rack may seem unusual, but it’s brilliant for storing rolled-up scarves, belts, or even shoes. Add a tabletop and paint the rack in a sleek finish. It becomes both functional and a great conversation starter.
14. Repurposed Baby Changing Table
When the kids grow up, a changing table doesn’t need to be wasted. Add fresh paint, baskets, and maybe a new top, and you’ve got a storage-rich island for your closet. The open shelves are especially handy for handbags or neatly folded denim.
15. Entryway Bench with Storage
Entryway benches often have cubbies or drawers, making them perfect candidates for an island. Move one into your closet, style it with baskets, and add a tabletop. It brings a warm, homey touch to your closet space.
16. Desk into Closet Island
Old desks—especially the wide, vintage ones—make great closet islands. Remove the legs if needed and adjust the height. The drawers can store small accessories, while the long surface is ideal for folding clothes or displaying perfumes.
17. Coffee Table Conversion
Coffee tables are naturally low, but you can add legs or wheels to bring them up to island height. With baskets underneath and a sturdy surface, they’re practical and stylish. This works especially well for compact closets.
18. Repurposed Hutch Base
The lower half of a hutch can serve as a roomy closet island. The cabinets give you hidden storage, and you can style the top like a boutique display. Painting it in a bold or neutral color can completely transform its look.
19. Shoe Cabinet Upgrade
Shoe cabinets, especially slim IKEA-style ones, can be paired and topped with a slab of wood or stone. The result is a sleek, modern island that maximizes shoe storage while also giving you a flat workspace.
20. Dining Table Transformation
If you’ve got a small dining table that’s no longer used, bring it into the closet. Cut it down to the right size, paint it, and add storage underneath with baskets or crates. It creates an airy, open island without heavy cabinetry.
21. Repurposed Rolling Cart
A rolling cart from a garage or craft room can be styled into a minimalist island. Spray paint it, add bins for storage, and keep the wheels if you like mobility. It’s practical for smaller closets that need flexible solutions.
22. Drawer Chest Stack
Stacking two smaller drawer chests on top of each other can create a tall and spacious island. Add a new top and decorative trim to make it cohesive. It’s an easy way to repurpose mismatched furniture into a unified piece.
23. Repurposed Outdoor Storage Box
Even outdoor storage boxes can find a new home in your closet. Paint them and add a custom top for style. Their large capacity makes them perfect for bulky items like coats, winter wear, or extra bedding.
Final Thoughts
A DIY closet island is more than just storage—it’s a way to add personality and creativity to your space. By repurposing furniture, you not only save money but also create something unique that reflects your style. Whether you start with a dresser, a desk, or even a baby changing table, the key is to see beyond the furniture’s original purpose. With paint, a new top, or a few adjustments, almost anything can become the centerpiece of your closet.
The beauty of DIY projects is that they grow with you. Each time you repurpose, you breathe new life into old items. So look around your home, pick a piece of furniture, and start imagining how it could transform into a closet island. Your dream closet may be closer than you think.
