How I Built My Dogs Their Own Mini Closet (Because… Obviously They Needed One)
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In this house, the dogs run the show.
Between muddy walks, grooming routines that rival my own, & enough accessories to fill a carry-on bag, I finally hit a point where I said...
“These dogs need their own closet.” So I built them one.
Using Home Depot wood, power tools, Amazon finds, & a little Type-A labeling magic, I carved out a very extra but very necessary corner of our home just for my pups.
… & now? Their leashes, winter coats, skincare, & bandanas all live in harmony. Here’s how I made it happen (& how you can, too).
✏️ Step 1: Pick Your Closet Space
You don’t need a whole room — a little unused hallway nook, entryway closet, or laundry corner works perfectly. I used a small builder-grade closet near our front door. Ideal for post-walk chaos & easy peasy leash access.
✨ DIY real talk:
The door wouldn’t close with hangers, so I evicted our jackets & officially dubbed this space the Messy Jesi Dog Closet™. Zero regrets.
🛠️ Tools & Supplies I Used
These links may include affiliates — thanks for supporting the mess!
Power Tools (linked on Amazon Storefront):
🔧 Drill, miter saw, stud finder, level, sander, nail gun, paint brushes
Boards from Home Depot (dimensions I used):
🪵 Shelf Boards – 1 in x 10 in x 12 ft whitewood common board (cut into 3 shelf pieces)
🪵 Shelf Braces – 1 in x 2 in x 8 ft whitewood common board (cut to support shelves on sides/back)
🪵 Front Frame Boards – 1 in x 4 in x 12 ft common board (for the outer-facing shelf trim)
Paint:
🎨 Sherwin-Williams Greenblack — a moody, dramatic dark green that hides dirt & gives “elevated dog chaos” energy.
Wallpaper (optional, but chef’s kiss✨):
I used wallpaper to add a pop of pattern on the back wall — a fun surprise when you open the closet! Great way to bring in a little dopamine decor moment.
➡️ Peep my wallpaper choice here
🪚 Step 2: Build It Out — Boards, Hooks & Shelves
I used leftover Sherwin-Williams paint samples & scrap wood from Home Depot for this step — but because our wall curves (shoutout to old Atlanta houses), I ended up cutting new boards to fit.
I kept the build super simple:
I built three floating-style shelves (6 pieces total) using basic wood cuts, drilling braces into the studs for support. You can also use anchors, & L-brackets for support if you like the look better.
Shelf layout tips:
I varied the height of each shelf based on what I needed.
The top shelf sits around 5–6 feet high — perfect for storing items not meant for the dogs, like porch flags, bird seed, or bulk treats.
Then, I added hooks for leashes, a shelf for spa products, & enough structure to handle their chaotic little lives.
🎨 Painted everything in Sherwin Williams Greenblack — because I’m extra like that & dirt blends in.
🧰 What You’ll Need:
Wall hooks for leashes, harnesses, & bags
Floating shelf or DIY-cut boards
Favorite harness + leash set
Power drill or hand tools
Optional: Paint or stain to match your vibe
➡️ Shop my DIY dog closet picks on Amazon
I've rounded up everything in one spot — from tools to cute hooks to my go-to grooming bin. ✨ Browse the full list here
🧺 Step 3: Bins, Baskets & Labels (Trust Me, It Helps)
This is where dog closet chaos becomes calm. I mixed & matched bins & labeled each one so I can actually find things when I’m in a rush.
My bin categories:
Treats (duh)
Quick grab items ( toothbrushes, meds, monthly treatments)
Spa day supplies
Bandanas & collars
My basket categories:
Shampoos, sprays, & wipes
Travel gear & winter fits
🔗 Favorites:
🖨️ Label maker – for your Type-A moments
Pro tip: Store weekly-use items in front to avoid the dreaded “Where is their raincoat?!” spiral.
Step 4: Add Hooks for Daily Grab-&-Go
Total game changer. Mount a few extra wall hooks to hang your daily dog items like:
Harnesses
Leashes
Poop bag dispensers
“Good boy/girl” fancy necklaces
It makes running out the door with two excited dogs feel slightly less chaotic.
Pro tip: Place hooks on the inner sides of the closet for hidden storage. I hide our umbrella & seatbelt leashes that way.
🛒 What I Used:
🐶 Final Reveal
It’s not fancy. It’s not Pinterest-perfect. But it’s exactly what we needed — & makes every walk, bath, & muddy backyard sprint easier to handle.
… & if you’re already overwhelmed by your dog’s stuff?
They probably need a closet too.
💥 Want more DIY dog-parent chaos?
📌 Follow @nerdy.retreat for cozy projects, dog-friendly ATL hangs, & real-life recs that actually work.
🛒 Shop my full Amazon Storefront for the dog closet supplies here!