20 Attic Closet Ideas to Make a Slanted Ceiling Work

A slanted ceiling can pose a challenge when it comes to setting up a closet or organizing a storage space. Although you may be limited with how many, if any, tall shelves you can fit in, there are lots of alternative ways to create functional storage that works within the confines of slanted walls. Get creative and gain inspiration from this collection of attic closets that are practical, beautiful and maximize every nook and cranny of attic storage space.

01 of 20

Install Built-In Cabinets

Jessica Nelson Design

Installing built-in cabinets is the ultimate way to customize an attic space and gain as much storage out of it as you possibly can. This stylish laundry and storage room features cabinets with plenty of drawers as well as a surface space for folding clothes and other household tasks. Turn the slanted ceiling into a design feature by covering it with shiplap and painting it the same color as the walls to create continuity and an open feel.
02 of 20

Add Mirrors

Erin Williamson Design

If you're working with a small attic closet whose slanted ceilings make it feel cramped, add mirrors! Do this in the form of mirrored closet doors or simply by hanging mirrors on the wall. Not only will this give you a chance to try on your outfits, but it'll bounce light around and make the room look more spacious.
03 of 20

Install a Double-Rod System

Joanna Organize

Double attic closet space by installing two rods, one above the other, so you can hang twice the amount of clothing. Hang the bottom rod about 40-inches from the ground, and the upper rod approximately 80-inches from the ground. This will give you enough space to hang garments neatly on both rods without them getting creased and wrinkled.
04 of 20

Vary Storage Type

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Create a highly functional walk-in closet by installing various types of storage — floor to ceiling shelves to hold handbags and organize shoes, rods for shirts and dresses, drawers for pants and undergarments, smaller drawers for accessories and a surface area so you can put things down while you're getting ready. In this particular closet, the slanted ceiling adds dimension to the space which is enhanced by the use of a cool statement chandelier.

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05 of 20

Utilize Attic Hallway Space

Marie Flanagan Interiors

Line an attic hallway with built-in closets to maximize space. Mix glass-front and regular cabinet doors for a more interesting look, and install both shelves and drawers to provide different types of storage. To break up all the cabinetry, create a built-in bench nook, add some fun pillows for a pop of color and install an elegant light fixture such as this pendant to create a sense of height and space.
06 of 20

Store Luggage

@afreshspace / Instagram

Use a utility shelf unit to store small suitcases and other luggage neatly. Stack suitcases sideways to fit as many as possible on the shelf, and use bins on upper shelves to hold other small travel accessories such as neck pillows, luggage tags, TSA-approved makeup bags and more.

The 13 Best Plastic Storage Bins of 2023
07 of 20

Add Wallpaper

Marie Flanagan Interiors

There's no reason an attic closet shouldn't be visually appealing, no matter how small it may be. Create a wallpaper accent wall to add a decorative touch that will take your closet from standard to designer. If the closet has slanted ceilings, the surface area to cover with wallpaper will likely be small, making it more cost-effective.
08 of 20

Highlight the Slanted Ceiling

@afreshspace / Instagram

In a larger space, highlight the slanted ceiling as an architectural feature by covering the walls and ceiling with wallpaper. It will create a more cohesive look and make the slanted walls feel like more of a feature than something to work around. Use full length cabinets where possible, and lower cabinets in areas where the ceiling comes down too low.

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09 of 20

Add Hooks and Wall Hangers

@martinas_cosy_crib / Instagram

For small closets with significantly a slanted ceiling, use hooks and wall hangers to get maximum hanging space on the walls. Use them to hang bags, belts, scarves and other accessories that are used on a regular basis.
10 of 20

Organize toys

@afreshspace / Instagram

Use low shelves and rolling carts to make use of space under a slanted wall. This is not just a good way to make use of the wall, but when organizing kids' toys and books, it means that they're at their height and easy for them to access — and put back when they're done playing with them!
11 of 20

Paint the Trim

Studio KT

In a large walk-in closet, emphasize the slanted ceiling and angles by painting the trim a bold color. Use floor to ceiling built-ins to store clothes, shoes and accessories, and alternate them with built-in floor to ceiling mirrors that will double the space and make your closet look twice as large.
12 of 20

Don't Waste Any Space

@bucharddesignco / Instagram

Don't let a slanted ceiling limit you, get creative and design your storage around it. This small kitchen storage nook is small but mighty. It manages to incorporate lower cabinets, a work space and taller cabinets all into a tiny space, all while using interesting materials and colors to elevate the nook.

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13 of 20

Switch Up the Shelf Placement

@afreshspace / Instagram

Shelves don't necessarily need to be positioned against the wall, especially when it comes to an attic closet. Get creative with the layout and place shelves in the center of the closet or where the ceiling is tallest. Not only will you be able to use a taller shelf than you would against a wall, it gives you access from both sides, making it easier to grab small items without having to rummage through an entire shelf.
14 of 20

Hang Floating Shelves

@martinas_cosy_crib / Instagram

Floating shelves are a great way to make use of a narrow space under a slanted ceiling. They don't take up much space, can be positioned wherever you choose and add a nice decorative touch. Use them to store collections, kids' lego creations or home decor items such as candlesticks and vases.
15 of 20

Get Creative

@martinas_cosy_crib / Instagram

Get creative with the types of shelving units you use under a slanted ceiling. Use tiered shelves that provide more horizontal than vertical storage for the lower-ceiling areas. If you have an area that's tall enough for a shelf, but not deep enough, use a ladder! It's a great way to hold items such as blankets, throws, scarves and anything else that's easy to hang up.
16 of 20

Make Use of Storage Bins

@afreshspace / Instagram

Plastic bins give you flexibility and are an excellent way to store items safely, keeping out moisture, bugs and dust. You can stack them as high or as low as the slanted ceiling will allow, and you'll find that you're able to utilize much more of a small space than you would have been able to with just a shelf.

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17 of 20

Add a Nook

@afreshspace / Instagram

Why not turn a small closet that holds books and toys into a fun nook for kids to play and read in! Use a low shelf to hold stacks of books and install a built-in bench for a cozy reading spot. Fill it with colorful pillows and add a soft throw, and a tiny attic closet just went from unused to functional and beautiful.
18 of 20

Use Rolling Carts

@afreshspace / Instagram

If you live in a rental or don't want to commit to built-ins, using multiple rolling cards with drawer storage is an inexpensive yet highly effective storage solution. This is an especially good way to store craft supplies, small toys, or seasonal decor.
19 of 20

Mix Up the Storage

@nycneat_louisa / Instagram

Take your storage shelves as high as the slanted ceiling will allow you and mix it up — install a rod for dresses and shirts, and add shelves for shoes and folded sweaters. This doesn't have to be an expensive project, purchase inexpensive shelves and customize them yourself by installing rods, hooks and hangers where needed.
20 of 20

Streamline the Storage

@ann.living / Instagram

Create built-in storage with modern panel-fronts that look like they're part of the wall for a contemporary, streamlined look. This is a good way to make a small attic closet feel neat and visually clutter-free.