This project was built and designed by Sam Macy. It’s a simple and effective organizer designed to create more storage space using clean lines, smart joinery, and a floating design.
Ideal for a nursery or small bedroom closet, this floating organizer features three spacious cubbies and a hanging rod underneath. It combines functionality and visual appeal, all while using basic materials and tools.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Sam’s channel:
Project Purpose and Layout
Sam built this unit to solve a common problem—how to add efficient storage above a dresser inside a closet. The result is a floating organizer that provides open cubby compartments up top and hanging space below.
This design is especially helpful in spaces like baby rooms, where clothing, toys, and essentials need to be easy to reach but neatly stored. It’s wall-mounted and doesn’t take up floor space, making it perfect for tight layouts.
Materials and Tool Setup
The main material used in the build is plywood, chosen for its strength, affordability, and ease of use. Sam keeps the tool list minimal, relying on a circular saw or track saw, a drill, wood glue, screws, and a straight edge.
This is a great project for those working in small shops with limited tools. The entire piece can be cut and assembled with basic shop equipment, making it beginner-friendly without sacrificing quality.
Cutting and Planning the Pieces
The organizer includes a top and bottom panel, with vertical dividers to create three equal cubbies. Sam cuts these parts to size, aiming for cubbies that are each 12 inches deep and tall.
To figure out the spacing, he subtracts the total thickness of the dividers from the full width of the panel, dividing the remainder evenly to keep things proportional. This planning step ensures a clean and symmetrical final appearance.
Pre-Finishing Before Assembly
Before putting anything together, Sam applies the finish to each piece. This makes the process easier since it’s tough to get into corners and cubby interiors after assembly.
Pre-finishing also saves time and reduces mess. Once the surfaces are dry, he marks the placement of the vertical dividers on both the top and bottom panels.
Creating Dados for Strength
Rather than simply screwing the dividers in place, Sam cuts shallow grooves—dados—into the panels for each divider to fit into. This technique adds strength, ensures everything lines up perfectly, and keeps the cubbies square.
Using a circular saw or track saw and a guide rail, he cuts the dados to the correct depth. The dividers then slot into place snugly, reducing the risk of shifting during assembly.
Assembling the Organizer
With all cuts made and dados in place, Sam applies wood glue to the grooves and installs each divider. He double-checks that everything is square and then secures the joints with screws from the outside.
The result is a solid, box-like structure with evenly spaced cubbies. This layout provides plenty of room for folded clothes, baskets, or supplies.
Finishing the Outer Edges
To give the organizer a polished appearance, Sam adds edge banding or thin maple strips to cover the exposed plywood edges. This step makes a big visual difference and helps protect the organizer from wear over time.
Edge treatment also gives the project a custom-built look and increases its appeal, especially if the organizer will be visible outside of a closet.
Hanging the Unit with a French Cleat
To mount the organizer to the wall, Sam uses a French cleat system. He cuts a strip of plywood at a 45-degree angle, creating two interlocking parts—one mounted to the wall, the other to the back of the unit.
This setup allows for strong, level hanging with the added bonus of being easily removable. The unit rests flush against the wall without any visible hardware from the front.
Adding a Clothing Rod
To make the most of the space below the organizer, Sam installs a clothing rod using black iron pipe. It’s simple, strong, and adds a modern industrial touch.
This addition is especially useful in baby rooms, where small clothes are often hung up instead of folded. The rod attaches just below the cubbies, creating a two-in-one solution for closet organization.
Installation and Final Look
Sam finishes the project by locating the wall studs, installing the cleat, and hanging the organizer in place. With a level and a helper, he ensures it’s aligned and secure.
The final product is clean, functional, and stylish. It blends well in a variety of room styles while providing smart storage where it’s needed most.
Please support Sam by visiting his website here: https://sammacydesigns.com/.