komero

Komero is a Finnish term for a small, enclosed storage space in a domestic or architectural setting, typically translated into English as "closet," "cupboard" or "storage nook." In Finland, komero commonly denotes a built-in, wall-integrated compartment used for storing clothing, linens, foodstuffs or household supplies. It is distinct from larger walk-in closets (vaatehuone) and from freestanding wardrobes (vaatekaappi).

Komerot vary in size and design, from narrow cupboards with shelves to deeper spaces with hanging rails. Traditional komero construction uses timber framing and shelving; modern versions may incorporate drywall, prefabricated modules, sliding doors, or custom carpentry. In older Finnish apartments and rural homes, external access and compact layout made komero an important organizational feature, while contemporary housing often replaces multiple small komero with larger, more flexible storage solutions.

Beyond its practical role, komero appears in everyday language and planning documents as a standard element of floor plans and real-estate descriptions. The concept of a komero reflects broader priorities in Nordic design—efficient use of limited space, emphasis on functionality, and integration of storage into the living environment. Variations of the term and similar built-in storage features exist in other languages and regions, but komero is specifically associated with Finnish domestic architecture and housing culture.