Before Starting Your Closet Project
Designing a closet to be both stylish and functional takes some planning. Finding the right closet system that works with the size of your space is key, as well as choosing a style, like wood or wire, that creates the aesthetic you want with the layout that makes the most sense. Think about how you use your closet. Do you hang more clothing, or fold and stack? If you have a lot of dresses, skirts and pants or prefer to hang your blouses and sweaters rather than fold them, choose an option that offers more hanging rods than shelves. If you fold more of your clothing and store more things in baskets and bins, incorporating more shelf space is the way to go. Do you like to get dressed in your closet? You might want to think about creating a space that allows for the room to do that. Understanding your storage needs and dressing habits will make it easier to configure your closet so it works for you. Use the tips and ideas below to get started.
1. Measure the Space
Use a tape measure, pencil and notepad to accurately record the dimensions of the closet.
- Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling.
- Measure the length of usable wall space. For reach-in closets, measure the back wall. For walk-in closets, measure the back and side walls.
- Measure the depth of the space.
These three measurements are critical in determining the depth of shelves, the amount of shelving and hardware needed and the options that are available.
Make sure to note windows and doors, including how the doors open. Also mark utilities, access panels and studs.
2. Choose Your Style
Walk-In vs. Reach-In
Walk-in closets are essentially small rooms dedicated to clothes storage. They’re usually big enough for two people to share and have their own lighting. Reach-in closets are small, more function-based spaces. When the doors are open you have access to most everything stored, allowing you to literally reach in and grab a sweater, a pair of shoes, an accessory—whatever you need to get ready for the day. Whether you have a walk-in or a reach-in closet, you can configure them in multiple ways using wood or wire closet organizers and components, depending on your needs, style, vision, and budget.
Your new closet design can be accomplished with a variety of solutions. The simplest way is to purchase a kit. With a closet kit, you can choose either wood or wire in a variety of options. For a custom DIY closet makeover, you can purchase the separate parts and design the entire closet yourself.
- Custom units are available by the linear foot.
- Prepackaged kits are available by the wall size (5-foot-by-8-foot is the most common).
- Add-ons (drawers, extra shelves, tie and belt racks, hampers, etc.) offer specialized storage as needed.
Wire Closet Organizers
Wire shelving and closet components are less expensive, easy to install and can work with many closet measurements. A smooth, powder-coated finish protects surfaces and clothing from damage. Look for continuous sliding rods, which allow you hangers to move uninterrupted across the entire bar. For a typical 4-foot-by-8-foot closet, you’ll need the following:
- Horizontal shelving rails
- Vertical shelving uprights and brackets
- Shelves
- Closet rods
- End caps and rod supports
- Corner pieces
- Fasteners and hardware
Wood Closet Organizers
Wood closet shelving and organizers are sturdy, cost-effective and attractive. These kits include closet rods, drawers and other accessories. The installation is slightly more advanced compared to wire systems but is still DIY-friendly. For a typical 4-foot-by-8-foot closet, you’ll need the following:
- Tower or corner units
- Shelves
- Closet rods
- Drawers
- Fasteners and hardware
3. Customize Your Closet
Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to create a DIY closet design. Be sure to consider the following:
Closet Towers
Closet towers are a component of wood closet systems, offering additional shelf storage. Towers are great for storing folded garments like sweaters and jeans. You can also use the shelves to stash hats, bags and shoes. Some are compatible with drawer units, allowing you to create concealed storage.
Hanging Rods
Double-hang rods (for skirts, shirts, slacks, blouses, etc.) double your storage space. The top rod is typically placed about 84 inches above the floor, and the bottom rod is usually placed around 42 inches above the floor. Single-hang rods (for dresses, coats, robes, etc.) are commonly placed 70 inches above the floor.
Shelves
If you have high ceilings, here are a few closet shelving ideas. Install one shelf that runs the entire perimeter of your closet at 85-1/2 inches high, maximizing your storage space. In the rest of the closet, hang shorter shelves at various heights to create more storage space. Place the shelves at least 12 inches apart vertically for stacked clothes.
Baskets, Cubbies and Drawers
Use baskets for sweaters, cubbies for shoes and purses and drawers for storing socks and belts. Many closet kits are adjustable so you can mix it up for your convenience.
Other Accessories
Shoe storage, belt and tie organizers and valet rods or hooks bring additional enhancements to help tailor your closet to your needs. With wood closet kits, you can add doors to conceal items on the shelves.
For help getting started, refer to our resources to help plan your closet:
Want to get the most space from a corner? For wire shelving, consider using a corner piece with a continuous hanger rod for easy sliding. For wood systems, run a rod to one wall. Then place a tower or shelves about 24 inches from the adjacent wall. If you want a shelf above, use corner brackets to connect them.
Some wood shelves can be cut to fit your space, making it even easier to customize your closet. If you're adding a closet tower, solid wood towers and ventilated wood closet towers must be wall mounted, but other systems can be on the floor. If you're working with a longer closet, multiple closet kits can be added next to each other to create longer runs.
Closet Organizing Ideas
Once you choose and install your closet organization system, think about how you’ll maximize your storage and organization space. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Your closet should be at least 24 inches deep, so your clothes clear the back wall.
- If you’re adding shelves for woman’s shoes, make sure they’re about 6 to 7 inches apart vertically.
- For shelves being used to store folded clothes, they should be about 12 inches apart vertically.
- Double hanging rods should be installed at a minimum of 84 inches high.
- Different clothing pieces take up different amounts of space on the hanging rod. Shirts and blouses take up 1 inch, pants and skirts take up 1-1/4 inches and dresses, jackets and suits take up 2 to 3 inches.
Refer to the chart to plan your closet storage efficiently:
Here are some more tips to get started:
Walk-In Closet Ideas
If you have a walk-in closet, then you’ll want to ensure it’s set up the right way to keep everything neat and organized. Here are a few suggestions to maximize your space.
Planning
It’s important to plan and determine what your specific needs are. Do you have a lot of dresses, shoes, purses or jewelry? Or do you have a closet full of suits and ties? You’ll want to take this into account. The best way to create a functional walk-in closet is with a modular closet system that you can set up according to your needs. They’re available as wood closet organizers or wire closet systems.
Closet Necessities
After you decide on a wood or wire system, it’s time to consider what you’ll need. Here are a few ideas.
- Hang rods at different lengths. Use high rods for dresses, long coats and robes. Or use high rods for pants and low rods for shirts.
- Add drawers for T-shirts, workout clothes, pajamas, undergarments and more.
- Use wood or wire shelving to store sweaters, hats, purses, luggage and linens.
Other Features
After you’ve selected the closet basics, there are plenty of accessories that can add functionality and convenience.
- Use shoe cubbies, shoe shelves or hanging organizers to easily find your favorite sneakers or heels.
- Add a wall-mount or freestanding mirror that can double as jewelry storage.
- Install a rack for belts and ties to neatly organize your accessories.
- Don’t forget bins and baskets to store offseason favorites.
Finishing Touches
If you want to create an elegant closet with all the trimmings, here are a few additions to consider.
- For large walk-in closets, use an island for accessories.
- Stage a beautiful outfit or hang tomorrow’s clothes on a valet rod.
- Add a bench for a comfortable place to put on your shoes.
- Layer in a soft rug to anchor the space.
- Hang a sparkling chandelier or a modern pendant to create ambience.
- Wallpaper an accent wall or the ceiling.
Shoe Storage Ideas
If you have a closet full of shoes, but no way to organize them, we have a few shoe storage ideas that can help.
Built-In Storage
Whether you have a small closet or a large walk-in closet, you can benefit from some shoe organization ideas. Built-ins, like those in the image above, are ideal and can accommodate a few pairs of shoes or dozens of pairs, depending on the amount of space you have. Wooden shoe racks tilt slightly so you can easily view your favorite sandals or heels.
Freestanding Shoe Shelves
A freestanding shoe shelf can sit on the floor. They typically have two to three shelves. Some have adjustable rods that you can pull out for additional storage.
Shoe Storage Cabinets
If you don’t want your shoes to show, then put them in a cabinet. It appears to be a piece of furniture but opens to hold up to 10 pairs of shoes. If you need additional shoe storage in areas other than a closet, shoe storage cabinets are great for mudrooms, garages, entryways and more.
If you’ve run out of floor and shelf space, consider a shoe rack that hangs over the door. These handy racks are typically made of plastic or canvas and can hold anywhere from 10 to 36 pairs of shoes.
Garment Racks
A heavy-duty clothes rack makes a nice addition to closet organization, whether you need additional storage or added convenience. Models with double rods make great use of vertical space, allowing you to expand your closet, plan outfits or stage several days’ worth of clothing for a trip. Shelves add more storage space or let you match an outfit’s accessories. Clothes racks can be useful for laundry was well, whether you need a place for items to air dry or — if the rack has wheels — an easy way to move clothes from the laundry room to a closet.
Baby Closet Organization
Adjustable closet systems are great choices for baby closets or closets in a child’s room. Use a top rod to store out-of-season clothes and a lower rod to keep frequently used items at eye level. Add stackable storage cubes to make use of the space between the clothes and the floor, and use storage bins and totes to contain small items like shoes, toys and games. As your child grows, reconfigure the space to fit larger clothes, and use the storage cubes and bins elsewhere.
Install Your Custom Closet
Gather your materials and begin your install. Depending on the type of wall in your closet, it may require special hardware for anchoring shelves to the walls:
- Drywall or paneling may require wall anchors for support.
- Concrete/masonry requires a masonry bit to drill 1/4-inch-by-1-inch holes plus #8 1-inch screws.
- Solid wood doesn't require anchors; use #8 1-inch screws.
You may decide not to build your shelves from scratch and, instead, transform your closet by installing a wood closet organizer kit. Many kits today look just as beautiful as custom-built models and can accommodate any combination of hanging clothes, storage bins and baskets. The shelving can be installed flush with the top of the closet tower or mounted at different heights depending on your needs, and some kits even include drawers.
For more ideas and inspiration:
Watch the Video: Install Wire Shelving
Watch the Video: Install a Wood Closet Organizer
Give Your Closet the Accent Wall Treatment
Hang wallpaper for a fresh take on a closet and to create an eye-catching backdrop for your things. Choose a neutral shade for a subdued look or a colorful pattern that pops. To make installation quicker, use peel-and-stick wallpaper like Casey from "DIY Playbook" did for a guest room closet. It now comes in a variety of designs and colors that are just as pretty as traditional wallpaper.
For more ideas and inspiration: