Looking for closet design ideas to start the new year off on an organized foot? Whether you have a spacious walk-in or a slim space with a single rod for clothing, keeping your closet neat and clutter-free is a problem everyone can relate to.
The good news: With some clever planning and creativity, you’ll no longer have to brave the deluge of stuff every time you open the closet door. Check out these tips from home design pros to see how it’s done, regardless of how much space you have (or don’t have) inside your closet.
1. Stop and reflect
“Mirrors are the best way to add a bit of glamour as well as create the illusion of a larger space,” says Dawn D. Totty, a designer based in Chattanooga, TN. “When it comes to mirrors: the bigger the glass, the larger the impact.”
Try a free-standing, framed mirror, which will let you view an outfit from head to toe.
2. Color-block your closet
Photo by California Closets Southdale
Organize your clothes not just by type, but also by color, says Laura Stein, owner of Laura Stein Interiors in Toronto. Not only will it make your closet space look neater, it will also “help you find what you’re looking for faster,” she adds.
3. Take off the door
Taking your closet door off its hinges can make even the smallest space appear much bigger. “’Open concept’ is trending for closets and a great way to open up a small space,” Totty says.
4. Create a center of attention
“If you have the space available [and yes, we know that’s a big if], an island or sitting bench—or a combination of the two—can give a walk-in closet an upscale, dressing room vibe,” says Sarah Eppard, owner of Closets by Design Minneapolis. These seating areas can also be useful for storing shoes or other accessories.
5. Don’t forget the door
“A closet door is typically unused real estate,” says Marty Basher, home organization expert for Modular Closets. Why not add hooks and storage bags to make the most of the vertical space? A faux leather storage bag ($34.99, target.com) from Chip and Joanna Gaines‘ Target line should do the trick.
6. Add eye-catching paint or wallpaper
Nowhere does it say that your closet walls have to match the walls of the room it’s in. So why not fill your space with a color—or better yet, add a trendy removable wallpaper. But how on Earth do you choose the right shade or pattern?
“Evaluating what clothing items are your go-to staples will help inform you of the colors you find most appealing,” says Dee Schlotter, senior color marketing manager for PPG, a global supplier of paints and coatings.
For instance, if you live in dark denim, consider a rich navy shade. Fancy yourself a bohemian at heart? Try an airy, floral pattern like the one above.
7. Light it up
Many closets in apartments and older homes don’t have individual lighting—or electrical outlets. If you’re accustomed to using your flashlight app each time you look for a sweater, LED light strips (battery-operated, no less!) may be a game changer for you. Choose from a basic peel-and-stick, drill-mount, or motion-sensor style.
8. Build a home office
A closet that’s far wider than it is deep is the perfect layout for a closet office. Remove the door and hanging bars, add shelves, and move your desk and chair in. Suddenly, you’ve got a quiet nook where you can get stuff done. Plus, repurposing your closet into a space for creativity will add versatility to your home when it comes time to sell.
9. Paint a pretty picture
Not every square inch of wall space needs to be filled with shelving stacked with sweaters, shoes, and other doodads. Those fortunate enough to own a nice-sized walk-in closet should hang a painting or framed photograph on a blank wall to add some interest.
“Art can be a fun and inexpensive way to add color and personality to any space,” Totty says. “It’s least expected in a closet, which makes it more impactful.”
10. Class up the joint
Don’t settle for that single hanging lightbulb in the closet. Jazz it up with a chandelier or pendant light fixture.
“Chandeliers are a cool way to introduce personality and a touch of class to your closet,” Totty says. “Think of lighting as the jewelry [of your] space.”
