Smart Solutions for Clothes Closets
Whether yours is spacious or practically pocket size, the clothing closet is a space that can nearly always use some improvement. Here are tips for adjusting the layout, choosing the right closet components and finding extra space.
Hardworking space: The clothes closet.
The challenge: When the clothes closet is working well, it makes getting ready (and getting on with your day) a breeze; when it’s not, mornings can become a hassle. These ideas can help you find the right storage and organizing plan for your space.
Good to know: It helps to measure your stuff before investing in a closet system — that way you can be sure you’re getting exactly the right storage for your wardrobe.
Design idea: Double up on hanging rods and make room for narrow shelving.
Why: Having enough room to hang your crisp shirts is a must, but using a sliver of extra closet space for a tall, narrow shelving unit can be worth sacrificing a bit of hanging space — shoes, jeans and sweaters can all fit on shelves 12 to 16 inches wide (measure your belongings to see what size you need).
DIY idea: Bookcase as closet storage.
Why: A simple bookcase with adjustable shelves is often just the right size for holding shoes, boots, bags and more.
Extras: To use your bookcase as storage for sweaters, add shelf dividers to keep piles from toppling over. If you keep your shoes in their boxes, label the outside with a photo of the shoes so you can tell what’s what at a glance.
Design idea: Wardrobe behind the bed.
Why: A simple bookcase with adjustable shelves is often just the right size for holding shoes, boots, bags and more.
How: Position the master bed in the center of the room instead of on a wall to allow room for a dressing area behind the bed. This works best with a large (king- or California king–size) bed with a solid headboard, as shown here. Place your dresser behind the headboard, facing the closet or a freestanding wardrobe.
Layout tip: This arrangement works well only in large bedrooms — once everything is positioned, you should have 3 to 4 feet (or more) between the dresser and closet doors.
Design idea: Sliding shoe shelves.
Why: A simple bookcase with adjustable shelves is often just the right size for holding shoes, boots, bags and more.
How: Many cabinets and closet systems can be customized with sliding shelves. If you already have a closet system, purchase components from the same manufacturer to ensure that they fit. If you are creating a closet from scratch, work with a closet designer to get exactly the shoe storage you need.
Planning tips: Note the measurements of the shoe shelves you will be purchasing, and tape out the dimensions on your floor. Then fill the space with shoes you want to store — this will allow you to know precisely how many pairs each shelf will fit. Pay attention to the height of the shoes you want to store, too — flats and sneakers can go on shelves positioned closer together; heels and boots need more space.
Small-closet tips: Make the most of a small, shallow closet by outfitting it with components that make sense. Instead of one long hanging rod, go with a pair of shorter valet rods to hang clothes boutique-style. Fill in all the extra space above and below the rods with shelving for shoes, accessories and sweaters, and install hooks under the shelves to hold bags or scarves.
Design idea: Pullout accessory cabinet.
Why: Sneak a lot of storage into a sliver of space with a slim pullout closet component for shoes, bags and more.
How: This is best worked into a larger closet design plan. Look for pullout shelving in a ready-made closet system, or work with your closet designer to create the perfect slide-out shoe shelf for you.
Planning tip: Take the time to measure your shoes, bags and anything else you hope to store before choosing a piece like this — it won’t do you much good if your favorite shoes are too big to fit inside!
