Must Haves for A Well Organized Walk-In Closet
A well appointed closet is a must for every fashion lover and hoarder :)
I have designed my share of personal walk-in closets throughout the years in our various homes. We often convert bedrooms into closets but I have learned that a big closet is not always a great closet. I have had smaller closets that were much better suited for my needs than larger spaces because they were better organized.
A well-organized closet will make your life easier. It’s easier to get dressed in the morning and find my clothes. I also spend less on unnecessary items when my closet is organized because I can easily see what I own and avoid duplicate purchases.
Below I share my top 10 tips for creating a functional walk-in closet. Some of these tips can also be applied to one-wall closets as well.
No.1 Pick a Closet System That Fits Your Budget & Needs & Organize! Organize! Organize!
Custom closets from major retailers like California Closets or Closet America can run anywhere from $10,000 up. The benefits are that you do not have to do anything yourself. They come in, measure, create a plan and install everything in one weekend. Easy peasy and no work required on your end.
Our closet is a Moletni system + IKEA PAX + random dressers we rigged to look like built-ins.
The paint color is Benjamin Moore Antique Pearl.
A less expensive & versatile alternative is the IKEA PAX system. You can design your closet online for free on IKEA’s website. The downside with IKEA is that you have to install it yourself and the finishes are what they are-nothing is custom. However, we’ve installed IKEA closets and like the versatility. [A cost-savings tip for IKEA closets is to buy one from someone off Craigslist and fill in the necessary gaps from the store.]
You can also organize one-wall closets. I have used similar systems like this, this and this. I think this system is absolutely adorable.
Whatever you pick—make sure it offers you enough hanging and drawer space to help you organize and see all of your things.
No.2 Infuse Personality
Even when you choose something that everyone has—-like an IKEA PAX—take the the extra time to make it unique and truly yours. A closet, like every other space in your home, should reflect your style and taste.
We chose to paint our closet system Antique Pearl by Benjamin Moore. I admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the color at first but my husband refused to have a ‘basic’ white closet—he actually hates the color white in decor, probably from watching too much HGTV. This color is white with a hint of lavender.
Painting laminate is not easy and takes a lot of work but I love love LOVE how it turned out. It’s really soft and feminine and I’ve never seen anyone with a closet like ours.
We installed the closet system on a base and with crown moulding to make it look truly built-in and like a custom higher-end closet.
We also chose to install unique drawer pulls. This is one of the BEST ways to make your closet pop and it can be relatively inexpensive. We chose these simple but beautiful brass pulls. We’ve had them for 2 years and they look exactly the same as the day we bought them and the finish has not worn. I used these appliance sized pulls as handles for my bag closet.
No.4 Uniform Hangers
Despite my best efforts, my husband uses random hangers to hang up his clothes. To him, a hanger is a hanger is a hanger. It annoys me every time I look at this side of the closet so I just stopped looking over there.
I use the same hangers. These are my favorite hangers for skirts and pants. You can also try these and these.
Picture from the Container Store
I use these hangers to organize scarves. And I use these hangers to hang my clothes. As a tip:I always buy more hangers than I need just in case the manufacturer stops making what I like.
No.5 Don’t Leave Things on the Floor
A well organized closet shouldn’t have too many things on the floor, even shoes. If something has to be on the floor put it in bins and baskets if possible
I put shoes in clear boxes [these & these] and shelves. If you do not have space for shelves that’s no excuse because a simple shoe rack or over the door rack works just as well.
These boxes fit a pair of booties and several pairs of flats.
No.6 Organize Jewelry and Other Accessories
I used to just throw all my jewelry in a box but now, for the first time, I have a peninsula (not island). This counter space has been really great for organization.
I have since switched this ottoman out but this was from TJMAXX/Marshalls.
Below are a few I love:
No.8 Step Stool
This is a no brainer but I rarely see it mentioned. A basic foldable step stool to help you access hard to reach items is a must. [here] And it tucks away when you don’t need it!
No.9 Great Lighting
Ditch the builder-grade boob light and install a chandelier! It doesn’t need to be big but it should be fun!
I actually want to change the lighting in my closet but knowing my husband will be vociferously opposed I have decided to let it go (for now).
I believe lighting makes a room. Here are some fun options here | here | here | here | here | here | here | here
No.10 A Fun Mirror
I actually do not have a full length mirror in my closet because we have one in the master bath. I want to eventually install custom mirrored doors one day.
I do have this absolutely gorgeous mirror over my peninsula.
Full length mirror options: here | here | here
I hope this post is helpful. Let me know if you want me to do a blog post on how we built our closet and saved some money doing it!