Have you ever heard someone say, “I have too much closet space”? Your head is probably moving left to right, signaling a no. The flipside to that is we seem to never have enough closet space and the closets we do have tend to be small and cramped full. And to get motivated to tackle the closet clutter can be overwhelming. But instead of closing the door, read on and get inspired by these clever closet design and organizational ideas.
Create a Clean Slate
If you’re remodeling your closet, the first thing to do is empty it and eliminate items you don’t need. Then take an inventory of what you have leftover and group items accordingly. It wouldn’t hurt to do a fold and hang “dry run” too. For example, refold all your sweaters and you’ll be able to see exactly the space you’ll need to store them properly. Put everything on hangers that you wish to hang. That will help determine the length of clothes rods needed. Do you have a massive shoe collection? Many shelves might be in your closet future.
Develop a Design Plan
Small closets can pack a big punch of organization but it’s crucial to have plan. A successful one optimizes space by dedicating a home for everything you need and stretches the floorplan (including floor to ceiling) utilizing every inch possible. Begin by making a list of priorities of what you want. You can also research types of closet plans and kits that are DIY friendly so you can install them yourself. Additionally, there are online closet design programs that don’t break the budget bank, or you can hire a closet design company to do everything from design to install.
Stationary Storage
Open shelving, built-in drawers, or a freestanding dresser and strategically placed double rod sets and rods to accommodate long garments should be a staple in your design plan. Make sure shelves crown all the hanging rods, allowing the option to display bags, pretty shoes, or small decorative boxes. Drawers are a must to tuck away underwear, socks, t-shirts, workout clothes and basically anything else you don’t want to be seen. Cubbies and a multitier shoe rack are a bonus for organization of you have room.
Relocate It
When space is limited it’s important to keep your closet organized year-round. Bulky sweaters, boots, scarves, and gloves can eat up shelf space quickly. Pack your seasonal clothing in luggage and store in another location, including shoes. Shoes can also be organized according to weather and be stowed away in bins under the bed. A surprise benefit of this process is every time you unpack, you’ll rediscover your favorites and donate items that no longer fit your style.
Light It Up
Make sure your small closet is luminated with proper lighting. A stylish chandelier or fixed ceiling fixture can elevate your space and give it a custom look at the same time. Affordable battery-powered lights such as the small circular ones or the wireless light strips are a rock-solid choice to provide lighting wherever you need.
Behind the Door Storage
The back of a door creates a variety of options for small closet organization. Placing a mirror on the inside of your door not only helps you get ready for day, but visually can make tight quarters feel larger. Over the door hook canvas bins and shoe racks are popular for in plain sight storage and rows of wall mount hooks, pegs, even short rods are great for hanging accessories such as belts, scarves, and hats.
Storage Containers
As previously said, open shelving is a must for small closets but not so much for keeping articles in place. And nobody is a fan of piles tumbling down when trying to grab that one item. Add baskets and bins to keep your articles tidy and orderly and if you want to step it up a notch, choose fun colors and patterns, but make sure to repeat the same color palette. Color clashing storage containers can become visual clutter. Smaller cloth or canvas holders work great inside drawers for all your small garments. And a top drawer puzzled with small clear plastic containers works wonders for jewelry and cosmetics.
Ready to redesign, remodel or build new, your small closet? The experts at any PARR Design Center locations can assist you from start to finish and that once tiny closet will soon be an airy showcase of organization. And catch PARR Weekend Warriors, Redo with Q, Episode 16 Closet Remodel Reveal. With the help from Cohosts, Corey Valdez and Tony Cookston, owner of Hoffs Homestead, Shannon Quimby reconfigured two small, confined closets into one walk through. And remember, PARR Lumber is the supplier of choice.
Shannon Quimby is an internationally acknowledged salvage designer, television personality, DIY expert and photo stylist for Better Homes & Gardens. She’s an HGTV alumni and for the past 20 years NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX broadcasts have featured her work. Currently, you can see Shannon’s DIY’s and design ideas on “Create with Quimby” on CW KOIN News AM Extra
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