Small closet design ideas can solve the space problem. Is there not enough space in your closet for hanging and shelves? The design project can maximize the use of the area where you can hang clothes, store items on the upper rack, and put away shoes, handbags, and seasonal clothing. A couple of smart alterations can help you get the best out of a useless storage space.
Measure Your Closet First
When looking at small closet design, measuring is one of the first things that will decide what the space should be used for and help determine what products will need to be purchased. In addition to the width, height, and depth of a closet, it is also important to measure the door opening and keep track of any baseboards, trim, vents, or outlets. These things are essential to small closet design as they limit the space in a closet.
Measure these areas:
- Wall-to-wall width
- Floor-to-ceiling height
- Available depth
- Door opening
- Fixed obstacles
Choose the Right Closet Layout
An effective small closet layout mostly depends on the items you need to store. For example, if you have a collection of shirts, you may need to consider having more hanging space than storage for folded items.
When it comes to folded items, it is best to consider shelves. As for shoes, some people prefer low shelves while others can consider cubbies. Dividing your storage needs ensures you make the best use of a small closet. The table below shows how to achieve a good storage balance;
| Storage Need | Practical Option |
| Shirts and pants | Double hanging rods |
| Folded clothes | Adjustable shelves |
| Shoes | Low shelves or cubbies |
| Accessories | Hooks and small bins |
| Seasonal items | Upper shelves |
Make a Reach-In Closet Work Harder
There are several small reach-in closet ideas that can help you maximize your storage. Adding hooks in a closet space that has not been utilized can add more storage space. Install a second hanging rod, or utilize the top space where the existing rods are placed. A reach in closet organizer can also help divide hanging clothes, shoes, and accessories. You can also keep the most used items at eye level while using the higher shelves for seasonal items.
Use Built-In and Closet Systems
Small closet design can include modular closet systems for small closets: rods, shelves, drawers, and baskets that allow you to put your needs first. These are good for those who need closet organization solutions but cannot afford to have custom closets built. As you look into small closet built-in ideas, keep in mind floor-to-ceiling shelves, drawers, shoe storage, and hanging space. Built-ins are much more effective for those with irregularly shaped closets.
Maximize a Small Walk-In Closet
A small walk in closet design ideas should make the best use of the space without sacrificing the area necessary for walking. Hang your clothes on the walls and make use of shelves, drawers, and accessory storage.
Closet systems for walk-in closets can help divide the space into sections for hanging, folded clothes, shoes, and accessories. Keep the most used items accessible and try to store shoes and seasonal clothes together on the upper shelves.
Follow These Planning Steps
Small closet design becomes easier when you plan before purchasing anything.
- Declutter: Get rid of clothes and accessories you rarely use
- Measure: Take all the necessary measurements and note any obstacles
- Sort: Divide the clothes and accessories into the following categories: hanging clothes, folded clothes, shoes, and accessories
- Plan: Allocate the most space to the items that are used the most
- Install: Install the rods, shelves, baskets, and hooks
- Check: Ensure everything is accessible and organized
For instance, people with lots of clothes in the form of shirts and pants should consider buying a small closet with double rods instead of buying a closet with more drawers.
Conclusion
A good small closet design usually starts with how you need to store your items. Taking accurate measurements, utilizing your space correctly, and being able to access your items are just a few of the many things you can do to get the most out of your closet.
Whether you have a reach-in or walk-in closet, your everyday necessities should always be within easy reach while making the best use of the space that you do have. You should also remember that planning is more important than buying things that you don’t need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a small closet more functional?
Utilize vertical space and double-hang rods, install adjustable shelves, and use hooks.
What should I measure before planning a closet?
You should measure the width, height, and depth of the closet and the door opening. Check for baseboards, trim, vents, outlets, and other obstructions.
What is a good layout for a small reach-in closet?
A combination of double hanging and upper shelves plus low storage for shoes is ideal for a reach-in closet. Make sure to customize it to fit your storage needs.
How can I maximize vertical closet space?
Make use of the space in the topmost part of the closet. You can install shelves or cabinets for seasonal clothing and other rarely used items.
Are built-in organizers useful for small closets?
Yes, they can. Built-ins can help you realize the best storage potential by taking advantage of the space in a closet. They also allow you to customize the size of your closet storage.
What should go in a small walk-in closet?
Store the most needed items in a small walk-in closet. Store shoes and seasonal items on the upper shelves.
How can I organize shoes in a small closet?
Make use of low shelves, cubbies, and narrow shoe storage. You can place the most accessible shoes at eye level.
Are shelves or drawers better for a small closet?
It mainly depends on what you need to store. Shelves are best for folded clothes, while drawers are ideal for storing small items.
Can I improve a small closet without custom storage?
Yes, you can. You can use adjustable rods and shelves, closet systems, bins, and hooks to maximize the space available.
When should I consider a closet system?
You should use a closet system when you want to make use of the space in a closet. A closet system combines shelves, hanging space, and drawers to offer organized storage in a compact space.