Want to convert your messy closet into an organized dream closet?
We’ve all been there.
You open the closet door and the clothes fall on you. Shoes are everywhere. You know that special shirt you want to wear but have no idea where to find it?
Here’s the deal.
A custom closet design can revolutionize your life. You will have more time to get ready in the morning. Your clothes will be in a better condition and you will finally enjoy using your closet space.
The custom closet solutions market is projected to grow at a steady rate because consumers are starting to realize that getting organized is not only about looking neat. It is also about creating practical spaces that make their lives easier. In fact, 42% of homeowners consider organized living spaces to be their top focus in their home improvement plans.
Contrary to popular belief, a custom closet design is not as difficult as it may sound. By following the right process, you can create a storage solution that fully optimizes all the available space.
Stick around as we share the secrets with you!
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Why Custom Closets Actually Matter
- How to Plan Your Perfect Closet Layout
- Storage Solutions That Work
- Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Custom Closets
Why Custom Closets Actually Matter
A badly designed closet can waste your precious time every single day.
You spend minutes looking for that special pair of jeans. Your shirts get wrinkled because they have nowhere else to hang. And you can’t use half of the space properly.
Custom closets solve these problems by creating an efficient system that suits your unique needs. Every wardrobe is different. A remote worker needs a different storage solution than a corporate worker who dons a suit every day. A sneakerhead will need a completely different setup than someone with three pairs of shoes.
Custom closet design matters because everyone’s needs are different.
The global custom closets market size is currently $31.43 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $59.12 billion by 2033. Yes, people are investing in this because it works.
Did you know this…? Custom closets also add value to your home. When real estate buyers walk around properties, a functional and organized closet gets their attention.
How to Plan Your Closet Layout Like a Pro
Before purchasing storage units or getting contractors, you should have a plan in place.
Here is a simple and effective way to go about it:
First, empty your closet. Completely empty your closet. Every single item. This is the only way you will get accurate measurements.
Ask yourself these questions while the closet is empty:
- Which are the items you access the most?
- Which items should be hanged and which folded?
- Do you require specialty storage for shoes or accessories?
- How much of each storage do you require?
Measure everything. Height, width, and depth. Measure from floor to ceiling. Vertical space is gold in closets and most people waste way too much closet space above hanging rods.
Snap some pictures of your empty closet from all angles. You’ll thank yourself later when planning.
The key is to create zones. Place like items together. Hang all your hanging clothes in one area. Folded items in another. Shoes and accessories in their designated areas.
Storage Solutions That Actually Work
Storage solutions play a significant role in whether or not your custom closet succeeds or fails.
Modular Systems Are King
Modular storage units rule the market with an estimated 39% share because of how effective they are. They let you choose from an array of components to mix and match for creating the exact storage solution you need.
Hang rods at different heights, add shelves at desired points, include drawers for small items. You can reconfigure everything later on if your needs change.
Maximize Your Vertical Space
Most closets have too much wasted space near the ceiling.
Install double hanging rods to instantly double your hanging capacity. Use the top rod for shorter items like shirts and the bottom one for pants. This one simple trick can transform your closet.
Add shelves all the way to the ceiling for less used items. Seasonal clothes or luggage can be placed up there.
Don’t Forget About Drawers
Drawers are a great way of keeping your smaller items neat and free from dust. Socks, underwear, accessories, and folded shirts just feel better in drawers than open shelving.
Shoe drawers are a great idea too. Shoes can be kept in pull-out drawers to make them visible and easy to access.
Lighting Changes Everything
You need to be able to see to organize.
Built-in LEDs make a night and day difference. Place the lighting underneath shelves or inside drawers. Mirror lights or the ones that are activated by motion sensors work best.
Materials Worth Splurging On
The materials you settle for also determine how your closet will look and for how long it will last.
Solid wood is the best when it comes to custom closets. It is strong, durable, and looks beautiful. Oak, maple, and cherry woods are popular choices.
If solid wood is too costly, go for engineered wood products like MDF or plywood with veneer finishes. These are affordable yet offer high quality.
Wire shelves are cheap but leave indentations on folded clothes. Stick to solid shelving instead.
As for finishes:
White and gray finishes make your closet look bright and spacious. You can also go for natural wood tones to add warmth. Just make sure all the finishes match throughout your closet.
Mistakes You Need to Avoid
If you are like most people, you may make some of the following mistakes when designing custom closets:
Ignoring Your Future Closet Needs
Closets change with time. Seasons change, jobs change, and lives change. Leave some extra capacity in your closet. Reserve some shelves and hanging space for future use.
Designing Against Your Habits
Be honest about how you use your closet.
If you don’t fold your t-shirts neatly, don’t go for a system that makes you do it. Design for real life and not for your Instagram posts.
Designing a Closet With Accessibility Issues
Make sure that you can easily access all the items in your closet. Place frequently used items at easily accessible places. Drawers should glide smoothly when pulled. With 47% of urban households prioritizing space optimization, closet accessibility matters more than ever.
Settling for Cheap Hardware
Cheap hardware not only lasts for a short period but also makes your whole closet look cheap. Invest in high-quality drawer slides that glide smoothly, sturdy hanging rods, and reliable hinges.
Trying to DIY Everything
If you have complex installations that require floor-to-ceiling components or ones with awkward angles, let professionals handle them. A poorly DIY’d job will cost you more to repair than professional installation.
Let’s Get Started
Are you ready to get your closet in order?
Start small. Focus on a single closet and get that right before moving to another.
Empty the closet you want to work on. Donate the items you no longer need. Measure the closet space. Create a simple sketch of how you want your closet to look.
For urban dwellers in cities with tight spaces, working with experts who are experienced in custom designed closets in New York City will make all the difference. They understand how to work around tight spaces and navigate architectural challenges.
Budget at least a couple of weeks to complete the whole process.
The Bottom Line
Custom closet design can transform your daily routine. It creates an organized and functional space for storage.
The key to success is proper planning and an honest assessment of your needs. Invest in modular systems that can change as your life changes.
Go for quality materials that will last you for decades. Avoid the mistakes highlighted above. An efficient custom closet design is one that suits your lifestyle and makes your life easier every single day.
Plan well, make wise decisions when it comes to storage solutions and create a space that meets your needs. Your future self will be grateful every time you wake up and only spend 5 minutes getting ready instead of 20 minutes.
