Imagine starting your day with ease, every outfit and accessory perfectly organized and within reach. A well-designed closet can transform your daily routine, making your life more organized and stress-free. In our profession, we have the opportunity to see all kinds of closets and help design and modify closets to serve our clients’ lifestyles. Designing a closet tailored to an individual’s needs is both an art and a science. Where do you start when you are thinking about renovating your closet? We want to share some key considerations to ensure your closets are functional, stylish, and perfectly suited to you.
I toured a client’s recently purchased apartment and we ended up in her walk-in closet. The furnishing was beautiful, yet it was clearly designed for a man of at least six feet. She is 5 foot 3 and I asked her to pantomime reaching for an item on a hanger. Needless to say, the closet needed to be redesigned for her height. Another indicator that a closet has been designed for or by a man, is when you see a closet that has all double hanging and no long hanging. I guess most of the closets I have seen in newly purchased homes have been designed by tall men who do not wear dresses.
Are you ready to redesign your closet? Start by sorting and editing your closet so you don’t waste space in your closet design on clothes that no longer fit, are no longer used or are clothing that is essentially memorabilia. Then organize your wardrobe and identify the categories of clothing you wear and determine how accessible your categories need to be.
Questions to answer before you begin the design:
- What are my categories? For example, Business attire, Casual, Activewear, Evening Wear.
- Which of my clothing and accessories do I wear the most?
- Do I need to seasonally rotate my clothing?
- How many inches of short hanging and long hanging are needed?
- Do you need to store your shoes in your closet?
- Do I want folded clothing on shelves or in drawers?
Designing a closet involves measuring the items you need to store in the closet and the actual closet space completely. Measuring what to hang, what to store on shelves and in drawers informs how much space you need. Measure how much hanging space you require for short and long hanging. Count and measure the items that will be folded and stacked in your closet.
Now measure the closet space itself. Accurately measure the walls, the position and opening of the door(s), and the height from floor to ceiling. Note outlets or electric switches in the closet. You can use graph paper or a program like RoomSketcher to draw out the closet space.
Once you have a drawing of the closet space, begin identifying where your categories should live and how–on shelves, in drawers, or on a hanging bar? What kinds of containers or organizing solutions will you need for your accessories? Once you have a design, remember to add a percentage for growth. Double check that you have enough storage space for the items you want to store in your closet.
Some more ideas for maximizing space in your design:
- Think about storing items and clothing that are used less frequently in less accessible areas.
- Vertical space in a closet should not be wasted. Make space for a step stool.
- Consider containing less used items, or seasonal items in uniform storage containers with labels.
- Incorporate lighting so you can see into every shelf, cubby, and drawer.
- Include a place for a mirror so that you can check out your look before you leave your closet.
- Add a hamper and a valet hook.
Designing a closet is about more than just storage; it’s about creating a personalized sanctuary for a person’s lifestyle expressed through clothes and accessories. By considering these factors, you can craft a closet that’s not only functional but also a joy to use every day. If you’re ready to transform your closet into a space that reflects your style and meets your needs, reach out to us. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way.
