12 Stylish Reach-In Closet Ideas to Inspire Your Next Project

Closets are a staple in nearly every home, and unless you’re one of the lucky ones, most of the time you're dealing with a reach-in closet rather than a walk-in closet. While closets are designed for storage and functionality, you don’t need to stop there. Upgrading your reach-in closet so that it’s pretty too is a great way to add a little fun to your space.

Here are 12 smart and stylish reach-in closet ideas to help you update your home’s boring builder-grade closets.

Try a Color-Drenched Look

Color-drenching is a popular look right now so why not give your reach-in closet a makeover with a moody monochromatic look? Blogger Taylor Wacker (@laneandivory on Instagram) gave the reach-in closets in her nursery an upgrade with some built-in dressers and a slate blue color-drenched look.

Install a Closet System

Closet organization systems don’t just increase the amount of storage in your closet, they can seriously transform the look of the space too. Take your closet from a cluttered eyesore to a functional and beautiful space by installing a closet organization system. Whether you choose to DIY it or buy a modular option, this is a great way to give your reach-in closet a much-needed makeover.

Paint the Closet Interior

A touch of paint is a simple and effective way to make a big impact in a space, and this reach-in closet by Tina Le Mac (@tinadoodles on Instagram) proves it. She painted the interior of this reach-in closet black for an unexpected pop of color that instantly elevates the whole room.

Create a Closet Office

Transform an unused reach-in closet into a closet office by removing the shelves and adding a desk and some overhead lighting. This is a great solution for those with small spaces that need an at-home workstation, as long as you can sacrifice the storage space. Spruce up the interior with paint, wallpaper, shelves, decor, and so much more.

Add Wallpaper

Add an unexpected pop of color and pattern to your space by wallpapering the interior of your reach-in closet. Paint the shelves a coordinating color for a seriously stylish and fun finished look.

Install Built-in Dressers

Elevate the look and feel of your closet by adding built-in dressers like home blogger Amanda West (@accordingtomandy). Not only does this allow you to add some color and personality to your reach-in closet, but it’ll increase the storage and functionality too. No more clutter at the base of your closet.

Swap Out the Doors

Swap out those builder-grade, hollow-core doors with something a bit more pretty and unique. Emily Henderson Design opted for wood plank doors in this bedroom, but you could go for French doors, mirrored doors, pocket sliding doors, and much more. The finished result will add some extra sophistication and charm to your space, without even touching the interior of the closet.

Create a Sneaky Laundry Space

Do you have an extra reach-in closet that you don’t need for storage? Get your laundry room out of the basement and transform your closet into a hidden laundry space. This reach-in closet features a slim washer and dryer with a wallpapered interior for some extra personality.

Add Closet Lighting

Overhead lighting is a quick and simple way to give your closet a little something extra. The best part is, that there’s no need to bring in the professionals if you don’t have the budget. There are plenty of battery-powered strip lights or plug-in options that you can opt for instead of hardwiring.

Use Cute Bins for Storage

Storage baskets and bins aren’t just great for organizing—the right ones can seriously transform the look of your reach-in closet too. Rather than opting for purely utilitarian plastic bins, take things a step further by choosing stylish baskets or bins to hold smaller items and accessories in your closet.

Go Doorless

While closet doors can help to hide the clutter, going doorless can make your room feel larger which is perfect for small spaces. Plus, if you treat the interior of your closet like another design element in your room (think interesting paint colors, wallpaper, organization systems, etc.), it can be used to create an interesting focal point too.

Add Floating Shelves

If you don’t need hanging space in your reach-in closet, adding floating shelves is an easy way to transform the space and make the most of every inch. This closet makeover by Casa Watkins Living features DIY floating shelves made from two-by-threes and plywood, but you could also buy pre-made floating shelves if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to organize a reach-in closet?

The best way to organize a reach-in closet is based on it's usage. Clothing closets will need to be organized differently than cleaning closets or linen closets. Don't be afraid to utilize closet organization systems, shelves, baskets/storage bins, clothing rails, and more to make the most out of every inch of your reach-in closet.

What is the best depth for a reach-in closet?

Ideally, a reach-in closet should be at least 24 inches deep so that it can easily accommodate a standard hanger. However, depending on what you plan to use the closet for, the depth can vary from anywhere between 22 inches to 28 inches.

Is a walk-in or a reach-in closet better?

Ultimately the type of closet you choose to go with will depend on your needs and budget. While walk-in closets are larger, offering more storage, they are more expensive to build and require lots of space. In comparison, reach-in closets can be easily incorporated into most rooms and are generally more budget-friendly.

Read Next: 32 DIY Closet Ideas That Are Surprisingly Doable

Read the original article on The Spruce.