This Genius Organization Hack Will Make Your Closet Feel Infinitely Bigger
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Whether your closet is a massive walk-in with shelves and drawers galore or a makeshift clothes rack in the corner of your bedroom, keeping this part of your space tidy is paramount. You might even call it an act of self-care. A clean, organized closet streamlines your morning routine and gives you an excuse to shop (or try new combinations now that you can actually see everything). It starts with a strong design plan or strategic use of your existing space. To that end, we're sharing closet organization ideas that are easy to employ and maintain.
For starters, designate a few hours to clear out clothes that don't fit, put seasonal items in storage, and give away last year's Halloween costume to make room for pieces you actually love. Not only will this make getting dressed easier, but you'll also be met with a closet you actually enjoy rifling through. Gone are the days of diving your hand into a drawer in search of that white tee you swore was in there and reaching up for a purse only to have your whole collection tumble down.
Ahead, get inspired by 40 easy ways to put and keep your clothes in order. Trust us, anyone can pull off these closet organization ideas. If you want to make the most of the space you have (no matter how big it is), you're in the right place. We promise you'll never go back to your messy ways!
Dedicate a Wall to Built-Ins
To make the most of a narrow walk-in closet, dedicate a wall to custom built-ins for accessories and clothing and leave the other wall bare so that a pathway is clear. This will prevent it from feeling too cramped. Joy Cho also added a skylight in this narrow but tall closet for a touch of natural light.
Stagger Shelf Heights
Boots can be a pain to store in a closet—they seem to topple over at the slightest touch. If you're designing a closet from scratch, keep this in mind while drawing up custom shelving and built-in cubbies. A special bottom shelf is the perfect height for boots in this fun and organized closet designed by Andrew Howard.
Use Matching Organizer Sets
Designed by Frank DeBiasi, this closet is simple yet polished and tasteful. The custom woodwork matches organizers, trays, and boxes for smaller items. Gold rods are stacked to double the storage capacity too.
Alternate Shoe Orientation
Place pairs of shoes on your shelves heel to toe, as seen in this luxe New York City closet designed by Bunny Williams and Ferguson & Shamamian. It'll help you fit more pairs in each row.
Repurpose Existing Furniture
Can't design a closet from scratch? Repurpose an old piece of furniture instead. Designer Annie Brahler enlisted a carpenter to "stretch" an old armoire to accommodate her shoe collection. The center island was cobbled together from multiple cabinets, new custom marble toppers, and pink paint.
Put Hats and Bags on the Door
Hang a rail on the back of your door or install hooks for hats—whichever of your collections needs a bigger home. That way, you'll have extra storage in your closet for clothing and shoes. In this bedroom designed by Kate Reid, the hat display actually makes the bedroom feel more intimate and cozy.
Display Designer Boxes
Whether you repurpose a well-constructed shoe box to keep your shoes in tip-top shape or to store small things like ribbons and jewelry, they're a stylish, on-theme way to keep items out of sight. If you're worried you won't be able to find the pair you're looking for, write the name of the shoe on the side that faces you so you can identify them more quickly. Here, a small guest room turned walk-in closet designed by Betsy Wentz features a glamorous chandelier.
Map Outfits Out on a Rack
Keep everything tucked behind cabinet enclosures except the clothing you plan to wear in the upcoming week. Mapping out your outfits on a freestanding rack will make it easier to experiment with new combinations, and planning your outfits in advance will streamline your morning routine. In this closet designed by Pam Schneider, a vintage rack introduces character.
Add Floating Shelves
Build floating shelves to keep your shoe collection on display and to store them in a more modern way. Tamsin Jonson painted all the cabinet doors, drawers, and floating shelves in this closet the same dusty green for a cohesive whole.
Utilize a Corner Chair
Use a fitting side chair to hang things like ties or belts. A cute seat is also the perfect place to sit down while sliding into a pair of shoes. Gary McBournie opted for a classic vintage chair to complement the farmhouse style of the home without overpowering the pretty floral wallpaper.
Install Barn Doors (or a Rotating System!)
Never again will you have to walk from end to end in search of what you need if you install barn doors and a smart rotating storage piece. Alison Victoria created a 360-degree rotating closet system with Closet Works that features a hidden full-length mirror and ample storage for shoes. Sourced from the Corbel, French doors that date back to the 1800s close off the modern space.
Keep Floors Clear
Exposed shelving isn't for everyone. If you're a minimalist, take note and keep the floors clear as Brigette Romanek Studio did in this California home's dressing room for an elevated, clutter-free environment. An armchair in the corner adds some dimension, as does a leaning floor mirror.
Build an Island
The closet island/dresser in this chic space by California Closets isn't just storage, it's motivation to fold and put away your clothes. And that's just one of the good ideas here. Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool, roll out a colorful area rug, and then hang a gallery wall to polish things off.
Tuck It Away
Tuck everything behind closed cabinet doors in a multipurpose space. The hidden vanity in this Gail Davis–designed closet is a fun little surprise that also helps keep you organized. The orange mirror picks up the warmth of the curtains and wallpaper accents, while the striped penny tile floor complements the navy paint.
Install a Wall Shelf
If you've run out of room in your closet, you can display your prettiest items in your bedroom. Add a multi-level wall shelf to make an étagère. For this one, Leanne Ford made sure it didn't take up too much visual real estate by painting it white so it blends in with the wall. Psst...You can also make more of your wall space by using brackets as an extra place to hang things.
Keep It Behind Closed Doors
Keeping your wardrobe behind closed doors in the bedroom can make it feel and look a lot more organized. Bonus points for hidden doors that blend into the walls.
Utilize the Corners
In this dream closet designed by Tamsin Johnson, the classic white shades balance the more glamorous elements of the space. And while the large windows let the natural light pour in (perfect for getting ready), that means there's less useable wall space, so every inch is precious. The built-in benches have storage inside, and the custom corner shelves provide a home for bags.
Get Creative With Bulky Clothes
Shoe organizers are handy for your sneakers, but they can also be useful for bulky items like sweaters that you don't want to stretch out on a hanger (bye, saggy shoulders). Roll your sweaters before stowing them away.
Use Trays for Jewelry
Put jewelry and fragrances on a tray atop the dresser, and always leave room for flowers. We love the pop of color interior designer Danielle Colding chose here.
Store Small Items in a Vanity
For smaller items such as jewelry, wallets, and accessories, use your vanity drawers. Extra points if you also have drawer organizers.
Use Transitional Space
If your space opens right into the main bathroom, fill the awkward center area and turn it into something grand with a circular banquette. You'll dress and undress in a more organized (and luxurious) fashion. We love the crisp, clean white palette Breegan Jane chose here.
Try a Clothing Rack
Whether your tiny closet is already packed to the brim or you don't even have a closet in your bedroom to begin with, a freestanding clothing rack will be a good solution. Besides, having it out in the open will force you to keep your clothes nice and organized instead of in an avalanche pile in the closet.
Organize by Season
If you have empty space under your bed, put your out-of-season clothing in plastic organizers, or opt for rolling crates. It's a storage solution that requires no power tools. You'll just need a bed skirt.
Stack Your Shoes
Having everything out in the open will motivate you to stay organized, but there are also a few things you can do to steer eyes elsewhere. For example, in this room the space above the closet is lined with pretty glass bottles. Pro tip: You can fit more on your closet shelves or floors if you store pairs of shoes heel to toe.
Hang a Curtain
In this primary bedroom designed by ETC.etera, the closet is separated from the sleeping area by a curtain. This will keep an exposed closet from distracting from the interior design scheme.
Purge With Purpose
Before you start cleaning your closet, decide who will get the castoffs. Knowing that your clothes are going to a favorite charity, homeless shelter, or thrift shop is a goal you can feel good about and that will motivate you to take action. If there's an event going on, even better—you've got a deadline.
Add a Dresser and a Mirror
If you're lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, consider moving your dresser inside and propping an oversized mirror on top. It'll turn the closet into a full-blown station to get ready each morning, with everything within arm's reach, and open up your bedroom space.
Hang Your Purses
Shower hooks are perfect for hanging purses in your closet on the hanger rod. Even better? This method will ensure handles don't get misshapen.
Use Low-Profile Hangers
Slim and open, these hangers easily file away pants in your closet. The design also makes clothing easier to grab off the rack as you dash to get ready in the morning. Your clothes deserve the best treatment on and off your body. Using one type of hanger, whether it's wooden or padded, reduces the visual clutter in your closet and lets your clothes shine.
Use Office Organizers
Get creative with on-shelf storage. It turns out that magazine files are the ideal shape for storing clutches, wristlets, jewelry, and more. That frees up space on your desk or vanity table. We also love the stylish rods Studio DB hung in the corners of this walk-in closet.
Add a Bar
Doubling up your closet space is as easy as hanging up another bar. Choose a system that also includes hooks for maximum versatility.
Style Your Space
Adding a mirror, a piece of art, fun colors, or wallpaper are all easy ways to add character to your closet—or its surroundings, like Christina Juarez did to offset her white clothes storage by California Closets. Stay away from flowers, books, and stuffed animals, which all collect dust that will make your clothes feel less fresh.
Organize Thoughtfully
The best way to organize your closet is to set it up into zones based on the way you think about your wardrobe. For example: When you're getting dressed, do you plan by occasion, garment type, color, or season? Arrange your clothes with this in mind.
Keep Your Shelves In Shape
You're about to fall in love with shelf dividers. These handy organizers separate different items and prevent piles from toppling, so you can stack sweaters and T-shirts way higher.
Try Wicker Baskets
Storage baskets keep your junk out of sight, and they look chic on open shelves. Bonus: You can get them on the cheap.
Make It a Display Wall
Get inspired by chic retail spaces, like this one designed by Tamsin Johnson. Instead of a classic shelving unit, create a floating cubby wall so your favorite items can double as decor.
Create a Jewelry Wall
Prevent your jewelry from getting tangled by building custom organization systems. In this closet, you can hang necklaces and bracelets on the wall or keep them in a tray on one of the shelves.
Hang Strategically
The easiest way to end up with a disorganized closet is hanging up clothes without even thinking about it. To keep things sectioned off, hang blouses, tops, and skirts above built-in shelves and long dresses and pants on rods with no other storage underneath.
Use Wasted Wall Space
Instead of hanging scarves, belts, and other accessories on hangers and taking up valuable rod space, try this trick. Attach a towel bar to a blank wall space to create a personalized display.
Hang Your Rod Higher
Not only will hanging your rod at the ceiling keep your gowns and coats from dragging on the floor, but it'll also free up space for a hamper or second clothing rod. It doesn't have to look awkward! Just take your cue from this closet by A House in the Hills.
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