Monday, June 29, 2009

Teen Closet Ideas

Opening the door to the average teen closet carries a certain amount of risk. Mountains of clothing and other mystery contents litter many youth closets. A renovation of the space provides a customized and organized space for the teen. Consult with the teen throughout the planning and organization process to ensure the project meets her expectations. Collaborating also allows her to infuse her personality into the effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Sorting


Any teen closet project begins with sorting the current contents of the space. Remove all clothes, accessories and other items that end up in the closet. Complete an initial sort to determine which items will be returned to the closet. Donate or sell the other items. Complete a second round of sorting that divides the clothing into categories. Assess the personality of the teen when determining the categories. Ideas include sorting clothes by season, style or type. Shoes and accessories receive a separate category.


Organization


Assess the categories of clothing when selecting the type of organization for the teen's closet. Consider if she has more hanging or folding clothes. Factor in the accessories and shoes that need to be stored in the closet. Evaluate the functionality of the current shelving and hanging system in the closet. If it fits your teen's needs, return the items to the closet, placing the items in each category next to each other. If the old system isn't functional, select a closet organizing system or add tubs and shelving to the current system. Consider a hanger color-coding system and labels on the shelves to maintain the organization of the space.


Doors


Door options for a teen's closet vary based on budget and personal style. Traditional sliding or bi-fold doors remain a common sight in many bedrooms. Add a fun shade of paint to the doors to infuse the teen's personality. Use vinyl stickers or stencil images on the painted doors that blend with the overall theme of the room. Consider using curtains or panels of fabric to create a whimsical look. Strings of beads offer a similar alternative for the opening of the closet.


Walk-In Closet Option


A walk-in closet in a teen's room opens up other opportunities for using the space. Any extra space provides an ideal hideout or study area for the teen inhabitant. Add a small desk to a corner of the closet. Provide task lighting to ensure she has enough light to complete homework or read. Add bean bags or soft pillows to the floor of the closet to create a lounging area. Placing a vanity in the walk-in closet provides her with a spot for getting ready in the morning without taking over the bathroom.

Tags: teen closet, other items, space provides