Closet floors make good storage with proper materials and organization.
Closets have huge potential but are largely neglected spaces in the home. Big or small, selecting flooring appropriate to closets can mean the difference between a closet with convenient utility and one that falls down on the job. Because closet floors can be a catch-all for shoes, boxes and hampers, the flooring must be durable and functional. Installing flooring appropriate to the closet space and learning organize closet floors is key to creating closet spaces with as much function as form. Does this Spark an idea?
Linoleum
Linoleum, a vinyl flooring material, is available in roll-out sheets and tiles. Ideal for closet floors because of its durability, linoleum is very easy to maintain. Available in many colors and patterns, linoleum is inexpensive and installs quickly with few tools. Linoleum tiles are less expensive than sheet linoleum. Peel and stick to subfloor surfaces for quick installation over even closet floors.
Wood
Wooden floors are cool without being cold, making them one ideal option for closet flooring. While wooden floors are stylish, wood is more difficult to care for than linoleum. Wooden closet floors that are gently cared last a long time. An alternative to hardwood floors is hardwood look-alike floating floors. These floors look just like hardwood, but are substantially easier to care for and cheaper to install and replace. People looking to use their closets to store valuables should consider cedar wood flooring for its durability and power to fight off pests.
Carpet
Carpet should be installed carefully in closets. While carpet is warm and comfortable to stand on, it can be uneven and difficult to care for. Choose low-cut carpets for closets, including indoor-outdoor carpeting that's easy to care for and durable. Long-cut carpets, such as shags, are not recommended for closet flooring. Carpet for closet floors should be darker colors as lighter colors get dirty more easily.
Tile
Tile is a hard, cold material and should be installed in closets where floors don't need to be durable. Tile installed on closet floors should be natural and unglazed to prevent slipping. Because tile is easily chipped, take care when stacking things on tile floors. Tile, like linoleum, is easily maintained and available in many colors and patterns.
Organization
In addition to flooring materials, flooring organization should be considered when designing, or remodeling, functional closets. Choose a closet organization system appropriate for the flooring. Shoe organization systems are one option for getting shoes, one major source of closet floor clutter, off the floor. Installing shelves and cubbies along the bottom of closets, beneath where clothes hang, help store items. Consider sealable, stacking bins for storage, too. Install only square-shaped storage systems, as round storage bins waste space.
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