A well-designed closet makes your wardrobe more efficient.
The proper closet design sets the bar for how you will use your clothes for years to come. You can get more use out of your clothes if they are easy to find and well-organized. Your dream closet starts with an idea, so take some time to look for examples of closets that you like, as well as the sign that fits with your lifestyle and your wardrobe. Do your homework before you dive-in so you know what you have, what you want and what you need to create the perfect closet. After you complete your research, decide whether your new closet is a do-it-yourself project or one that requires a professional. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. List everything you keep in your closet, and be specific. Note the number of dress shirts, suits, trousers, jackets, dresses, slacks and other pieces you own. Include shoes and accessories such as scarves and neckties and any other items stored in the closet. When you have completed the list, divide it into items you use frequently and items used seasonally or occasionally. Use your closet space for items you reach for on a regular basis. Keep occasional pieces, such as formal wear, stored in a separate space. Seasonal items such as bulky sweaters can be stored in containers and kept in another area to maximize your closet's potential.
2. Plan your closet based on your inventory list. The shelves and hanging systems you select for your closet depend on the type of clothing you own. Measure your clothing or go on-line to research average measurements for different pieces (dresses, jackets and shirts, for example). Ask yourself how you store your clothing. If you fold your jeans you need more shelving space. If you like all of your jeans and slacks on hangers, choose a bar big enough to accommodate those extra items. Make a list of other add-ons to customize your closet, such as hooks for bathrobes, shelves for folded pieces and racks for shoes. Don't forget about your closet floor. Decide use the floor space before making flooring choices.
3. Tweak your design with extra details for a custom look. For example, add lighting. Select a variety of lighting styles, such as recessed lighting, ceiling lights and a floor lamp so you can see everything inside your closet. Install mirrors and a bench to turn your closet into a dressing room.
4. Define your space. Get out your measuring tape and take thorough measurements for width, height and depth. If you're tight on space, try this design trick: borrow space from another area, such as an adjoining room. You can do this if you have an adjoining room that contains some unused space that can be incorporated into the closet's design. You can also expand 2-to-4 feet outside of your home to gain space for a new closet. If you don't have enough space to build into another room or build out, consider closet systems that can be built into existing smaller closets that were part of your home's original design.
Tags: your closet, adjoining room, another area, closet design, closets that, your clothes, your clothing