Create a storage system for your closet that works well over time.
A well-designed closet takes a lot of thought and detailed planning. By sketching each section of the space, you can create a well-balanced look when closet doors are open. Use every square inch for maximum benefit by figuring out ahead of time where everything will fit. Most closets look best with uniform colors for baskets and bins as well. Maintain neatness by giving the closet a system that works. Does this Spark an idea?
Devise a Master List
Begin with a list of items to store in the closet. Include shoes, toys or board games in your master plan, so everything has a place in the finished closet. Create the closet after you've determined exactly what will reside there, which makes using every square inch productively easier. If you require hanging rod space, for example, you will need to plan shelving and drawers around the rods.
Plan the Interior Dimensions
Measure the interior of the closet. Define the length, height and depth of the space, and transfer this to graph paper. Figure out what type of doors you will use so that the shelving or storage units will be out of the way when doors are closed. Allow for recessed lighting inside the closet or track lighting outside the closet in the overhead ceiling space.
Create a Layout
Design all space around hanging rods in a clothes closet. You might need three separate areas for rods in a bedroom closet. Use one rod for suits, one for blouses or shirts and one for casual clothes. Build shelves or install small chests of drawers in the leftover space. Create the closet to hold folded clothes, shoes, belts, hats and socks. If the closet is designed for a family room, include shelving for toys and games that will fit in bins or boxes in an organized fashion. Label the storage containers so that you can maintain the order of the closet.
Buy or Build a System
You can purchase a closet-building system. You can buy several types of premade closet systems at a home improvement store or order them online. Construct the closet from framing boards and materials you buy to create the system as you go. Smoothing wall materials and drawer materials is important to keep from snagging clothes or skin. Talk with an adviser at a home improvement store to ask about good choices for constructing a closet interior.
Install Mirrors for Dressing
Mirrors enhance closet doors. If you install standard interior doors to open outward, add mirrors on the door interiors. Sliding closet doors can have mirrors on the side facing the room. If you want to make the room seem bigger, or you will get dressed in the vicinity of the closet, install full-length mirrors in the space. Be careful, however, about installing mirrors in areas where children play.
Tags: closet doors, Create closet, doors open, every square, every square inch, home improvement
