Shelving areas help break up the closet space.
Use shelving to turn dead space into functional storage within your closet. Items that belong in the closet, but can't easily be hung -- such as sweaters or small accessories -- can be stored above or below the clothes rod. The specific layout of the shelving in the closet depends on the size of the closet and the use of the shelves. The shelving should complement the rest of the storage space by giving you extra areas without cutting too much of your hanging space. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Inspect the current layout of the closet to determine which areas are functional and where you need modifications. Review the type of items you have stored in the closet to determine the best type of storage for each one. For example, you may want low shelving for shoes, or a wide shelf above the current shelf to store seasonal items that are not used regularly.
2. Measure the closet's width, height and depth. Sketch a front view of the closet so you are able to draw out where you will place the shelves.
3. Identify the location of each shelf you plan to install. Options include adding a second shelf above the existing shelf at the top of the closet, installing shelves from floor to ceiling along a side wall or putting a row of shelves from floor to ceiling along the back of the main wall. If you choose to put the shelves on the main wall, decide how wide you want them to be in order to allow for enough hanging space beside the shelves to fit the clothing you want to put on hangers.
4. Mark the first shelf you plan to install starting at the top of the shelf area. Use a level to draw a straight line across the area as a guide for installation. Leave about 12 inches above the shelf to accommodate the items you will place on it.
5. Mark the rest of the shelf locations working down from the first shelf marking. How much space to leave between the shelves depends on what you plan to put on them. A minimum of 10 to 12 inches is usually ideal, but if you plan to store thick sweaters or seasonal bedding, you may want even more space between the shelves.
6. Hold the shelf bracket up to the wall for the first shelf. Mark the screw holes from the bracket onto the wall. Predrill the holes for the braces. Screw the brackets into place for all of the shelving you are installing.
7. Cut 1-inch thick boards to the correct length to make the shelf, based on the available space and how long you want the shelving. Choose the width of the board based on how deep you want the shelves. Drill holes into the boards to line up with the holes on the brackets so you are able to brace them.
8. Screw the boards onto the shelf brackets.
Tags: first shelf, between shelves, ceiling along, closet determine, floor ceiling