7 Simple Yet High-Impact Ways to Improve Your Closet Design
Did you know that larger elements like custom closet systems and storage islands are just one part of closet design?
Ultimately, your daily organizational habits and personal style will determine whether or not you’re proud of your closet. Add in small touches that attract the eye or make clever use of space, and you have the closet you were really dreaming of–even when you didn’t start out with a custom system.
If your closet isn’t inspiring you the way the ones you see online do, keep reading. We have several simple tricks to improve your closet design and get a custom look for less.
Custom closet for less: Easy ways to individualize your space
You can’t put your finger on what’s missing. You like the idea of decorative touches but not the space they take up (or the dust they collect).
Try a few of these closet design tips. They’re easy on your schedule and budget but make a big difference.
1. Consider contrasting features or a gallery wall
Empty space on either side of windows, between shelves, or above dressers can look too abrupt. And if you bought a budget-friendly system, it’s probably just not very visually interesting or indicative of your personality.
There are a few ways to customize. One is with a thoughtfully curated collection of hanging photos or mementos. These carry the fringe benefit of being personally meaningful and a joy to be around–not just knickknacks creating clutter.
Another strategy is contrast. Removable wallpaper behind hanging areas, on the front of a few drawers, or the back of shelves adds intention to the design for a custom look.
2. Update hardware to something that stands out
It’s a good thing that clean, spare, and white is a pretty timeless and desirable style, because many common, affordable systems and furniture offer exactly that.
As always, the most effective tip to making it your own is swapping out the hardware. Go sleek and modern or hit up auctions for vintage collections that will become the envy of everyone who enters.
3. Put your favorite collection on display
You don’t have to have a lot of one thing to create a stunning display. In some cases, it could be a group of your favorite similarly-colored items hanging out in adjacent spaces.
Go through everything you own, edit down to your 10-15 most-loved items, identify why they’re so personally appealing, and present them together on open shelving and hanging areas. Change it up seasonally to keep the space fresh and relevant.
4. Fill floor space with seating or a getting-ready station
This is a nice problem to have, no? If your decluttering efforts are always a massive success, and your minimalist closet isn’t a true reflection of who you are, make the space more inclusive and important to your day.
Refurbish an old vanity and dedicate a corner to it, add a chaise for lounging, or set up an area with great lighting for selfies. Part of creating a great custom closet is adding more purpose, so you can get more value out of what you put into it.
5. Vary the height and dimensions of drawer, shelf, and hanging storage
Custom systems like we see above have symmetry. But they don’t have hard sections all of the same height. That’s because having a straight-across storage system doesn’t maximize your space or feel inviting.
It depends on where you’re starting from, but there are a few simple, inexpensive ways to recreate this type of closet design. Hanging bars can be repositioned, or you can add tension bars to DIY different levels for hanging items.
Strategically removing a few drawers or shelf levels can open up the area for larger items or storage boxes.
6. Make way for planned outfits
There’s little use in investing time and attention into a closet that gets rifled through in a panic every day. Plot out a custom area where the next day’s items will sit.
If you’ve moved a low-sitting dresser into the closet, the top will serve you much better as a staging area than a catch-all for random items. You can also display it with your Top 10 favorites collection. This organization tip is one of the most underrated ways to use your closet to your advantage in the morning.
7. Use budget organizers wisely
Pegboards, plastic storage containers, special hangers for accessories. If you want a higher-end, custom look for your closet, these can coexist–quietly.
Random hanging organizers can be fixed to the back of closet doors, or behind. Clear plastic storage containers that you can’t let go of can be customized with contact paper. Even hangers for scarves and belts get an upgrade when you spend five extra minutes on presentation, as seen above with uniform knots.
Get more custom design inspiration from The Designery
Sometimes, simple details like proper accessory storage and new hardware are all you need for a custom-closet feel. Even one luxurious detail, like a stone countertop, can breathe new life into your old closet.
Whether you’re striving for efficiency, aesthetics, a new layout, or all three, our design professionals can help. We have access to hundreds of options for your consideration, as well as experienced installers to complete the job for you.
Consult one of our design professionals for free, and see how convenient and cost-effective custom closets can truly be.
