Whether you are organizing an existing closet or planning a new closet system, here are some tips on closet design that will help you get the storage space you want.
Divide the Space
Closet specialists use a basic rule of thumb deciding on space:
- 50 percent for low-hanging clothes
- 25 percent for long clothes
- 25 percent for drawers and shelves
Use these dimensions as a starting point, but feel free to make adjustments to suit (no pun intended) your specific needs.
Save Your Back
If possible, place shoes at or near eye level. That way you won’t have to bend down every time.
Avoid the Shadows
If the closet has an overhead light, place narrower items like pants on the top rod and wider items like shirts and suits below. This will cut down on blind spots caused by shadows.
Light It Up
If you don’t have a light in the closet, add one. See Before You Buy Closet Lighting for help in choosing a safe and effective closet light.
Aim Higher
The space above the top shelf is almost always filled with emptiness. Add another shelf for little-used items, then keep a step-stool in the closet if necessary to access the high shelf.
Use the Door
Most closets have a big chunk of empty space right behind the closed door. If that is the case with your closet (stand inside and close the door, if you're not sure), here are some simple products for turning that void into storage space:
- self-adhesive hooks
- nail-attached hanging racks for belts, ties, purses, coats or hats
- over-the-door shoe or shelf racks or basic hooks, which simply hang from the top of the door
Even if there is not much room, the inside of a closet door still makes a perfect surface for a floor-length mirror.
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