A walk-in closet is a small personal room where you can start and end each day. It should be efficient and match your style and needs, but for many people, it's a cluttered and disorganized space. Closets function at their best when systems are in place that match what you actually have and the way you live. Here are some of our best tips for creating the walk-in closet or dressing room of your dreams.
This Blue Ash dressing room features a variety of clothes storage options.
Use a Mixture of Elements
When redesigning your closet, you’ll want to consider adding a combination of elements. Most walk-in closets fail because they provide too much of one type of storage option (typically hanging rods). In reality, most clothing storage can be divided into categories that include rods, open shelving and drawers. Going even further, you'll need both short and tall hanging spaces to accommodate the variety in your wardrobe.
Including open shelving in your closet is a great way to store and display items like bags and shoes for easy access. Baskets can be used to neatly corral loose items like scarves, socks, gloves, etc. Specialty rods can be utilized for ties and slacks. Many closet systems, such as Closets By Design, also offer hidden and secure storage options so that you don't have to worry about valuables and other items you don't want out.
This Indian Hill attic dressing room provides zones of storage as well as seating areas.
Include Comforts
Including seating is a great option to make your closet more convenient by providing a place to sit while you dress or undress, rather than having to take your items into your bedroom. A built-in bench is a great way to squeeze in extra storage space as well.
This Hyde Park his & her walk in closet uses skylights to add to the room's lighting.
Also make sure you've selected ample lighting that illuminates your clothing well. If there's room, consider including a pendant or chandelier to elevate the space and make it feel more like a room rather than a closet. If you have the option, don't shy from including windows or a skylight.
Consider the addition of an island if the closet is large enough for one. A counter in the room will be an asset for folding clothing, laying outfits or accessories out, or even just as a place to put your coffee while you decide what to wear. Islands are useful for additional drawer or open shelving storage as well.
Closets by Design offers a selection of accessories, such as this velvet lined jewelry drawer, to help organize your items.
Use Organization Accessories
It’s important to not overlook items that cannot be hung on rods, such as shoes, bags, lingerie, some types of knit clothing, jewelry, hats, etc. What will work for these items is somewhat dependent on how you would prefer to access them, and how visible you care for them to be. There are closet options for each of these types of items, however, so it may be helpful to work with a designer to identify what's possible. A simple and pretty solution is to use baskets or bins that can add color or texture in addition to storage capacity. For shared closets, different colors or basket types can help distinguish whose is whose
Baskets help keep this small walk-in closet clutter free and add style in this Newport project.
