Maximizing vertical space is key to small closet storage, according to experts like Shira Gill, a professional organizer and author of Minimalista. Gill says, “Life can get messy, but your closet doesn’t have to be.” This statement highlights the importance of organization in small closets.
Elizabeth Bennett, partner at Kobel + Co., notes that thoughtful organization and intentional design can help eliminate wasted space in small closets. “Every corner should serve a purpose, with built-ins helping to eliminate wasted space and ensuring each element fits seamlessly within the room,” she says. They emphasize the need for a purposeful design.
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Interior designer Ghislaine Viñas suggests adding lovely details to small closets, such as painting the interior a fresh color or adding wallpaper to create a fun effect. For a budget-friendly option, DIY expert Emily Rayna recommends using peel-and-stick wallpaper to give the closet a boost of personality. It can be a cost-effective way to enhance the space.
Experts offer various small closet ideas, including editing inventory, using clear containers, and adding shelves or rods to maximize storage. According to Pamela Meluskey, cofounder of home organizing company Settled, “Your space should dictate your inventory. Aim to keep your space 80% full.” This approach helps maintain a balanced and organized closet.
To save space, reduce the volume of clothing and consider using adjustable rods or shelves. Viñas suggests skipping cubbies on the left or right side of the closet, as they are “awkward and not practical.” Instead, use the width of the closet doors to create a sense of continuity. They recommend focusing on functional elements.
Setting aside time to organize the closet can be beneficial. Start by taking everything out and measuring the empty space to identify the right layout for items. Amanda Hendrix, brand ambassador at The Container Store, says, “Any organizing project needs to start with editing. It’s a tedious process, but it’s the best method.” This process helps create a solid foundation for organization.
Using clear containers or covering them with peel-and-stick wallpaper can help reduce visual clutter. It is also possible to look for a designated closet system or make a DIY closet design using brackets and wood planks. Meluskey and others advocate for products that stack or freestanding drawer units that can be placed in the closet.
Mallory Robins, partner at Kobel + Co., suggests layering lighting to eliminate dark zones and create clear, consistent illumination. Overhead lighting, ideally on a dimmer, can add a functional and design moment to the closet. They emphasize the importance of visibility in the space.
Some designers recommend taking off the closet door to create a sense of openness. Hillary Cohen, designer at HCO Interiors, transformed an awkward closet into a secret vanity area by painting the trim and adding wallpaper to the interior walls. This approach can help create a more spacious feel.
Ashley Murphy, Neat Method cofounder and CEO, suggests maximizing vertical space and upper shelves by using lidded bins to store out-of-season items and special-occasion pieces. A magnetic label holder can help keep track of what’s inside each bin. They recommend using this method to optimize storage.
Stacking clothes vertically works great for items like jeans, while file folding is another alternative for softer materials. “It doesn’t just make it easier to see what you own at a glance, it also saves space,” Murphy says. This approach helps maintain a clutter-free environment.
Krista Nye Nicholas, principal designer and partner at Cloth & Kind, suggests adding shelves above hanging rods in a small closet to create additional storage. “The additional surface can easily accommodate anything from folded clothes to small baskets to shoes.” They recommend utilizing this often-wasted space.
To bring small closet ideas to life, create peek-a-boo moments for unexpected pops of pattern and color. “Wallpapering a child’s closet is an ideal space to do this,” says Nye Nicholas. This approach can add a touch of personality to the space.
Organizing a small closet can feel daunting, but the key is tackling the process in an orderly fashion. Gill believes in a five-step process: clarify, edit, organize, elevate, and maintain. Before diving into the hands-on work of organizing the space, it helps to consider how the space should look, feel, and function.
Troy Spurlin, an interior designer in Jacksonville, Florida, recommends using the back of the closet door by hanging a shoe organizer or using Command strips to add storage without damaging the walls or door. They suggest utilizing often-overlooked areas to maximize storage.
Gill stresses the importance of using matching hangers, saying, “You can instantly improve the look and feel of your closet just by swapping out your mismatched hangers with a nice matching set.” Slim velvet hangers are a small closet’s best friend, as they maximize space and prevent slipping. They recommend investing in quality hangers to enhance the space.
Maximizing Storage in Small Closets
Bright says, “You’d be shocked at the visual and functional impact streamlined hangers make. It helps create a clean slate to let your clothing really pop.” By following these small closet storage ideas and expert tips, it is possible to create a functional and stylish space that maximizes vertical space and keeps belongings organized.
With a little creativity and planning, even the smallest closets can be transformed into a haven of organization and style. Whether working with a historical home or a modern space, the key is to prioritize thoughtful organization and intentional design to create a closet that serves needs and reflects personal style. They emphasize the importance of adaptability in creating a functional and beautiful space.
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