Tips To Maximize Your Closet Space

Few people think they have enough closet space. My clients are always concerned about using closet space to the best advantage. I asked Joanna Harig, closet designer with California Closets, for some expert advice.

A well designed closet organizing sytem can help you maximize the storage space you have but there's more. Is it organized conveniently? Do you know where everything is? Is it easy to put your clothes away and keep things looking neat? Does your closet look open and inviting? Is it comfortable to get to what you need? These are just a few questions a professional closet designer considers to help you create your perfect closet.

Take advantage of the available space near the ceiling and floor with double hanging for jackets, shirts and pants folded over a hanger. Hang your pants on top. Most of us wear lots of black, dark grey and navy pants that are esier to distinguish at eye level. You can glance down and recognize jackets and shirts by the shoulder of the garment because they extend out further. Putting narrower items on top makes the space feel larger.

If you need long hanging space for special occasion clothes that are rarely worn, consider the guest bedroom. Keep your master closet for items you use regularly. If you need to keep long hanging in your main closet, put it where least accessible. The space above is perfect for purses.

Drawers look nice in a closet but make sure you need them. I generally suggest drawers for socks, underwear and lingerie. People usually have dressers for these items and don't need additional drawer space in the closet but appreciate having a locked jewelry drawer there for convenient access to jewelry for coordinating with ensembles.

Items such as sweaters, t-shirts and jeans are best on a shelf. What you don't see you tend not to wear. A sweater at the bottom of a drawer may be overlooked for an entire season. It's easier to keep what you have up-to-date and fresh when you see what you have.

The same applies to shoes. If possible, shoes should be placed near the door because they are typically the last item of clothing to be put on and the first to be taken off. Or place full length shelves in front of hanging to facilitate access, with shoes near the bottom and stacks closer to the top. Special occasion and seasonal shoes can go in plastic boxes or bins on a top shelf for more room.

Maximum space utilization comes from grouping hanging clothes by type, such as all jackets together, all long sleeve shirts, etc. Consider grouping within these sections by color. Don't forget accessories such as a place for clothes to be laundered or dry cleaned, a wall safe for valuables, a valet pole or belt and tie rack.

Some people say, "it's only a closet." While this is true and you most likely won't be entertaining in your closet, you may spend more time there on a daily basis than you do in your diming room. You don't need to buy expensive materials to get a great layout that is easy to use and maintain. Be sure to use materials that are well-made, adjustable and carry a lifetime warranty. In many ways, buying a closet is like buying furniture. There are many options out there but you rarely regret buying quality and style that brings beauty and order into your home.

For more information, call Joanna Harig at 847.408.5325. Find California Closets showrooms in Chicago, Lombard and the Abt Design Center in Glenview.

Tagged as: interior design, decorating, home, closet organizing, DIY and simplify

Share:

Karen Carpino is an interior designer and founder of Chicago-based Karen Carpino Design. A professionally registered interior designer with over 25 years of experience, Ms. Carpino's clientele includes both residential and commercial projects. She brings you techniques, trends and tips in “Style At Home.”