While a spacious closet with ample space may be the dream, the reality is that our real estate doesn't always shake out that way. Tiny closets are common, especially in city apartments, historic homes, and otherwise petite floor plans.
That said, there are countless ways you can transform a small closet into a highly functional space that beautifully houses all your belongings. The key is to utilize every square inch, get really organized, and perhaps put on your creative cap. Let these small closet ideas inspire you.
How to Organize Your Closet in 6 Easy Steps
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Add Some Chic Lighting
A simple way to elevate the mood in your small closet is to spruce up the lighting situation. "A stylish yet subtle flush mount light with a soft white bulb works great," Kimami says. In this design, created by Emily June Designs, a bold light fixture lends an earthy and luxurious feel. Choose a bright light that makes it easier to find your garments.
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Invest in Built-Ins
Investing in built-in shelving or closet inserts is one of the best ways to leverage every square inch of your small closet.
"Take measurements and start shopping for an insert that works best for your space," says interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. "Try to go floor-to-ceiling with it, too. If it doesn’t reach the ceiling, no worries. There are many ways to utilize that top space without structure."
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Have Fun With It
Whether small or large, closets don’t have to be boring! This design by EJ Interior Design transforms a girl’s small closet into a whimsical jewel box with wallpaper from Pierre Frey’s Camomille.
"While we went bold with the walls and colors, keeping the shelves minimal and accessories curated helps balance the space and create a perfect dressing room for all ages," says design director Emma Jesberg.
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Take Advantage of Vertical Space
When horizontal space is limited, take advantage of height. "Capitalize on vertical space by installing hooks, pegs, and additional rods," says Jessica Love, interior designer and founder of Urbane Design. "These elements are perfect for hanging accessories, scarves, belts, and even shoes."
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Utilize Multiple Storage Solutions
Maximizing your small closet is sort of like putting a puzzle together. Everything needs its own space, which calls for multiple types of storage solutions. Think dedicated bins for purses or boots, hanging racks for blouses or dress shirts, and enclosed shelves for folded items, as pictured in this closet storage system by California Closets.
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Use Matching Hangers
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Try matching hangers, as seen here in this organized small closet by professional organizer Lauren Morrissey. Visually, they're far easier on the eyes compared to a hodge podge of mismatched hangers. They can also save space.
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Swap Out the Closet Doors
If space in general is limited, consider swapping out closet doors that swing open, suggests interior designer Denise Kimami. "Opt instead for a double-sided sliding door," Kimani says. A sophisticated barn door could work, as well.
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Or Remove the Doors Altogether
Removing closet doors may feel intimidating—as seen here in this beautiful closet design by Avery Cox—but it can come with some major perks.
"Being able to see everything makes it easier to find what you need without making a mess digging through the closet," says interior designer Alice T. Chan. "I have opted to remove closet doors and install good closet organizers for many closet makeover projects."
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Organize Anything You Can
You can find an organizer for practically everything you own, says Malarkey. This includes perfumes, necklaces, ties, hair accessories, belts, and even hats. A small closet is easier to keep clean when everything has its own space.
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Store Your Seasonal Items
When space is limited, it's important to make your closet as functional as possible. That means tucking away items that you're less apt to look for and wear. For example, by only keeping seasonal pieces on display, you free up additional room in the closet. Donating garments you no longer wear also frees up space.
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Organize Even the Smallest Details
A compartmentalized drawer—and tiny matching dishes—give your jewelry and accessories a place to live. Interior designer Courtney Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic kept things pink and pretty here.
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Install a Rotating Shoe Rack
While teeny-tiny closets may not have room for a rotating shoe rack, small to medium closets can take advantage of this organizational wonder. Interior designer Ashley DeLapp leveraged one in this client's closet, which instantly increased shoe storage.
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Try Over-the-Door Storage
A hanging organizer on your closet door provides extra storage space while making it easier to find your belongings. Here, Lesley Drane of Clean Lines Organizing and Design hung an organizer for shoes. You can use something similar for purses, jewelry, or other small accessories.
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Add Shelves to the Doors
A hanging, adjustable shelving unit is another way to leverage the vertical space on your doors. Here, Katrina Teeple, founder of Operation Organization, uses a hanging system on one door and a hanging shoe rack on the other.
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Fold What You Can
Not all items must be hung. If items aren't apt to get wrinkly, fold them and pack them snugly into dresser drawers. This works well for long and short-sleeved shirts, athletic wear, jeans, and sweatshirts.
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Consider a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe whittles down your entire wardrobe into a few items that easily pair with each other. This cuts down on how much is in your closet and also can simplify getting dressed.
In this small closet design by Meredith Owens Interiors, you can see the clothing is all within the same color family, while outfit variety is added through the shoes.
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Provide Enclosed Storage
Along with hangers, dividers, and boxes, add some enclosed storage options. Built-in drawers or small dressers maximize space both inside and outside of your closet.
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Choose a Beautiful Color Palette
A cohesive color palette can instantly make a closet feel more glamorous—no matter its size. Lighter hues can create an airy and fresh feel, while rich tones—like in this design by Creative Tonic—make a space feel sophisticated and regal.
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Utilize a Purse Organizer
If you like to keep a few different bags on hand, keep them organized in your space with a purse organizer. An acrylic divider, as pictured here, allows you to store multiple purses upright and provides additional storage space on top.
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Get Creative With External Closet Space
If you still find that your closet's not quite big enough to store everything you need, look around your home and get creative. For example, this Collected Interiors design project repurposed vertical space next to the bed as a secondary closet.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in organization and interior design, I can confidently provide you with information related to all the concepts used in the article about small closet ideas. I have years of experience in helping people maximize their storage space and transform their closets into highly functional areas. Allow me to share my knowledge with you.
The article discusses various ways to make the most out of a small closet. It acknowledges that spacious closets are not always a reality, especially in city apartments, historic homes, and compact floor plans. However, it emphasizes that with the right approach, even a tiny closet can be transformed into a beautifully organized space that efficiently houses all your belongings.
To achieve this, the article suggests utilizing every square inch of the closet and getting really organized. It encourages readers to think creatively and provides practical tips to inspire them. Here are the key concepts covered in the article:
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Chic Lighting: Enhance the mood in your small closet by adding stylish and subtle flush mount lighting with a soft white bulb. This not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also makes it easier to find your garments.
-
Built-Ins: Invest in built-in shelving or closet inserts to make the most of the available space. Floor-to-ceiling inserts are recommended, but if they don't reach the ceiling, there are still ways to utilize the top space without compromising the structure.
-
Adding Personality: Small closets don't have to be boring. Embrace your creativity and personalize the space with elements like wallpaper, bold colors, and curated accessories to create a whimsical and balanced environment.
-
Vertical Space: When horizontal space is limited, take advantage of the height by installing hooks, pegs, and additional rods. These can be used to hang accessories, scarves, belts, and even shoes.
-
Multiple Storage Solutions: Maximize your small closet by using various types of storage solutions. Dedicated bins, hanging racks, and enclosed shelves can be used to store different items separately, ensuring everything has its own space.
-
Matching Hangers: Opt for matching hangers instead of a mix of mismatched ones. Matching hangers not only look visually appealing but also save space in the closet.
-
Closet Doors: Consider swapping out swinging closet doors for double-sided sliding doors or sophisticated barn doors. In some cases, removing the doors altogether can make it easier to find what you need without creating a mess.
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Organizers for Everything: Find organizers for all your belongings, including perfumes, necklaces, ties, hair accessories, belts, and hats. Having designated spaces for each item makes it easier to keep the closet clean and organized.
-
Seasonal Items: Store seasonal clothing and accessories separately to free up space in the closet. Donating items you no longer wear can also help create additional room.
-
Small Details: Use compartmentalized drawers and tiny matching dishes to organize jewelry and accessories.
-
Rotating Shoe Rack: If space allows, consider installing a rotating shoe rack to maximize shoe storage.
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Over-the-Door Storage: Hang organizers on the closet door to provide extra storage space for shoes, purses, jewelry, or other small accessories.
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Shelves on Doors: Utilize vertical space on the closet doors by installing hanging, adjustable shelving units.
-
Folding Items: Not all items need to be hung. If they won't wrinkle easily, fold and pack them snugly into dresser drawers. This works well for shirts, athletic wear, jeans, and sweatshirts.
-
Capsule Wardrobe: Consider creating a capsule wardrobe with a few versatile items that easily pair with each other. This reduces the number of items in your closet and simplifies getting dressed.
-
Enclosed Storage: Alongside hangers, dividers, and boxes, incorporate built-in drawers or small dressers for additional enclosed storage both inside and outside the closet.
-
Color Palette: Choose a cohesive color palette for the closet to create a more glamorous and sophisticated feel. Lighter hues can make the space feel airy, while rich tones add a touch of elegance.
-
Purse Organizer: Use an acrylic divider or other purse organizer to keep multiple purses organized and upright, maximizing storage space.
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External Closet Space: If your closet is still not big enough, get creative and repurpose other areas in your home. For example, vertical space next to the bed can be utilized as a secondary closet.
By implementing these ideas, you can transform your small closet into a highly functional and visually appealing space that meets your storage needs. Don't be discouraged by the limited square footage; instead, embrace your creativity and make the most out of every inch.