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Sara Tramp

50 Expert-Approved Closet Storage Ideas for Your Most Organized Wardrobe Yet

Getting ready in the morning never felt so organized.

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Now that the weather is transitioning from cold to warm, it’s just about time to make that same seasonal switch in your closet. While you’re trading out your sweaters for swimsuits and your snow pants for shorts, if you’ve realized that your closet is kind of a mess, then right now is the perfect time to reevaluate how you organize this space. Thankfully, we have plenty of closet storage ideas in our archives, and they’ll surely get you on the right stylish yet functional path.

Even if your closet is tiny, there are ways to utilize the space you have available to implement even a little more order. From permanent installations to quick fixes, these closet storage ideas can easily turn a hectic space into a luxurious corner that you don’t mind rifling through for the day’s outfit.

Keep reading to find 50 designer closet storage ideas that’ll inspire your next spring refresh.

Additional copy by Kate McGregor.

1

Design It to Fit Your Needs

cloffice aka storage office combo zone\, complete with cheery pink cabinetry cabinets feature bamboo handles and are lacquered in heart breaker by behr paint hardware etsy chair vintage\, in christopher farr fabric rug kaffe fassett studio joy comes first casita chica, a 1929 cottage in san antonios historic monte vista neighborhood designed by galeana younger for her monther, chica younger decorated fearlessly with fun, bold colors, layered artwork, and unique collections bold hues, rich patterns, and layered textures
Matthew Niemann

Closet organization never looked so chic—or so personalized! When Galeana Younger designed her mother’s home, she knew the “cloffice” (part closet, part office) had to be suited to her mother’s storage needs. So Younger customized each cabinet: One for sweaters, one for long dresses and coats, more for pens and notepads, and of course, somewhere to hide the laundry machines. It’s your house—build it in a way that works best for you!

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2

Provide Separate Accessory Racks

en suite spaces idology interiors design idologyinteriorsdesign primary closet shallow storage, drawers, and cabinets keep everything organized on this side of the closet, and dimmable lighting adds a boutique feel its not large but it is very well utilized, says idology designer jill jones of the space she designed using the container store preston collection whole home 2024 this years energy efficient home is in the conservation minded community of sprout\, located on a private nature preserve in hendersonville\, north carolina
Brie Williams

If you’re big on hair accessories like headbands and scarves, then you might consider adding a vertical accessory rack against the wall, like in this closet organization idea by the team at ID.ology Interiors & Design. It keeps clutter off surfaces like your dresser and puts your favorite pieces right where you can see them before you finalize your outfit for the day.

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3

Install a Hanging Rod

en suite spaces idology interiors design idologyinteriorsdesign the laundry room\, which doubles as the mudroom\, includes a bench specifically sized to tuck boots under it\, as well as a tabletop for folding clothes above a side by side ge profile washer and dryer laundry room located off the garage\, and central to the house\, the mudroom slash laundry room is the drop zone for dirty boots and rain soaked coats appliances ge profile paint monkey puzzle green cabinetry\, mouses back walls\, farrow ball countertops silestone art shina choi\, from minted whole home 2024 this years energy efficient home is in the conservation minded community of sprout\, located on a private nature preserve in hendersonville\, north carolina
Brie Williams

A hanging rod is a standard organizational detail in every closet, but we’re talking about hanging one up directly over your laundry machines. Doing this—like Laura K. Sullivan and her team at ID.ology Interiors & Design for our 2024 Whole Home did— allows you to take your clothes out of the laundry immediately before the wrinkles set in. Plus, making sure there’s enough room between the rod and the tops of the machines gives you more room to put baskets, which makes transporting the clothes easier.

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4

Add Custom Built-Ins

cozy bedroom with brick wall and modern furniture
Courtesy of Erin Myers Design

Older homes often lack sufficient closet and storage space. so installing a custom-built wardrobe might be an ideal solution to efficiently store your clothes and shoes. Designer Erin Myers explains that this closet organization idea is exactly what her team did for their client who lived in a historic row house in Washington, D.C. “We added a custom built-in for storage of folded clothes, linens, and jewelry in the primary bedroom,” she says.

Related Story: 7 Popular Design Details That Make Homes Irresistible to Buyers, According to Real Estate Agents

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5

Use Glass-Front Cabinetry

Interior storage area showcasing bags in a welllit cabinet
Public 311 Design

If you frequently forget what clothes and shoes you own unless they're directly in front of you, consider investing in glass-front cabinetry for your closet. This not only keeps your wardrobe visible but also allows your trendy pieces to be showcased like a boutique display. As Ethan Greenfeld demonstrated with his client, this method beautifully highlights your chic belongings for a stylish and functional solution. “We added motion sensor lights, which adds to the clothing boutique vibe,” he says. “We utilized as much height in the closet as possible and used linen-textured cabinetry.”

Related Link: 35 Walk-In Closet Ideas for a Fashionable Home

6

Separate From Your Spouse

walk in closet
Sean Litchfield

Separate your clothes from your spouse’s, we mean. In this closet organization idea from Becky Shea, the designer created a more organized flow by separating the husband’s and wife’s clothes, as well as creating a changing room space away from the storage areas. However, you don’t need a walk-in closet to have this level of separation.

Related Link: Are You Headed for a "Sleep Divorce"?

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7

Color-Code Your Sections

walk in closet
Sara Tramp

Designer Christine Vroom doesn’t play when it comes to closet organization ideas. Not only does she suggest organizing by color, but also sleeve length—and she uses matching hangers to do it all. She says, “Incorporate tiered shelving for shoes, matching storage boxes for a clean finish, and elevate the space with a statement shelf or display, along with a piece of art to add personality and flair.”

8

Opt for Open Shelves

closet house beautiful's 2020 whole home concept house in franktown, colorado writer producer carisha swanson photographer emily minton redfield stylist natalie warady builder nicholas custom homes
Emily Minton Redfield

Ditch the doors in your closet and go with open shelves and hanging racks instead. In House Beautiful’s 2020 Whole Home, designer Elizabeth Georgantas made this conscious decision so everything in the closet would be easily accessible but still look put together.

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9

Use Unique Hanging Racks

sewing room by designer, a storied style blogger, and hgtv star grace mitchel
David Tsay

Whether or not you’re looking for closet organization ideas for clothes or crafts, like in this closet by Grace Mitchell, there are plenty of unique ways to hang your smaller accessories. Mitchell uses this accordion peg rack for ribbons, but you could easily hang neckties, hats, or scarves on a similar item, too.

Related Story: 12 Closet Remodel Projects That Will Transform Your Space

10

Keep a Laundry Closet

a hall closet turned laundry room in sugar and charm blogger eden passantes cabin
EDEN PASSANTE

In a small home, rooms and nooks are given multiple purposes, so if your laundry room is actually a closet, there are some stylish ways to organize it as well. Putting up open shelving with baskets above your washer and dryer, like Eden Passante has here, helps keep things organized but still feel open. Plus, you can take it one step further and add cute wallpaper behind the appliances, letting it peek out when the shelves aren’t full.

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11

Don’t Stuff It Too Full

house beautiful whole home 2023 1906 hinsdale\, illinois house
ANNA SPALLER

Possibly the most important tip for closet organization ideas in general is to not go overboard, and if your closet is starting to feel a bit cluttered, take that as a sign to throw some things out. This hosting closet from California Closets by Isabel Ladd looks so neat because it’s not filled to the brim—Ladd has exactly what she needs in there, nothing more, nothing less.

12

Put In Drawers, Shelves, and Hanging Racks

house beautiful whole home 2023 1906 hinsdale\, illinois house
ANNA SPALLER

This closet is the ultimate triple threat. Having drawers, shelves, and a hanging rack in this California Closet by Claire Staszak is such a smart way to keep things clean and clutter-free, no matter if you’re hanging clothes or gifting items.

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13

Hang Up Vertical Storage

house beautiful whole home 2023 1906 hinsdale\, illinois house
ANNA SPALLER

If your closet is on the smaller side, use vertical racks to better utilize the space. Arianne Bellizaire did so in this dog-walking closet, where she also kept a shallow space, fitting exactly what was needed into the closet.

14

Use Screens on Your Cabinet Doors

closet under the same moooi wallcovering, here in blush, is an outdoor lee industries swivel chair in velvet from s harris paint sulking room pink, farrow ball
Rustic White Photography

Add more decoration to your closet organization idea and keep things contained at the same time by using cabinet doors with latticework on the front. This option, shown here in a closet by DuVäl Design, is also a good idea if you don’t like the look of all open shelving but still want to see inside the cabinets.

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15

Invest in Pocket Doors

private quarters just off the sitting area, theres a full walk in closet and an en suite bath, making it the ultimate little getaway for those who want to stay awhile brass inlay architectural grille
Rustic White Photography

Technically, this is more for your overall room organization, but using pocket doors rather than regular ones can help save so much space. Bonus points if you make the inside of the closet look like a boutique, like designer Brynn Olson did here.

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16

Choose a Glass-Top Island

ownersclosets adams designed two closets for the future homeowners to fight over one has an integrated lg studio styler to gently refresh clothing, while the other has a glass island top to showcase jewelry
Rustic White Photography

Find inspiration in the team at L.A. Closet Design and store your beloved jewelry in a glass-top island that sits in your closet, if space allows for it. Not only will this look so luxurious, but you’ll be able to see your pieces laid out before or after picking out your clothes. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tangling any necklaces or bracelets.

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17

Install a Built-in Styler

owners closets adams designed two closets for the future homeowners to fight over one has an integrated lg studio styler to gently refresh clothing, while the other has a glass island top to showcase jewelry
Rustic White Photography

Refresh your clothes between wears by installing a seamless LG Studio Styler, which also has a mirror on the front to save space. This gadget, put in this closet organization idea by L.A. Closet Design, uses steam to neutralize odors and sanitize the pieces.

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18

Dedicate a Wall to Built-Ins

closet organization ideas
Bethany Nauert

To make the most of a narrow walk-in closet, dedicate a wall to custom built-ins for accessories and clothing, and leave the other wall bare so that a pathway is clear. This will prevent it from feeling too cramped. Joy Cho also added a skylight in this custom narrow but tall closet from California Closets for a touch of natural light.

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19

Stagger Shelf Heights

closet organization ideas
David A. Land

Boots can be a pain to store in a closet—they seem to topple over at the slightest touch. If you're designing a closet from scratch, keep this in mind while drawing up custom shelving and built-in cubbies. A special bottom shelf is the perfect height for boots in this fun and organized closet designed by Andrew Howard.

20

Use Matching Organizer Sets

closet organization ideas
Stephen Kent Johnson

Designed by Frank DeBiasi, this closet organization idea is simple yet polished and tasteful. The custom woodwork matches organizers, trays, and boxes for smaller items. Gold rods are stacked to double the storage capacity, too.

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