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So you can finally find that long-lost sweater you've been looking for.
A clean, organized closet is simply the best: It streamlines your morning routine and all that extra space gives you an excuse to expand your wardrobe (or at least reimagine it with new combinations now that you can actually see everything clearly). And it starts with a strong design plan or strategic use of your existing space. So if you want to make the most of your space, you're in the right place! We made this video tutorial with Janelle Cohen, the expert organizer behind Straighten Up, including easy-to-follow steps. detail-oriented tips, and big-picture visual aids. Plus, we also rounded up 40 closet organization ideas and design examples from designers, so there's something for every style and budget. Ready, set, get organized.
In a narrow walk-in closet, dedicate a wall to custom built-ins for accessories and clothing, but 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 narrow but tall closet for a touch of natural light.
Boots can be a pain to store in a closet—they seem to topple over at the slightest touch. If you're building from scratch, keep this in mind while designing custom shelving and built-in cubbies. A special bottom shelf here is made to hold boots in this fun and organized closet designed by Andrew Howard.
Designed by Frank DeBiasi, this closet is simple yet polished and tasteful. Custom woodwork matches organizers, trays, and boxes for smaller items, gold rods are stacked to double the storage capacity, too.
Alternate the way your shoes are facing! this will. ultimately help you fit more on each row, as displayed in this NYC closet designed by Bunny Williams Interior Design and Ferguson & Shamamian.
Can't build from scratch? Repurpose an old piece of furniture instead. Designer Annie Brahler enlisted a carpenter to "stretch" an old armoire to accommodate her shoe collection. The island was also repurposed, cobbled together with multiple cabinets, a new custom marble toppers, and pink paint.
Hang rails on the inside of your door to squeeze extra storage out of your closet for high heels, or install hooks for hats—whichever of your collections needs a bigger home. In this bedroom designed by Kate Reid, the hat display only makes the bedroom feel more intimate and cozy.
Whether you repurpose a well-constructed shoe box to keep your shoes in tip-top shape or to store small things like ribbons and jewelry, they're a stylish, on-theme way to keep items out of sight. If you're worried you won't be able to find the pair you're looking for, write the name of the shoe on the side that faces you so you can identify them more quickly. Here, a small guest room turned walk-in closet designed by Betsy Wentz features a glamorous chandelier
Keep everything tucked behind cabinet enclosures except the clothing you plan to wear in the upcoming week. Mapping out on a freestanding rack will allow you to experiment more with new combinations and advanced outfit planning will streamline your morning routine. In this closet designed by Pam Schneider, a vintage rack introduces character.
Build floating shelves to keep your shoe collection on display and to store them in a more modern way. Tamsin Jonson painted all the cabinet doors, drawers, and floating shelves the same dusty green color for a cohesive whole.
Use a fitting side chair to hang things like ties or belts. A cute seat is also the perfect place to sit down while sliding into a pair of shoes. Gary McBournie opted for a classic vintage chair to complement the farmhouse style of the home without overpowering the pretty floral wallpaper.
Never again will you have to walk from end to end in search of what you need if you install barn doors and a smart rotating storage piece. Alison Victoria created a 360-degree rotating closet system with Closet Works that features a hidden full-length mirror and ample storage for shoes. Sourced from the Corbel, French doors that date back to the 1800s close off the modern space.
Exposed shelving isn't for everyone. If you're a minimalist, take note and keep the floors clear like Brigette Romanek Studio did in this California home dressing room for an elevated, clutter-free environment. An armchair in the corner adds some dimension, as does a leaning floor mirror.
Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look, and then make a mini gallery wall to polish things off, like in this chic space by California Closets. And a closet island/dresser? It’s not just storage, it's motivation to fold and put away your clothes.
Tuck everything behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The hidden vanity in this Gail Davis–designed closet is a fun little surprise that also keeping you organized. The orange mirror picks up on the warmth of the curtains and wallpaper accents while the striped penny tile floor complements the navy paint.
If you ran out of room in your closet, you can display your prettiest items in your bedroom to double as decor. Add a multi-level wall shelf to make an étagère. For this one, Leanne Ford made sure it didn't take up too much visual real estate by painting it white so it blends in with the wall. Psst... You can also make more of your wall space by using brackets as an extra place to hang things.
Keeping your wardrobe behind closed doors in the bedroom can make it feel and look a lot more organized. Bonus points for hidden doors that camouflage with the walls.
In this dream closet designed by Tamsin Johnson, the classic white shades balance the more glamorous elements of the space. And while the large windows let the natural light pour in (perfect for getting ready), that means there's less useable wall space, so every inch is precious. The built-in benches feature storage underneath and the custom corner shelves provide a home for bags.
Even though shoe organizers are handy for your sneakers, they can also be used for bulky items like sweaters that you don't want to accidentally stretch out on a hanger (bye, saggy shoulders). Roll the sweaters before stowing them away.
Put jewelry and fragrances on a tray atop the dresser and always leave room for flowers. We love the pop of color interior designer Danielle Colding chose here.
For smaller items such as jewelry, wallets, and accessories, use your vanity drawers. Extra points if you also have a drawer organizer.
If your space opens right into the main bathroom, fill the awkward center area and turn it into something grand with a circular banquette. You'll dress and undress in a more organized (and luxurious) fashion. We love the crisp, clean white palette Breegan Jane chose here.
Whether your tiny closet is already packed to the brim or you don't even have a closet in your bedroom to begin with, a freestanding clothing rack will be a good solution. Besides, having it out in the open will force you to keep your clothes nice and organized instead of in an avalanche pile in the closet.
SHOP RACKS Black Clothing Rack, $57
If you have empty space under your bed, put your out-of-season clothing in plastic organizers, or opt for rolling crates. It's a storage solution that requires no power tools. You'll just need a bed skirt.
Having everything out in the open will motivate you to stay organized, but there are also a few things you can do to steer eyes elsewhere. For example, in this room, the space above the closet is lined with pretty glass bottles. And pro tip: You can fit more on your closet shelves or floors if you store shoes with the right and left ones facing opposite directions. To do this, place one shoe with toe to the front and the other with heel facing forward.
In this primary bedroom designed by ETC.etera, the closet is separated by a curtain. This will keep an exposed closet from distracting from the interior design scheme.
Before you start cleaning your closet, decide who will get the castoffs. Knowing that your clothes are going to a favorite charity, homeless shelter, or local thrift shop is a goal that you can feel good about.
If you're lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, consider moving your dresser inside and propping an oversized mirror on top. It'll turn the closet into a full-blown station to get ready each morning, with everything within arm's reach, and open up your bedroom space.
Shower hooks are perfect for hanging purses in your closet on the hanger rod. Even better? This method will ensure handles don't get misshapen.
SHOP HOOKS Shower Curtain Hooks, $11
Slim and open, these hangers easily file away pants in your closet. The design also makes clothing easier to grab off the rack as you dash to get ready in the morning. Your clothes deserve the best treatment on and off your body. Using one type of hanger, whether it's wooden or padded, lets your clothes shine.
Get creative with on-shelf storage. It turns out that magazine files are the ideal shape for storing clutches, wristlets, jewelry, and more. That frees up space on your desk or vanity table. We also love the stylish rods Studio DB hung up in the corners of this walk-in closet.
SHOP HOLDERS Wire Magazine Caddy, $17
Doubling up your closet space is as easy as hanging up another bar. Choose a system that also includes hooks for maximum versatility.
Adding a mirror, a piece of art, fun colors, or wallpaper are all easy ways to add character to your closet—or its surroundings, like Christina Juarez did to offset her white clothes storage by California Closets. Stay away from flowers, books, and stuffed animals, which all collect dust that will make your clothes feel less fresh.
SHOP COLORFUL BOXES Fabric Box, $6
The best way to organize your closet is to set it up into zones based on the way you think about your wardrobe. For example: When you are getting dressed, do you think first in terms of occasion, by garment type, or by season? Arrange your clothes with this in mind.
You're about to fall in love with shelf dividers. These handy organizers have the ability to keep different items separate, while also preventing piles from toppling over, so you can stack sweaters way higher.
Storage baskets keep your junk out of sight, and they look chic on open-shelves. Bonus: You can get them on the cheap.
See more at Dorsey Designs.
SHOP BASKETS Woven Storage Basket, $8
Get inspired by chic retail spaces, like this one designed by Tamsin Johnson. Instead of a classic shelving unit, create a floating cubby wall so that your favorite items can double as decor on display.
Prevent your jewelry from getting tangled by building custom organization systems. In this closet, you can hang them on the wall or keep them on a tray on one of the shelves.
The easiest way to end up with a disorganized closet is by hanging up clothes without even thinking about it. To keep things sectioned off, hang blouses, tops, and skirts above built-in shelves, and long dresses and pants when nothing is underneath.
See more of this closet at Lark & Linen.
Instead of hanging scarves, belts, and other accessories on hangers and taking up valuable rod space, try this trick. Attach a towel bar to unused wall space to create a personalized display for your collection.
See more at The Chronicles of Home.
Not only will hanging your rod higher keep your gowns and coats from dragging through floor dust, but it also frees up space for a hamper or second row of clothing. And it doesn't have to look awkward! Just take a cue from this closet from A House in the Hills.