How To Design A Stylish And Practical Bedroom Closet System

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Designing a stylish and practical bedroom closet system is a crucial step in maintaining an organized and clutter-free environment. A well-designed closet not only maximizes storage space but also enhances the overall aesthetics of your room. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a functional and visually appealing closet system that meets all your needs.

1. Purge Your Closet

Before you start designing your closet, it is essential to purge your belongings. This step is often overlooked but is crucial for creating a functional space. Begin by sorting through your clothes, shoes, and accessories. Remove items that are no longer worn or useful. Donate or discard items that are in poor condition or no longer fit. This process will help you determine what you need to store and what can be eliminated.

Example:

Designer Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective suggests making a donation pile as you organize. This approach helps you declutter efficiently and ensures that only the items you truly need remain in your closet.

2. Edit Your Wardrobe

Once you have purged your closet, it's time to edit your wardrobe. This involves categorizing your clothes into different groups such as dresses, tops, pants, and outerwear. Consider the frequency of use and the seasonality of each item. For instance, winter clothes can be stored on high shelves or in bins that are easily accessible when needed.

Tips:

• Group Clothing by Type and Color: Separate clothing by type (dresses, short-sleeve tops, long-sleeve tops, and pants) and colors. This makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
• Assign Every Item a Home: Once you have categorized your clothes, assign each item a specific place in the closet. This ensures that everything has its own designated spot, making it easier to maintain organization.

3. Choose the Right Hangers

The type of hangers you use can significantly impact the overall appearance and functionality of your closet. Velvet hangers are a popular choice because they prevent clothes from slipping off and can help reduce wrinkles.

Recommendation:

Professional organizers Danna Bitton and Shira Rom Bitton of Organize Dwell suggest using all matching hangers to streamline your closet. This uniformity makes it easier to group like items together, making it simpler to find what you need.

4. Utilize Vertical Space

One of the most effective ways to maximize storage in a bedroom closet is by utilizing vertical space. Install shelves that reach up to the ceiling, and consider using stackable shelves or double rods to make the most of your wall space.

Tips:

• Install Recessed Lighting: Adding small LED lights on each shelf can help illuminate the space and make it easier to see every item, ensuring that you can find matching pieces.
• Store Seasonal Items Up High: Store seasonal items like winter coats or out-of-season clothes on high shelves. This keeps them out of the way but still accessible when needed.

5. Incorporate Dividers and Bins

Dividers and bins are essential for keeping small accessories organized. Adjustable clear shelf dividers can be used to separate handbags or shoes, keeping them in their designated places.

Recommendation:

Use dividers for handbags to give each purse a home and help maintain their shape. Clear storage bins can also be used for storing seasonal items like sweaters or accessories, making it easy to see what's inside without opening each bin.

6. Add Comfortable Seating

If you have the space, consider adding a comfortable place to sit. This can be a bench or a chair that allows you to try on shoes or take a moment to relax while getting dressed.

Example:

Designer Nicole Hirsch opted for a curved bench in her modern closet setup, providing a comfortable seating area that also adds to the overall aesthetic of the space.

7. Incorporate Lighting

Lighting is often an overlooked aspect of closet design but plays a significant role in both functionality and aesthetics. Consider installing LED strip lights along the shelves or under cabinet lighting to illuminate darker areas.

Tips:

• Motion-Activated Lighting: Motion-activated lighting is another innovative option that can be installed in drawers or cabinets. This hands-free lighting solution is particularly useful when your arms are full of clothes or when you’re trying to quietly access the closet without disturbing a sleeping partner.
• Natural Light: If possible, incorporate natural light into your closet design. This enhances visibility and creates an inviting feel.

8. Select Versatile Furniture

When designing your bedroom closet, it’s essential to choose versatile furniture pieces that can adapt to changing needs over time. Opting for modular shelving units or adjustable rods means you can reposition them as required.

Recommendation:

Shoe racks, tie holders, and belt organizers are additional elements that can be added or removed based on your preferences. A fold-out ironing board integrated into the closet design saves space and provides convenience for quick touch-ups.

9. Add Personal Touches

Your bedroom closet should reflect your personal style while maintaining practicality. Consider incorporating decorative elements such as wallpaper or paint in soothing colors to create a calming atmosphere.

Tips:

• Add Mirrors: Mirrors not only enhance the visual appeal but also make the space feel larger. Display favorite accessories or cherished items on open shelves as they contribute character to the overall design.
• Personalized Storage Solutions: Personalized storage solutions like custom jewelry organizers or valet trays add a touch of luxury and make daily routines more enjoyable.

10. Maximize Storage Space

Maximizing storage space is key to creating a functional bedroom closet. Consider incorporating pull-out drawers and baskets to keep smaller items organized and easily accessible.

Recommendation:

Using clear containers or labeling bins can further enhance organization by allowing you to quickly identify the contents. Implementing a rotating or pull-out closet system can double or triple your storage capacity without requiring additional floor space.

11. Build in a Pull-Out Pants Rack

Men who regularly wear dress pants will love a pull-out rack to keep them wrinkle-free. This feature is particularly useful in walk-in closets where it provides a clear view of all your belongings at once.

Example:

Building in a pull-out pants rack maximizes vertical space and keeps your clothes looking their best. Tiers of shelves can be installed up to the ceiling, keeping your clothes organized and within reach.

12. Store Small Accessories in Drawers

Small items like socks, sunglasses, or cuff links can be neatly organized in drawers. This keeps your must-haves within reach while freeing up much-needed counter space.

Tips:

• Keep Small Accessories Visible: Keep small accessories in drawers or bins that are easy to access. This ensures that you can find what you need quickly without having to dig through cluttered shelves.
• Use Clear Containers: Use clear containers or transparent bins to store small accessories like jewelry or makeup. This makes it easy to see what's inside without opening each container.

13. Add a Dresser

For added storage and style, consider adding a dresser to your closet. Use the drawers for small articles of clothing like undergarments and socks, as well as accessories like scarves.

Example:

Design firm K Interiors brought a wood dresser into this luxe walk-in closet, providing ample storage for small items and adding a touch of elegance to the space.

14. Try a Closet System

If you're on a budget or prefer not to install built-in shelving, consider using a closet system. Most systems can be customized or adjusted to fit your space, providing an efficient and stylish solution.

Recommendation:

Closet systems often include shelves, rods, and drawers that can be arranged according to your needs. They offer flexibility and can be easily reconfigured as your storage requirements change.

15. Incorporate Comfortable Seating and Lighting

Comfortable seating and proper lighting are essential components of a practical bedroom closet. A chair or bench allows you to try on shoes comfortably, while adequate lighting ensures that you can see every item clearly.

Tips:

• Install Recessed Lighting: Add small LED lights on each shelf to illuminate the space and make it easier to see every item. This ensures that you can find matching pieces quickly.
• Motion-Activated Lighting: Consider installing motion-activated lighting in drawers or cabinets. This hands-free lighting solution is particularly useful when your arms are full of clothes or when you’re trying to quietly access the closet without disturbing a sleeping partner.

16. Maximize Shelf Space

Maximizing shelf space is crucial in small closets where every inch counts. Use shelf dividers effectively to separate items and keep them organized.

Recommendation:

Utilize the wasted wall space in your small closet by installing hooks, racks, or small shelves to store accessories like scarves or belts. Hanging a mirror or pegboard can transform your closet both visually and functionally.

17. Add Extra Storage Solutions

There are numerous ways to add extra storage to your small closet. Consider using vertical space by adding extra shelves or a second hanging rod. Drawer organizers and shelf dividers can also increase your storage capacity.

Tips:

• Use the Back of the Door: Don’t forget about the unused space on the back of your closet door. Hooks or over-the-door storage solutions can be a godsend for adding extra storage without taking up floor space.
• Incorporate Bins and Baskets: Use clear storage bins for seasonal items like sweaters or accessories. This makes it easy to see what's inside without opening each bin, keeping your shelves clean and organized.

18. Design for Visibility

Designing for visibility is essential in creating a functional bedroom closet. Being able to see all your socks, ties, and underwear gives you real choices when you get dressed.

Recommendation:

Take advantage of the many accessories available, such as see-through wire bins, acrylic- or glass-fronted drawers, drawers with dividers, and belt and tie racks. These elements help keep items organized and make it easier to find what you need quickly.

19. Don’t Ignore the Floor

The floor of a closet matters because you’ll be standing on it in your bare feet every day. For warmth underfoot, carpet is your best bet. However, carpets in closets can be difficult to vacuum. For maximum cleanability, go with wood or vinyl.

Tips:

• Watch Out for Mold: Closets need some airflow and dehumidification or they become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, even insects. A bathroom-size fan timed to go on and off at regular intervals will help pull air through the closet even when the door is shut. A small dehumidifier is another way to keep things from getting musty.
• Beware of Cedar: Cedar closets do keep moths away but the cedar scent can permeate adjacent spaces. If you don’t want your bedroom to smell like a gerbil cage, locate the cedar closet in an attic or basement with at least one additional door between you and it.

20. Summing Up

Choosing the right closet can boost functionality and create the optimum space to ensure your bedroom works for you. There are a plethora of different options to choose from, so it is important to properly assess all measurements and fixing before proceeding. A custom closet can be transformative for your home and enhance how you live and relax.

By following these steps and incorporating the tips provided, you can design a stylish and practical bedroom closet system that meets all your needs. Remember to purge your closet regularly, maximize vertical space, incorporate dividers and bins, add comfortable seating and lighting, and utilize every inch of available space. With these strategies in place, you'll be able to maintain an organized and clutter-free environment that enhances the overall aesthetic of your room.