Planning Your Walk-In Closet

Tips for Planning Your Walk-In Closet

Walk-in closets may seem to some like a luxury only the super-rich can afford, but building one is actually quite a simple project anyone could undertake. All you need is the space, some elbow grease, and a plan. Essentially, the most functional walk-in closets need five things. They, first and foremost, need bars for hanging clothes and shelving or drawers for folded clothes. Then, walk-in closets also need storage for smaller items. Last, you will need some big items like a mirror, an area rug, and a chair to complete the space.

Organize your clothes for maximum functionality 


Open clothes rack
Photo by Duy Hoang on Unsplash​​

This is the first thing that will probably come to mind when you think of walk-in closets and rightfully so. It is the very bare minimum in the simplest of walk-in closets. However, it can make the space feel small and even suffocating when you have clothing surrounding you from all sides. Good organization is usually key to ensuring your space still feels open and functional. 

It helps to have a system of organization so that all your different types of clothing don’t look too busy. Many people arrange their clothes by color for the aesthetics of it, but it’s not a very functional system. Instead, consider arranging your clothes by function and type. Arranging your clothes this way will not only help make your closet appear neater but will also streamline your process of getting dressed. This will save you so much time! Gone will be the days when you rummage through your things, trying to find that perfect jacket.  

 You should also have sub-categories within your sections. Separate your articles of clothing by jackets, sweaters, shirts, t-shirts, pants, skirts, shorts, etc. With your categories, try arranging the items by the length of their sleeves for shirts and general length for bottoms. You can also try arranging them by the thickness and heaviness of the material of the item of clothing. Lastly, you can arrange them by color within the section. You can use ROYGBIV as a guide or simply go from dark to light or vice versa. 

 

Closet
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When it comes to your delicates, loungewear, and activewear, you don’t have to go through the trouble of finding a place to hang them. Designate drawers for these items and categorize them accordingly. Drawers tend to work better than shelves because you do not have to stack them on top of each other. Stacking clothes on top of each other can lead to messes you do not want. If you’re in a rush, and you pull an item from the middle of the stack, everything on top of that item can come tumbling down. With drawers, you can simply fold them Konmari Method style. You fold the clothes into triangles that can stand on their own. Then, have them stand upright in the drawers. The idea is that every item of clothing should be visible. You won’t have to pull out one shirt to be able to get to another.

Display and store accessories the right way

accessories closet
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Your accessories can make or break an outfit, so why not dedicate a special place for your favorite pieces. When it comes to jewelry storage, the devil is in the details. You cannot simply throw them into a box or drawer and call it a day. Invest in containers specially made for jewelry. Store your necklaces in such a way that the chain doesn’t get tangled with one another. Make sure your earrings are in pairs and have their backings. Even if you don’t have a lot of these items, having a well-organized collection will be beneficial in the long run especially when your collection starts growing. Staying organized can also help you know what you have on hand. This will help you to give your jewelry a healthy rotation and it will keep your outfits fresh and new.  

accessories closet
Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash​​

When it comes to bags and shoes, visibility is key as well. Display them prominently so you can see which items go with your outfits. These items also tend to be quite expensive, so they deserve some attention. Since walk-in closets are usually enclosed, there is a danger of mold forming due to moisture, particularly in shoes. Keep packets of silica gel ready. When your shoes aren’t in use, pop them in to keep moisture and mold away. When it comes to storing bags, help them keep their shape by filling them with crumpled acid-free paper or packing peanuts.  

These big items could make your space feel larger

Mirror next to clothes rack
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You cannot have a walk-in closet without a full-length mirror. Obviously, it helps you determine whether the outfit you’ve put together works or not. Don’t forget to angle it in such a way that you can also see your shoes. Ensure that you put it in a well-lit spot in the closet. You can even go as far as selecting a mirror that emits light or that is backlit. An added perk of having a mirror in your walk-in closet is that it creates the illusion of a larger space. It will help you feel less cramped and less confined in a small space. Aside from the main mirror, also consider adding a smaller mirror for trying on jewelry and head accessories. Of course, you can also have your whole vanity table in your closet for the full walk-in experience.  

walk-in closet
Photo by Nelson Ndongala on Unsplash​​

Another big item you should have in your walk-in closet is a place where you can sit. This is simply a practical thing to have, even if your closet is small. You will need it to put on shoes and other articles of clothing that might take a bit of effort to put on. It can be as small as a cute stool, pouf, or ottoman. But, if you have a large space, why not put in a love seat or couch. It will give you a place to lounge around and make it a communal space where your friends and loved ones can help you dress for special occasions.  

 

walk-in closet
Photo by Huy Nguyen on Unsplash​​

Lastly, you will need an area rug. This is primarily a stylistic choice, but it also serves some purpose. A room is simply not complete without a rug. It helps unify different aspects of a space, it softens up a room and makes it feel more inviting.  

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