How to Upgrade a Closet Design

Proper shoe storage is one facet of efficient closet design.

For fashionistas and the hyper-organized alike, a properly organized closet is a must have. Not only does it allow you proper storage care so that your clothing has a longer life, it also makes your wardrobe more accessible in that you don't forget what you have and it makes getting dressed a snap. Work with the space you have, or transform an extra room into the dream closet you've always wanted.

Things You'll Need

• Shelving
• Baskets
• Hanging rods
• Wall grid

Instructions

1. Add in built-in shelving. Shelving in closets has several advantages. First, it allows you to stack folded T-shirts, jeans and sweaters so that you can see all of your options quickly. It also helps items keep their shape, as anyone who has ever had a sweater stretch out while hanging in a closet knows. You can store decorative boxes on the shelves to hold undergarments. Finally, they can help get accessories such as shoes or bags off the floor so that you can protect and display them. Bags can have their handles stretched if hung on a wall, and shoes can be easily scuffed if they just lie around. Try an angled shelf or stack of cubbies for shoes.

2. Compartmentalize hanging rods as an organized way to sort your clothing so that you don't end up with skirts mixed up with pants and dresses with suits. By installing a system that separates the hanging space, you can see at just a glance what you have in each clothing category. The other key is that you can take advantage of items that don't need as much vertical space to hang---like skirts---and install drawers or shelving in the excess space.

3. Install a wall grid. Wall grids in fashion closets---and in our home closets---are a secret of those in the fashion industry. These wire metal units hang on blank walls and can hold jewelry, scarves, belts and shoes for storage, but can also hold clothing that is on a hanger, along with all the accessories, so you can put together a week's worth of outfits without having to get in and out of clothes.

References

• Better Homes & Gardens: How to Organize Your Closet
• Better Homes & Gardens: Elegant Ideas for Master Suite Closets