Closets in many homes are one-size-fits-all, containing only a single bar or rack and a single shelf. However, as you’ve likely discovered, these closets don’t always meet homeowners’ storage needs. Kitchen closets or pantries may have more shelving than bedroom closets, but still may not make the best use of the storage space.

Remodeling your closet can help you to store more items, and to organize them so they are easy to find and use. If you decide to remodel your closet, you have many options for closet design. Closets can be designed by professionals, or you can design and install them yourself.

Choosing a Closet Design

When you’re planning to design a closet, first consider what’s being stored. This applies not only to the overall contents (clothing, food, linens), but also to the specific types of items. For example, a man who wears mostly suits (which must be hung in the closet) will have different closet storage needs than a man with more casual clothes that are stored folded. Handbags and shoes can also be placed in specialty organizers. Closets should be designed with visibility and accessibility of your items in mind. In other words, the function of the closet should dictate its form, and your choice and planning of closet organizers should be based on the items being stored.

Closet Design Options

Closet design depends heavily on your storage needs. For example, in a bedroom closet:

• A greater number of hanging items can be stored in the closet by adding a second hanging rack in the closet (hard-to-reach racks are also good for off-season clothes).
• Belts and baseball caps can be hung on hooks mounted on the closet walls.
• Free-standing or built-in dressers or drawer units can hold folded clothing items.
• Handbags and belts can be stored in baskets or boxes.
• Jewelry can even be stored in the closet, in specialized trays in a drawer unit or on a shelf.

These and many other organizers are available to meet the needs of your closet design.

Closet Redesign and Your Budget

Obviously, your closet design will also be influenced by your budget. With a more modest budget, you can complete an effective remodel of your existing closet with off-the-shelf products from department or home improvement stores. If your budget is higher, you can invest in rebuilding your closet, even including custom built-in drawers or shelving.

A walk-in bedroom closet gives you an even greater variety of design options, as it’s a room in itself, with space for furniture and a multitude of specialized storage options. Though function is most important in closet design, you can also choose your closet by its look and feel. A high-end walk in closet can look like a boutique showroom. However, in the end, a closet is only as good as its storage efficiency, so be sure to remodel your closet based on function first, and then consider decorative touches.