40 Closet Organization Ideas That Will Actually Make You a Morning Person
Change your morning routine for the better.
Whether your closet is a massive walk-in with shelves and drawers galore or a tiny makeshift alternative in the corner of your bedroom, keeping this part of your space tidy is paramount. So we're sharing a few closet organization ideas that are easy to employ and maintain. Gone are the days of diving your hand into a drawer in search of that white tee you swore was in there and reaching for a purse only to have your whole collection tumble down.
Ahead, peep 40 easy ways to get and keep your closet organized. The best part? Each of these tips can work for every kind of space, so there's no excuse to leave your closet messy. Plus, for quite a few of our helpful tips, there's no need to spend a single dollar on systems, tools, or storage boxes. Instead, you can repurpose decor you already have and barely use. Trust us; anyone can pull off these organizational ideas.
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. Go ahead, get organized. We promise you'll never go back to your messy ways!
Dedicate a Wall to Built-Ins
Stagger Shelf Heights
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.
Use Matching Organizer Sets
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 Shoe Orientation
Alternate the way your shoes are facing! this will. ultimately help you fit more on each row, as displayed in this New York City closet designed by Bunny Williams and Ferguson & Shamamian.
Repurpose Existing Furniture
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.
Put Hats and Shoes on the Door
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.
Utilize Designer Boxes
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
Map Outfits Out on a Rack
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.
Add Floating Shelves
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.
Utilize a Corner Chair
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.
Install Barn Doors (or a Rotating System!)
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.
Keep Floors Clear
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.
Build an Island
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 It Away
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.
Install a Wall Shelf
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.
Keep It Behind Closed Doors
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.
Utilize the Corners
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.
Get Creative With Bulky Clothes
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.
Use Trays for Jewelry
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.
Store Small Items in a Vanity
For smaller items such as jewelry, wallets, and accessories, use your vanity drawers. Extra points if you also have a drawer organizer.
Hadley Mendelsohn is the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.
Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.
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