There are two kinds of people in the world: those who are fearless about a house guest rifling through their closets, knowing that they'll easily be able to find what they're looking for, and those who would be sent into a hibernation of extreme embarrassment if a guest opened a closet door, inevitably triggering an avalanche.
If you're anything like us, you are the latter.
But they say that people can change! And it turns out, there are more life-changing closet designs out there than ever before. Ahead, we're breaking down the best closet ideas for every room in your home.
1. Hallway Closet
Hallway storage can easily turn into a situation like Monica's closet if you don't tackle it strategically. Since this space tends to be catch-all for items like seasonal decor and outerwear, spare household items that don't have a place, and gift boxes or wrapping paper (among other things), try making a list of every type of item that you'll need to store so you can come come up with a specific solution for each. Store and label items in clear, plastic bins or tubs so that you can easily find things as you need them. Before you get started, read this guide on the four things to think about before you begin organizing.
2. Linen Closet
The linen closet often serves as the main hub for guests to retrieve fresh towels and extra bedding when needed, so keeping this area tidy and neat is especially important. Use oversize baskets to store seasonal duvets or comforters, and keep extra sheet sets grouped together in wire baskets — it makes changing the bedding swift and easy! Visit our guide to linen closet organization for plenty more tips on how to transform this corner of the house to the portrait of adulthood with just a few simple steps.
3. Cleaning Closet
Cleaning closets require organizational systems for a variety of items, including small essentials like sponges and spray bottles, and larger items like brooms and dustpans. Utilize over-the-door storage for supplies that require more height than regular shelving allows, and group cleaning products in small bins or caddies by the type of surface they clean (i.e. wood cleaners, glass cleaners, de-greasers, etc.), or by room (i.e. bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, etc.) to make finding what you need quick and effortless. You can also store mason jars of extra laundry detergent or dish washing pods here, if you're lacking storage elsewhere.
4. Entry/Mudroom Closet
The main service your entry/mudroom closet will provide is storage for coats and shoes. Invest in a set of sturdy hangers that are all the same material and size to allow coats to hang neatly, and add a shoe rack either over-the-door or on the closet floor to keep seasonal shoes organized and at the ready. This is also an ideal place to store an umbrella holder (try a tall woven basket) or install wall hooks instead to save floor space.
5. Pantry Closet
Even if you don't exactly have a whole butler's pantry to call your own, you can still make the most of your small pantry with a little creativity. Rather than storing a variety of boxes and bags in all different sizes, streamline your storage with bulk foods stored in labeled canisters and mason jars to free up extra space. Use risers for canned goods and sodas to take advantage of vertical space, and be sure to store items in airtight containers to keep pesky bugs out of your kitchen. Hungry for more kitchen closet ideas? Check out our six steps to a no-fail pantry design.
6. Bedroom Closet
The bedroom closet may be the biggest culprit of disorganization thanks to seasonal clothes, rogue socks, and the sheer volume of outfits from high school that we can't seem to part with, but the key to transforming your bedroom closet is preparation and customization. Focus on collecting containers in varying shapes and sizes to suit a variety of needs, and invest in sturdy hangers to keep your clothes hung neatly in plain sight.
In need of some serious inspiration? Check out seven of the best closet transformations of all time that will have you jonesing to get organized in no time. Want to hear from a professional? Designer Kate Rumson shares exactly what you need to organize your clothes once and for all. Don't stop there, though. These gorgeous closet door ideas will totally reinvent the look and feel of your bedroom.
Where to Shop for Closet Organization
It goes without saying that The Container Store is pretty much the holy grail of organization. With a selection of pieces that run the gamut from fabric to plastic to wood to metal, there's nothing you can't find. Plus, walking around its store displays or browsing its website will give you plenty of inspiration as you shop.
Wayfair has a section of its website dedicated to storage and organization, and stocks everything from complete closet systems to baskets and bins. Plus, the wide range in selection makes shopping here ideal for those on a budget.
The big yellow and blue store will always hold a special place in our hearts, and when it comes to storage, you can't go wrong with a few of IKEA's classic and affordable options. A one-stop shop for everything from hangers to hampers to shelving, there's no way you'll leave empty-handed.
