This guide is full of new and innovative custom walk-in closet design ideas and inspiration. Your closet is one of the most used spaces in your home. You need to have organization that makes it easy to see and pick your outfits. You use it daily to get dressed and pick your outfits. But it doesn’t have to be a bland space. You can use it to tell a story about yourself and personality. This article will give you ideas on how to create a closet with tons of storage, organization and personality!
A custom built closet can maximize your closet space, utilizing all the space to its most efficient use. Renovating an outdated design like wire shelving? Completely creating your closet from scratch? Or adding space to your small walk-in closet? Here is a roundup of top trends in custom closets.
Your dream closet doesn’t have to be custom made. I have had great success with the IKEA PAX. It is an affordable option, read more about it here.
Layout & Functionality
When designing a walk-in closet, space planning is key to ensuring functionality and ease of movement. Walkways and clearance should be at least 24-30 inches wide to allow comfortable navigation, especially if you have a center island or bench.
Also figure out how high hanging rods should be, based on your own height. If you hang rods higher, you can have space for more drawers under or another rod.
Zoning your closet into different sections
Organizing your closet by the type of clothing can be really helpful. Some people may find categorizing clothes such as daily wear, formal attire, and accessories—helps streamline a morning routine and keeps everything within reach.
I personally organized my closet by type of clothing article with a section for each – tshirts, blazers, pants, long sleeves etc.
Valet Rods to Help Outfit Planning
Valet rods provide a convenient spot to hang outfits for the next day or temporarily store freshly ironed clothing before putting them away. They are also very helpful if you travel a lot. You can plan each travel outfit by hanging it on these little rods. These small but effective storage additions enhance the overall efficiency and functionality of your closet.
Consider the Materials & Finishes of your Walk-in Closet
Choosing the right materials and finishes for your closet is crucial for long-term durability and style. Wood vs MDF will greatly affect the cost of your closet. Each with its own benefits in terms of cost, strength, and maintenance. The materials will also impact the longevity of your closet. If this isn’t your forever home, consider using MDF to save money.
IKEA PAX is made from MDF or laminate. It’s one of the reasons why it’s so affordable. But if you’re getting a custom made closet, be sure that your closet reflects the materials used.
Glass Doors Display Your Prized Possessions
Adding glass doors for display can be a stylish way to showcase designer handbags, shoes, or accessories while keeping them dust-free. To maintain a polished look, consider soft-close drawers, high-quality hardware, and scratch-resistant surfaces.
Maximize Your Custom Walk-in Closet
To maximize the space of a closet, use hanging space, shelves and drawers. Build the wardrobes along the perimeter of the closet. Having hanging space that is easy to reach for shirts and pants and add drawers below. To maximize space, use the overhead storage for out of season clothes.
Walk-In Closets with a Window
Closet space with a window is a luxury. The benefit of having a window is that it helps to brighten up the space, but it does take away wall space. You can add a dresser under the window to maximize the space. Opt for open shelving, and clothing racks. Use the vertical height of the closet to open up considerable space.
Lighting Considerations
Lighting can make or break the look of a custom closet. LED strip lighting inside drawers, shelves, and behind clothing rods can illuminate your wardrobe and make it easier to find items. Motion-sensor LED lights add a touch of luxury and convenience by automatically turning on when you enter the space. I added inexpensive motion lights that can be charged since I don’t have an outlet in my closet.
Layered lighting is essential for achieving both aesthetics and functionality—combining ambient lighting (such as a chandelier or flush mount light), task lighting (for vanities or dressing areas), and accent lighting (for shelves and displays) ensures your closet is well-lit from all angles. Proper lighting not only elevates the design but also enhances visibility, making outfit selection effortless.
Dressing Rooms with Wardrobes
Consider the depth of your closet. In this closet, there is a mix of open shelving, and closed wardrobes. Wardrobe doors allow you to hideaway the visual clutter of a closet. Take advantage of the hallway like depth of your closet. This will allow you to accommodate extra storage. Decorate the room further with a rug or runner.
Designing a His & Hers Closet
If you’re sharing a closet, a well-designed “His & Hers” layout can prevent clutter by assigning separate storage areas tailored to each person’s needs. Consider incorporating mirrored doors or symmetrical shelving to create a balanced and visually appealing space.
Take inventory of your clothing needs
When building a custom closet planning ahead is important. Take inventory of your closet to determine what kinds of storage you will need. Decide how many drawers, cabinets and hanging spaces. Take into account your shoes and accessories as well. Also think about which of these need to be hidden away with drawers or doors, versus which you’ll use frequently and need open access to. Consider your closet needs.
Minimalist Design
The minimalist design continues to influence home design. Walk-in closet designs with open shelving, clean lines and organized compartments. A neutral color palette or wood creates a serene environment. Built-in storage solution for jewelry reduces clutter.
Arch Doors in Closets
Nothing quite says luxury as a timeless arch in your home. An arch in your closet can elevate the room. It can be used as a natural breakpoint between a “his & hers” closet or different types of attire.
For more arch inspiration, checkout this closet renovation I did.
Organize Your Shoes in Style
Transform your closet into a shoe lover’s paradise. Create a special built-in shoe rack. Add convenient pull-out racks with drawer slides for easy access. It is the perfect way to display your favorite footwear.
Pull-out Jewelry Display
Organize your accessories with custom pull-out drawers. Enjoy having your jewelry stored in one place. There are many different types of jewelry organizers. I’ve found that felt lined organizers reduce shifting when opening the drawers. You can also use acrylic hanging organizers for necklaces and bracelets too. Give your jewelry collection its own dedicated space.
French Country Inspired
Create the serene atmosphere of the French countryside. Use light blues and sandy tones to brighten your closet design. Complement them with wicker baskets and gold drawer handles. Bring the elegance of the French countryside to your closet.
Enhance your Closet with Wallpaper
Accent your closet with the use of wallpaper. Wallpapers are a DIY friendly project. A wallpaper can add interest if you have a smaller closet and can’t add storage on every wall. Combining paint with wallpaper creates a standout feature.
Keep it Coastal in your closet
The coastal aesthetic is a timeless design. This style involves the use of natural light, and a soft hue color palette. Blues, beige, white, light wood and wicker are common in coastal design. In this closet design, there is use of color, and texture like the jute rug on the floor, and wicker baskets to bring in the coastal style.
The Power of Bold Colors
Color is the quickest way to bring change. Moody colors can evoke emotions. Heighten your closet and opt for a dark green, contrasted with gold rods and handles. A cozy rug adds warmth under your feet, and a vintage feel. When painting your closet dark, consider additional undermount lighting under shelves to make it easier to find your clothes.
Overhead Storage Galore
There can never be enough closet storage. Add wicker baskets to your overhead storage. Overhead storage is great for items that you need, but use infrequently. Wicker baskets are a functional and spacious closet organization addition. They are perfect for out of season storage or blankets.
Shaker Drawers in Closet
Customize your closet with shaker style drawers and doors. Shaker doors are extremely popular in kitchens. That same design element has become popular in closets as well. You can even DIY a faux shaker by adding 2” MDF on top of a plain drawer front.
Add Trim to elevate your closet
Spruce up your closet by adding trim. Ceiling trim makes the room seem bigger. The horizontal lines draw the eyes upward. Drawer trim adds character to your closet. Both trim options are easy DIY projects. It makes the closet feel much more finished and high end.
Add a Mirror in Your Closet
Add a mirror to make your closet a mulit-functional space. Adding a mirror helps to create your very own dressing area. Complement the mirror color with the hardware on the drawers.
Add a Vanity in Your Closet
Custom closets can be made multifunctional. Double your closet as a vanity area with a vanity, mirror, and additional storage for beauty products. Complete the look with surround lighting. This is a luxurious feature that will also save you time.
Create Drama with a High End Light Fixture
Add a light fixture to create drama. Builder’s provide the most basic lighting, so I love changing ALL of my lighting. A chandelier makes a powerful design statement. Opt for a modern pendant lighting for a sleek look. Placement of the light fixture is important. Place it in the center of the closet. This will accentuate the built-in below it, and provide lighting for the rest of the displays.
Take a Seat
Add a seating area in your closet. Place an upholstered bench in the middle or place a chaise along the sides. Providing a place to sit and get ready brings the boutique to your home with this simple addition.
How to design a custom closet?
If you’re going for a high end custom closet, share your closet ideas and inspiration pictures with your designer. But if you’re like me, a DIYer, start by measuring the space you have and make a detailed list of how you’d like to organize your space. I’ve used both the IKEA PAX closet and IKEA AURDAL for organized closet spaces. You can use the online planning tools provided by IKEA for free to start planning your closet!
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