Once you walk in, you won’t want to walk out
While walk-in closets often have a reputation for being extravagant additions to bedrooms, you certainly don’t need to lead a lavish lifestyle to have or build one. Walk-in closets come in all shapes and sizes, and if utilized to their full potential, can help your bedroom stay organized and clutter-free. If designing closet space isn’t your forte, check out these inspiration tips and ideas to make the most out of your walk-in closet.
Start with the Entryway
The entrance to your walk-in closet will be the first glimpse anyone gets of it. Set the tone you want by picking the doorway that matches your vibe.
1. Glass Doors
If you’re planning to either DIY or hire a professional to design a walk-in closet for your bedroom, determine whether you’d prefer the entryway to be discreet or unmistakable. Glass doors can add an air of elegance to the room and make an otherwise nondescript closet feel like an upscale dressing room.
2. Sliding Doors
Sliding doors make for a less conspicuous entrance to a walk-in closet, and can easily be left open so that your bedroom looks bigger as it extends into the closet area. Depending on the material of the sliding door, they can also be quieter than standard wooden or glass doors if you need to get ready in the morning without disturbing anyone.
Light Up the Room
One of the main appeals of a walk-in closet is having the space to see all of your clothes. Picking the right lighting can have a big impact on the overall setting and aesthetic of yours.
3. Large Windows for Natural Light
If you’re building a new closet or are remodeling an existing one, consider allocating space for a window to be installed. Depending on which side of the house the room is on, a window can flood a large or small walk-in closet with natural light, perfect for modeling clothes in.
4. Overhead Windows
Windows in a walk-in closet don’t need to be huge to illuminate the space. A long, horizontal window placed near the ceiling will let in plenty of light to brighten the room and potentially save you money on your energy bill.
5. Illuminated Shelves
No overhead lighting? No problem. Add a glow to your closet by installing light strips onto the shelves.
6. Backlit Shelves
Shine a light on your clothes by backlighting each shelf, giving the room a dreamy, magical vibe.
7. Chandelier Lighting
If fancy is what you’re after, go all out with a chandelier for lighting. This luxury light fixture will have you feeling like you’re in a designer boutique every time you pick out an outfit.
Maximize the Wall Space
Make the absolute most of your walk-in closet by utilizing all the available space you have, while keeping an organized and uncluttered appearance.
8. Closet Organizer
What better way to care for and store your clothes and accessories than with a dedicated organization system? Closet systems, or a modular closet, can provide all of the storage solutions you need by offering preset shelves, drawers, and hanging space—all you’ll have to do is fill it.
9. Drawers Galore
You’ll be sure to stay organized with an abundance of drawers. If you’ve decided to dedicate your walk-in closet to folded clothes as opposed to formal wear best suited for hangers, add plenty of drawers for storage space and achieve a clean, uniform look throughout the closet.
10. Low-Level Shoe Racks
With enough shelves and space, you’ll never need to store away your winter or summer shoes. Put them all on display and accessible with low-level shoe racks.
11. Glass Display Cabinets
If you’re proud of your closet organization skills, flaunt them! Install glass display cabinets to show off your formal dress wear in an unapologetic fashion.
12. Metal Baskets
Metal storage baskets may not be the most visually appealing, but what they do offer is clear visibility into what’s being stored within them, making finding a matching pair of socks an easy feat.
13. Cloth Baskets
Don’t want to put all your clothes on display? Mix and match patterned cloth storage boxes to keep your favorite pieces organized, but out of sight.
14. Purse Hooks
If you own an abundance of purses for every occasion, why not hang them where they can be admired? Installing purse hooks eliminates the need to store your purses and handbags in cabinets, and allows you to easily scan and choose whichever one is right for your next event.
15. Floating Shelves
If a modern style is up your alley, opt for sleek floating shelves for an unencumbered minimalist feel.
16. Locker-Style Storage
You don’t have to be in high school to appreciate the storage space a locker-style cabinet can offer. Long and vertical in shape, these cabinets can have hooks for hanging scarves or purses on the door, and drawers for socks or other delicates.
17. Bookshelf-Turned-Shoe Shelf
Save yourself some time and energy by converting what you already have into something you want. Try turning an old bookshelf into a sturdy home with multiple levels for your shoes, instead of building or buying a standard shoe rack.
18. Jewelry Wall
Jewelry is notorious for getting tangled if left unorganized. Never lose another necklace to a knotted chain by adding a dedicated jewelry wall to your walk-in closet.
19. Color Code
Is there anything more organized than color coding your clothes? In a large walk-in closet, knowing where each article of clothing is based on its color will save you the hassle of digging through every drawer.
20. Rotating Shoe Rack
Operating as a Lazy Susan for shoes, a rotating shoe rack eliminates the need to keep shoe boxes stacked in your closet, as you can effortlessly see and choose from your collection of footwear at a moment's notice.
21. Accent Wall
Make your closet a room you want to spend time in by incorporating an accent wall with a color palette that exudes your personal flair.
22. Dark Wood Shelving
Dark wood shelves, drawers, and cabinetry offer a luxurious look to a closet, no matter the size, especially when paired with soft, warm lighting.
Fun and Functional Additions
Cultivate your ideal closet space by adding nonessential pieces that will make the room feel welcoming and complete.
23. Oversized Mirror
Having a walk-in closet is great for additional storage space, but a walk-in can also double as a dressing room—and no dressing room is complete without an oversized full-length mirror to decide which outfit matches your mood and agenda for the day.
24. Area Rug
If you prefer folding clothes while sitting, adding a rug to your closet can provide comfort and a sense of coziness. If the closet floor is hardwood, a rug can also protect from any scuff marks made while putting on heels.
25. Makeup Vanity
Incorporating a makeup vanity in your walk-in closet will turn the space into an all-encompassing preparation station. You’ll be able to pick your full attire, from clothes to accessories and shoes, and do your makeup to match without ever leaving the room.
26. Island in the Middle
If you’ve maxed out all the wall space in your closet, add an island in the middle of the room for additional storage. You’ll be able to fold clothes on its surface, or lay out pieces of jewelry to pick as the finishing touch when visualizing the look you want.
27. Add an Ottoman
Folding, hanging, and organizing clothes can get tiresome, and you might find yourself wishing you had a place to sit as you go about these tasks. Adding an ottoman or small sofa to the closet can break up the space, offer a comfy seating solution, and give you a place to sit while you put on shoes.
28. Stool Seating
If you don’t have enough space in your closet to add an ottoman or small couch, a simple and sufficient seating arrangement like a stool will go a long way.
29. Repurposed Furniture
Give your old furniture a new home by adding them to your walk-in closet. Nightside tables and bookshelves with cubbies can be repurposed into storage areas for shoes or accessories, and save you the hassle of disposing of them.
