Do you have a tiny walk-in closet that you wish was more functional?
As someone who has lived in apartments with closet space ranging from palatial to minuscule, I understand the frustration of not having enough room to neatly store all your stuff.
But never fear! With some creative small closet ideas, you can transform your petite walk-in into an organizational dream.
1. Expand a Small Walk-In Closet
If you have some adjacent dead space, consider expanding your small walk-in closet into it.
You could create an adjoining dressing area for putting together outfits while keeping the actual clothes storage behind closed doors.
Or install a custom-built dresser in a shallow closet to double your folded clothing capacity. Use the dresser top and an adjacent shelf for displaying cherished accessories.
And add a space-saving sliding barn door to conceal the storage when not in use.
2. Use Open Storage for Easy Access
Install shelves for neatly storing and viewing folded garments in open cubbies. You could also combine double hanging rods with hanging drawers and a floor-set shoe rack.
Or, build an entire wall of open cubbies for your complete wardrobe. Top with labeled bins on a high shelf to stash out-of-season items and sports gear out of the way.
3. Design a Small Walk-In Closet with Style
Who says storage spaces have to be boring? Install a beautiful chandelier to brighten up your petite dressing area. Cover the walls and door with a vibrant patterned wallpaper.
Hang an ornately framed mirror to add some character and dimension. And incorporate other stylish accents like a plush rug, pouf, artwork, and accessories to really elevate the space.
4. Try a Custom Small Closet System
Hire a professional closet designer to create custom-fitted storage furnishings that maximize every inch. A deeper-than-wide closet layout can work incredibly well.
Include a dresser with varied drawer sizes for everything from lingerie to sweaters. Add adjustable shelves for folded items. And incorporate specialized spaces for shoes, accessories, suits, and more.
5. Use Furniture Inside a Small Walk-In Closet
Incorporate a dresser into a built-in closet framework to double your storage. Install glass shelves to reflect light in the compact space. Place high shelves for storing those rarely-used formal gowns and other special occasion items.
And use transparent jars and vessels for neatly storing and displaying scarves, belts, and other accessories.
6. Reconsider Your Small Closet Layout
Repurpose a tall, narrow dresser as your main folded items station. Install a mirror and pendant light above the dresser to create an accessorizing spot.
Strategically space double hanging rods to accommodate different garment lengths. And fully customize the layout to make the most of every inch of usable space.
7. Add Storage with Creative DIYs
Craft a hanging rack from plumbing pipes for an industrial-chic aesthetic. Use it to neatly store freshly ironed button-downs and blouses. Add hooks on a lower bar specifically for pants and skirts.
And incorporate other unique, functional design elements to inject more storage and your personal style.
8. Use Various Types of Closet Storage
Mix and match storage types like open cubbies, lidded baskets, plastic bins, and closed cabinet units.
Store most clothing and shoes in open containers for easy daily outfit planning. Then use closed storage for smaller accessories, folded items, and anything you don’t regularly need access to. This avoids a cluttered look while keeping things neat.
9. Maximize Every Inch of a Small Walk-In Closet
Make the most of awkward nooks by stashing colorful boxes for hidden storage that adds visual interest. Puzzle together an assortment of racks, shelves, baskets and more to create comprehensive storage from floor to ceiling.
Install glass panel doors with elegant cut-glass knobs to class up your closet contents. And effectively utilize all the vertical space.
10. Design a Closet Around Existing Features
If your small walk-in has architectural challenges, adapt your storage solutions to them. Use slanted ceilings to your advantage or install perpendicular rods where the ceiling meets a half-wall.
Mount a high rod on the taller wall specifically for dresses and gowns. And add shelves above the hanging rods to store clutches, purses and other handbags.
11. Divide a Small Walk-In Closet into Zones
Carve out separate storage zones within your petite walk-in to make the space work harder. Use a bookcase as a room divider and to store shoes. Position a bench seat with a lift-up top under the mirror for seating while getting dressed.
Create a defined dressing area with a small table and stool for accessorizing. And mount open bins on the wall to corral handbags, totes and backpacks.