How to Organize your Walk-In Closet - our Top Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have the space in your house for a walk-in closet congratulations! You’ll have to decide on where to put it, the shape you want and the accessories. In this article, we’ll help you out by offering you some advice on how to organize your walk-in closet.

Closet shape

The first thing you’ll have to do is choose where you’re going to install your walk-in closet. If you have even thirty square feet of spare space, then you potentially have enough space. If you have less than that, we wouldn’t recommend going for a walk-in closet, as it’ll be small and cramped.

Depending on the shape of your bedroom, we recommend the following types of walk-in closet:

• Linear: this is the most common shape, and the easiest to organize. It will only take up one wall of the room and can be as long as the room allows. It’s the best option for smaller rooms, or if some of the space is already taken up by other elements.

• L-shaped: this type of walk-in closet is perfect if you have two free walls. Unlike the linear closet, it is separated into two areas. This makes it very easy to organize. You can keep summer clothes on one side and winter clothes on the other, or you can have one side for clothes, and the other for footwear and accessories.
• U-shaped: this shape offers the most advantages, but only those who can afford to use an entire room for their closet can use this option. It is split into three different zones, with an open space in the center, making it easy to move around.
• Parallel: this type of closet is best for narrow spaces. One part of the wardrobe is parallel to the other, with a passageway in between. This passageway should be wide enough so that you can comfortably get in and out to reach your clothes. We also recommend that you add plenty of lighting, as otherwise it can be very dark in this type of closet.

Doors? Curtains? Open?

Another decision you’ll need to make is whether to install doors, or whether to leave your closet open and your clothes visible. Both options are valid, and have as many advantages as disadvantages.

• Doors: Installing doors in your walk-in closet will mean it is hidden from view, and it will simply blend in with the rest of the room. You could even place mirrors on the doors, making them multi-functional. The disadvantage is that you’ll constantly have to open and shut the doors and you won’t be able to see everything at a glance.
• Open: Leaving your closet open and your clothes on view is very popular at the moment. With a quick glance, you’ll be able to find all the clothes you’re looking for, and what’s more, your wardrobe will instantly become a decorative element in your room. The main disadvantage is that you’ll regularly need to dust. Plus, leaving your clothes on view will mean you have to keep everything neat and tidy at all times. Otherwise, your room will start to look messy.
• Curtains: This is another great option. It isn’t very common, but you mind find that it perfectly suits your needs and taste. Curtains will shield your clothes from view, without being quite as solid and inscrutable as doors.

Must-have accessories for your closet

To keep your walk-in closet organized, and a comfortable place to keep your clothes, you’ll need a few accessories. These will help you to find what you’re looking for quickly and ensure that everything stays in its place.  There’s a huge variety of accessories on the market. Here are just some of the most important:

• Coat hangers: these are essential in any closet. According to your taste and how you like to organize your closet, you might use them more or less often. Some people like to have their clothes folded, while others prefer to hang most of their clothes on hangers. One thing’s for sure, whether you have loads, or only a few, hangers are essential.
• Boxes: these are perfect for keeping clothes that you don’t use very often, or seasonal clothes. An air-tight box will ensure that they don’t get dusty, and you can simply store them away on a shelf.
• Hanging shoe rack: a great place to keep all your shoes, right where you can see them. We especially recommend these for smaller closets, as they are a great way to optimize space.

Here are some other accessories you could use: shoe trees, clothes bags for delicate clothes, baskets, or drawer dividers. With these accessories, you can personalize your walk-in closet, and adapt it to your needs.