It’s rare that anyone feels they have enough closet space. Most of the time, no matter how much one has, our stuff expands to fill what we have. But especially in older houses and apartment buildings, sometimes bedrooms have either a 12" deep by 36" wide closet enough to hang 4 dresses or no closet at all. Here are two quick suggestions for creating closets when there are none.
Your typical (generic) room layout, rectangular with a window in the center of the outside wall, probably a door in the opposite wall in the foreground (not shown) or one of the adjacent walls.
First: always keep in mind which wall is your ‘bed’ wall since beds typically take up the most space. Second: pick a ‘storage’ wall. The general idea is to efficiently consolidate all your storage along one wall in the room to avoid random bump-outs here and there which sacrifices floor space. Add a closet on either side of the window. I would suggest one closet should be for long items and an adjustable shelf. The other closet would be double-stacked (two rods, one on top of the other) for shorter items. Then place a built-in bench below the window, with a hinged-lid for more storage of things like blankets or sweaters.
Building two closets and a bench is definitely not the cheapest way to go and if you rent you may not be able to do anything permanent. Creating walls with wood studs is not difficult and closets could be created using 2×3 (1.5" x 2.5") studs instead of 2×4 (1.5" x 3.5") which would take up less space. But hanging, taping and spackling gypsum wall board (drywall) is not one of my personal favorites. It would depend on your level of DIY abilities. It’s definitely a project worthy of a good local handyman. That type of work, framing and drywalling are basic skills that a small-project contractor or handyman could do in a couple of days.
On the cheap or temporary fix: measure the wall you’ve chosen as your ‘storage’ wall and buy two matching wardrobes and a cool bench or storage box to go in between.
I tried to link the product web pages to each of the photos. Just in case: the top two are from Ikea. Middle left wardrobe is Ikea, middle right bench is west elm. The bottom armoire and bench are also west elm. The good thing about buying furniture is portability (you can take it with you) and re-purpose your pieces. There are many options for different sizes, budgets and styles.
Don’t forget some good closet accessories which help make your closet space go a long way.
Wicker storage boxes from west elm, hanging organizer from Ikea and expanding shelf from The Container Store.
Check out some quick and good tips on closet organizing from the National Closet Group here.
What a great idea! And so easy to follow, the way you’ve laid it out here. Now will you do one on how to configure a 9′ x 12′ guest room/office? :).
Very nice and easy to follow, I agree. I found the “storage wall” tip to be especially valuable; it made more room in my bedroom than I thought it would! 🙂
Thats great! Thanks for the post, much more interesting storage wall ideas. The others storage pictures are good too.
Lisa
I can try this too. And the samples of the furniture on the pictures are good. How I wish I can afford this!
This is a lovely idea. A well planned room will surely save space and time in arranging your things.
Once you have sorted through your clothes, it’s time to go and buy your closet shelves organizer. The most important thing to look for is functionality, that is, how well it will serve its intended purpose. Think about the size of the storage unit that you are intending to purchase. There are so many different types and designs of organizers out on the market, that you need to have a clear idea about what you want.
Really That type of work, framing and drywalling are basic skills that a small-project contractor or handyman could do in a couple of days..Good Post
Its nice here is many options for different sizes, budgets and styles.
As long as your expected outcome can really be achieved, you will definitely enjoy your newly remodeled home.
When people decide to sell their current homes, this is commonly the time that improve or remodel them to make them look more attractive to potential buyers.
That arrangement is typical in the traditional smallish closets we see in extra bedrooms, and sometimes even in walk-in closets.