Imagine rolling back sleek doors to reveal a perfectly organized closet tailored to each family member’s needs. No more rummaging through messy rooms or struggling with flimsy wire shelving! By planning creative custom closets during new home construction, you craft specialized storage to organize every last coat and shoe. 

Start by taking careful measurements of reach-in and walk-in closet spaces, from ceiling height to side wall lengths. Note protrusions, doors, windows, and lighting that impact the layout. A few more inches transform a tight closet, so don’t be afraid to borrow space by bumping out or removing walls. Include a mix of hanging, shelves, drawers, cubbies, and specialty storage to utilize every bit of height and width efficiently. Install organizers up to the ceiling versus leaving wasted space up top. Draw floor plans to scale to visualize options accurately.  

Durability and functionality should drive material selection, not the initial price. Opt for solid wood or stainless steel versus lower-grade particleboard. Melamine interiors resist moisture and wear. Soft-closing hardware prevents noisy slamming. Use heavy-duty tracks and supports to hold substantial weight without sagging. Pull-out pantries and slide-out shoe towers provide easy access to contents in the back that normally get buried. Quality finishes like framed mirrors convey elegance and customization. Splurging on higher-end materials yields rewards for decades through longevity and optimized storage capacity. visit our website for designing custom closets.

Divide into zones

  • Hanging clothes by type – suits, dresses, shirts, pants. Leave space between groupings for easy browsing. 
  • Shelves for sweaters, jeans, intimates, and accessories. Stack horizontally and vertically.
  • Drawers for socks, undergarments, and smaller items. Customize drawer heights.
  • Baskets or cubbies for bags, shoes, and seasonal clothes. Use see-through bins and labels.
  • Dedicated tie, belt, and jewellery organizers. Use hooks, trays, and compartments.

Place most-reached items at the eye-to-mid level. Position specialty organizers where they make the most ergonomic sense.

Mix closed and open storage 

Closed storage conceals contents behind doors while open displays items decoratively. Most closets benefit from a combination of both elements.

Closed storage

  • Provides a tidy, hidden-away feel
  • Protects clothes from light damage
  • Offers ample hanging and shelf space

Open storage

  • Displays frequently accessed items 
  • Creates a lighter, more open feel
  • Shows off favourite shoes, bags, clothes 

Room permitting, build a central closed zone flanked by open display areas to get the benefits of both.

Select adjustable components 

Since the closet needs to change over time, versatility matters. Seek systems and components that adjust to evolving storage requirements, like:

  • Shelves, rods, and drawers that shift up and down within cabinetry to customize heights
  • Sliding, pivoting shirt racks and jewellery drawers to maximize access
  • Drawer dividers, trays, and modular bins to reconfigure compartments  
  • Pull-out ironing boards, side cabinets, and hampers to free floor space when needed
  • Removable closet rods that switch between double-hanging and single hanging

Modular design supports reconfiguring components whenever needs shift. Avoid fixed elements that become obsolete as families grow. Any space used repeatedly benefits from permanent storage customization. Add specialty nooks that organize daily routines for lifelong utility.

By Magnolia

Magnolia Kate Chambers: Magnolia, a vintage home enthusiast, shares restoration tips, antique decorating ideas, and the charm of vintage living.