Design and build the perfect closet

Today, the obsession with getting organized has brought with it more choices than ever for stretching every bit of closet space.

 

 

 

 

For much of the 20th century, bedroom closets were outfitted with a rod and shelves - hardly the most efficient way to organize a complete wardrobe. Unfortunately, many off-plan newly built homes still feature this same configuration, which is a shame when you think about all the available options.

Today, the obsession with getting organized has brought with it more choices than ever for stretching every bit of closet space. And while it doesn’t necessarily increase the value of your home, having neat, attractive closets is a great selling point - not to mention a sanity saver. Taking the time to find the perfect closet system will you’ll save hours down the road searching for that perfect shirt you know is in there somewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first step in designing the perfect closet is to browse around the Internet for options that you can DIY - with or without some help.

 

 

Tips for practical closet design

• Remember the professional organizers’ rule of thumb: use 50 percent of the closet for double-hanging clothes, 25 percent for long clothing, and 25 percent for flat shelving and drawers.

• Place pants on the top rod in double- hanging areas, because they have a narrower clearance from the wall and won’t cast shadows.

 

 

 

• Reach-ins are most effective with a full front opening, so trade sliding or bi-fold doors for hinged if space allows. Hinged doors also allow for over-the-door accessories, such as shoe racks and door-hung full-length mirrors.

• Arrange clothing by type. The more frequently you use the item or category, the closer it should be to the door.

• Place shoe shelves at eye level so you’re not constantly bending down.

• Tilted shelves take up less space than flat shelves and can be used for sweaters as well as shoes.

• A centre island will cramp the space if your walk-in is less than 4 metres wide.

 

AESTHETICS AND BUDGET are the two key factors to consider when choosing what type of closet to build. Start with the basics. Rather than getting swept away by shoe-cubby fever, think about just using boxes. Stay within your budget and make the most of it.

WIRE COMPONENTS are the least expensive of all, apart from a completely DIY option. Some people dislike these vinyl- or epoxy-coated steel systems because they allow small objects to fall through, but proponents claim they make clothing more visible and allow air to circulate. Unlike melamine or wood, wire systems will never warp. However, epoxy can chip while vinyl might tear.

 

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CONTRACTORS FAVOUR MELAMINE Closet and built-in cupboards are commonly made of a cheap melamine, as opposed to a quality product such as PG Bison MelaWood. At three to six times the price of MelaWood, the cost of solid wood is prohibitive for most closet budgets and the middle ground is to go with wood-grained MelaWood for the components. At least when going the DIY route you have more control over the materials used for the components.

 

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USE THE WALL OR FLOOR If your closet has carpeting, skirtings, or nice mouldings that you want to show off, then a wall-hanging system is probably your ticket. Some people prefer the built-in look of a floor-based system, but there might be more work (and cost) involved to shim uneven floors.

The easiest hanging method is a steel track system like those used by Elfa, in which horizontal rails bolt to the wall, and vertical standards hang from them. Because the shelves snap into the verticals on brackets, the closet system can be easily reconfigured.

DESIGN & DO-IT-YOURSELF Head down to your local Builders Warehouse and pick out everything you need to build your own closet.