How to create the perfect custom closets for YOU
When creating bedroom closets, there's a few thing you want to keep in mind…
How does my laundry system work? (And if you just thought to yourself, “Laundry system? Huh?!?” …fear not, there's a post on the way ;) )
What other storage space does the room have?
What will the room function as?
Future purposes for the room?
How does my laundry system work?
You want to think through how laundry functions in your house (or how you'd like it to function) and make sure that your closets are made to help, not hinder! For example, do you fold your laundry or do you look at the piles of clean laundry in the basket and think “well at least it’s clean”?
If you're the former, and all your laundry is clean, folded, and promptly put away, then keep in mind that your closets are often full - so make sure they're big enough to accommodate that. You'll also want to configure your closet in the way you like your beautifully folded laundry to go - folded on shelves? In drawers? Containers? Hanging? Transparent closet doors because your clothes are colour coded and, let be honest, look next-level?
If you are in the latter catergory, and most of the time your kids are fishing through laundry mountains baskets to find a matching pair of socks, then you'll want to set up your closet in a way that can enable you to create a system that's easily maintainable. For example, if folding laundry is your sore spot, then maybe you’ll want to make more hanging space and hang up as much as possible. Or you could make lots of drawers and buy pretty wicker baskets to go inside. Each basket is a category (one for socks, one for vests, one for PJ's etc…) and you just need to divide up the laundry each week and dump it into the correct basket. It won't be the picture-perfect, beautifully folded vibe, but it will definitely be functional, everyone will be able to easily find their things and it's not too much effort on your part.
2. What other storage space does the room have?
It’s always important to view the closet as part of the room and not as a standalone unit. You need to take the whole room into account when creating a closet. Does the room have other storage space? And if so what is it? Do you have a spot to put open display shelves? If not, you might want to take off a little bit off your closet and make some open shelving there. Is there a spot to put a laundry basket? If not, you could create a spot inside your closet for that. Are there some shallow drawers for things like hair accessories or make up? If not, you might want to incorporate some shallow/display drawers for that. You want the room to look beautiful and function flawlessly, so it's best to go through all the storage plans together and make sure everything is accounted for.
3. What will the room function as?
Girls bedroom? Boys bedroom? Guest room? Master bedroom? Spare room/home office?
You need to think of what or who the room is for, and what type of things need to be stored there. For example; girlie girls bedroom - you'll probably want to put in a nice amount of hanging space for all those dresses. Little boys bedroom - maybe make some display shelves for their logo creations. Spare room/home office - make a closet that can serve multiple purposes depending on it's current use. For example, you might want to make a closet that’s got a pull out desk feature. Maybe with less hanging space and more shelves and drawers so that it can be used for office supplies etc. when being used as a home office.
4. Future purposes for the room?
It’s hepful to think of other (realistic!) potential uses for the room and keep that at the back of your mind when planning. It might be a teenagers room right now, but are they going off to college in two years and their room will become a home office or home gym? It's a good idea to try and keep in mind any future purposes for the room, even if it's years away. Custom closets are a great investment and not necessarily something you want to replace in 5 years. If you keep the future in mind, hopefully the room will function as a great bedroom for a teenager and then an equally great home office!
Good luck and happy planning,
