6 Design Tips to Create the Walk-In Closet of Your Dreams

A closet renovation remains one of the top three projects that bring homeowners the most joy. Redesigning your closet space enhances both function and style in your home. It helps to keep your bedroom space tidy while boosting organization habits.   

Certain design techniques can make the renovation project run much smoother. Read on for our top 6 design tips to create the walk-in closet of your dreams. 

1. Analyze Your Wardrobe

With a walk-in closet design project, your first step should be to take inventory of your wardrobe. Start by looking into how much clothing and accessories you have. This will give you a better idea of the closet size and layout you’ll need.  

Most people only wear 20% of the items in their closets. So, all these extra items are only taking up space and contributing to closet clutter. 

Before undergoing a closet redesign project, it helps to purge your wardrobe. This means getting rid of items that you no longer wear or need. Make a charity donation or move these old and unworn clothes into storage. 

Then you can use your new wardrobe to create a proper organizational plan for your closet design. Be sure to also include enough storage space for any other items you wish to store in your closet, like luggage. 

2. Pick the Perfect Color Palette

When learning how to design a walk-in closet, find inspiration in magazines and online blogs. This will help you to make design selections like paint colors and hardware finishes. All these elements should come together to compliment the space and define its style. 

A color palette with lighter shades helps to give the illusion of a larger space. Do this by opting for neutral colors like white, cream, and light greys or blues. An all-white design is the most popular, including walls and shelving units. 

Decide if you want to go with simple details or something more luxurious, like custom-trim. Consider which materials you want to use for your shelving and built-ins. Wood or glass are popular choices for this.  

3. Find Balance Between Vertical and Horizontal Space

The best walk-in closet ideas involve proper space planning. A floor-to-ceiling design uses up the most amount of space. This way you design your closet to fit around all your wardrobe-essentials.  

Utilize wall space for built-in shelves or cabinets. These are ideal for displaying folded clothing and other items. Drawers work best for storing undergarments, socks, belts, and ties.  

Use larger compartments for hanging button-up shirts, dresses, and slacks. Don’t forget a section for your shoe collection. Deep drawers or open shelving both work well for this. 

4. Maximize Comfort and Style

The best closet designs are built for convenience, comfort, and style. The layout of your walk-in closet should offer a smooth flow of traffic throughout the space. It’s easy to do this with a “U” or “L” shaped-space. 

These layouts provide the easiest access to all areas of your closet. A standard walk-in design also works well if you have less wall space to work with. 

Most closet designs incorporate his and her sides or sections. Creating this designated space is a simple method to keep clothes better organized.  

Seating is another important element of a walk-in closet and provides a spot to put on shoes. You can add an accent chair, small stool, bench, or built-in window seat. 

Many seating surfaces are also multi-functional. They allow a stepping stool to reach higher storage areas in the closet. An ottoman can even provide seating with hidden storage.  

A plush carpet or rug is an ideal way to decorate your walk-in closet. Rugs can add more warmth and comfort to hardwood or vinyl flooring. 

If you have enough space, consider other design features that you want to include in your closet. This could be a built-in vanity for applying makeup when getting ready. Adding a mannequin is a good idea to hold your pre-selected outfit for the next day.  

5. Select the Right Lighting Technique  

The right lighting creates ambiance and adds brightness to your closet space. You can go with a ceiling fixture that makes a statement, like a delicate chandelier. Recessed lighting and wall sconces are other popular options. 

Cabinet lighting helps keep your most coveted wardrobe items on display. This lighting technique enhances clothing hanging in your closet. It can also show off shoes and handbags. 

A large mirror is another must-have in a walk-in closet. Mirrors help you when trying on outfits. They also create more light in your closet space with their reflective properties.    

6. Feature Plenty of Extra Storage Solutions

56% of homeowners agree that a closet redesign helps boost liveability in their homes. This comes from storage solutions that increase organization and control clutter. 

Closet designs with extra space can feature a center island or peninsula. This offers a way to add more storage options to your closet design. Note that there should be enough room to comfortably walk around the entire island.  

With an island, you get more drawers and surface space in your closet. Surfaces are ideal for holding trays with perfume and jewelry. You can also add a flower arrangement or plant to liven up your closet space.  

Other storage tips include using woven baskets or bins to store extra accessories. These also add texture and color to your closet.  

Luxury-style boxes are good for placing on the upper shelves of your closet as well. You can use these for storing hats or shoes in your fancy walk-in closet design. 

Handbag storage is another important element of walk-in closet design. Hanging organizers are ideal for this. You can also use hooks for hanging up bags, scarves, and belts. 

Bringing Your Walk-In Closet Design Ideas to Life

These walk-in closet design tips will help you bring your creative vision to life. The best closet designs are built with style, function, and comfort in mind. They boost better organization while making your home spaces more enjoyable and liveable. 

Looking for more design inspiration for your renovation projects? Check out the home living section of our blog for all the latest tips and trends.