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Closet Design Tips
Let's create your dream closet together.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Closet: Expert Tips for Designing Functional
and Beautiful Spaces
At New Concept Design, we understand that your closet isn't just a storage space; it's a reflection of your lifestyle, your taste, and your unique needs. Designing a custom closet involves more than just installing shelves and rods. It's about transforming a utilitarian space into a haven of organization and style. Here are our top tips, carefully curated to help you create closets that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing:
Where Style Meets Functionality
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Easy Access: Plan for easy access to commonly used items; it's all about convenience in your daily routine.
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Overflow Storage: Utilize top shelves for seldom-used items like seasonal apparel and luggage. It keeps them accessible yet out of the way.
Custom Layouts and
Thoughtful Accessories:
The Heart of Organization
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Tailored Organization: Custom layouts go beyond traditional rods and shelves. Incorporate accessories like valet rods, belt racks, and drawer dividers to enhance functionality and organization.
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Hooks and Organizers: Utilize wall hooks for accessories like hats, robes, and purses. These accents not only organize but also add a touch of elegance.
Lighting: Illuminating Elegance
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Bright Ideas: Invest in proper lighting. It's not just functional; it's an aesthetic addition that enhances color visibility. Explore warm or cool tones and adjustable brightness settings for a personalized touch.
Embrace Creative Designs: Beyond White and Chrome
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Feel the Freedom: Move away from the classic white and chrome combination. While it's timeless, exploring diverse finishes and metals can add personality and depth to your closet.
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Mix It Up: Consider blending different finishes for doors, drawers, or islands. This creative touch can breathe life into your space without stretching your budget.
Walk-In Closets: Maximizing
Space and Efficiency
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Height Matters: Remember, a minimum 24-inch walkway is essential for comfortable access. Plan your layout keeping this in mind, especially if you have specific mobility needs.
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Optimal Shelf Depth: While our system is fully customized, we recommend a minimum of 14" depth for shelves to accommodate most items efficiently.
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Hanger Fit: Ensure a minimum of 21 inches for hangers inside verticals. Proper spacing ensures your clothes hang neatly and don't get crammed.
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Shoe Respect: Avoid burying your shoes under hanging clothes. Dedicate shelves to them; they deserve their own space.
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Fold Smart: Embrace change in storage habits. Folding items creatively can save space and keep your closet clutter-free.
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Drawer Efficiency: Drawers offer easy access to items and are perfect for storing jewelry and charging stations, keeping your space clutter-free.
Reach-In Closets:
Utilizing Every Inch
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Versatile Shelving: Opt for adjustable shelves to accommodate changing needs. These shelves adapt to your evolving wardrobe, ensuring efficient use of space.
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Double Up: Double hanging rods are a game-changer, especially if you have an extensive wardrobe. They offer double the hanging space without compromising accessibility.
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Say No to Dead Space: Avoid wasted areas above the top shelf. Utilize this space with additional shelving or storage solutions.
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Utilize Side Walls: Don't waste space; hooks or special racks on side walls are perfect for organizing belts, ties, and scarves, ensuring they are always within reach.
THE RULES OF CLOSET DESIGN
THE RULE OF THE CORNER
1
Hanging units should go into the corners. Shelving, drawer units, or half/half units should be used out of the corner. This allows easy access past the shallower unit when reaching into the corner.
2
THE RULE OF SHORT WALL
Consider using the shortest walls for hanging units.
3
THE RULE OF SHELVING
If possible, keep shelving units standard widths. Standard widths of 18-inches, 24-inches, or 30-inches will allow for accessories and drawers to be added at any time. Shelves with the same widths are interchangeable throughout the system.
Average Dimensions o f Typical Clothing Items:
Use this guide for average closet item lengths and widths. Measure your garments during wardrobe analysis for proper fit in the system.
Folding:​
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Sweaters, Jeans
T-shirts
Towels/Sheets
Blankets
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S h o e s - Wo m e n ' s
average pair is 7-8" wide
Shoes - Men's
average pair is 9" wide
Wi d t h
10-14"
10-12"
14-16"
18-24"
Depth
14-16"
12-14"
14-16"
14-18"
Closet width significantly impacts design choices.
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For closets 48" wide or less, use an "L" shape with hanging on the back wall and shelves/drawers on the deepest sidewall.
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For widths between 54"- 60", hanging remains on the back wall, with shallow shelving on the opposite side.
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Closets under 72 inches wide typically cannot support hanging space on opposing walls. Builders and architects often overestimate a closet's capacity when it's empty; however, door placement and wall depth often mean these 'walk-ins' hold no more than a standard reach-in closet.
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For closets 72" - 84", utilize the back for hanging and one sidewall for optimal storage.
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For closets over 84" in width - Allows for the most options and configuration choices.
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For an island -120" needed for a narrow island and 144" for a two-sided island.
Standard Placement Heights for Accessories:
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Valet Rod: 70" from floor unless otherwise specified 60" from floor for children
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Belt Rack: 50" or the length of the belt + 2", 42" for children
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Tie Racks: 78" and 40" for two racks, one above the other 72" for a single tie rack
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Iron & Board Holder: 60" from floor or per customer preference
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Mop & Broom Holder: 54" from floor
Final Words of Wisdom:
Less Clutter, More Joy
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Be Selective: Don't cling to items you rarely wear. Regularly assess your wardrobe and donate or discard pieces that no longer serve you.
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Quality over Quantity: Invest in quality drawer handles and accessories. Even on a limited budget, these small touches can elevate the overall aesthetic of your closet.
At New Concept Design, we care about crafting closets that resonate with your lifestyle. Trust us to transform your storage spaces into organized sanctuaries, reflecting your personality and sophistication. Explore our expertise, and let's embark on this design journey together. Your dream closet awaits!