47 Genius Closet Organization Ideas That Will Make Your Life Easier

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As the crisp feel of fall sets in, it's the perfect cue to swap out your summer wardrobe for your winter threads. With those cozy sweaters, thick slacks, and chunky boots demanding far more space than your sundresses, consider this the ideal moment to explore these genius closet organization ideas. We've looked to our trusted interior designer database to get their expert insights from spaces they've transformed.

From permanent installations to simple quick fixes, discover 47 clever closet organization ideas that transform your wardrobe space into a luxurious retreat. Professional organizers also share essential tips on what to keep and what to discard to declutter your space effectively. Additionally, our curated shopping list offers expert-recommended products to enhance your closet. No matter how committed you are to rejuvenating your space, our closet organization ideas have you effortlessly sorted.

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Add Custom Built-Ins

It’s not uncommon for old homes to be lacking in the closet and storage departments, so installing a custom built-in to store your clothes and shoes might be the way to go. Designer Erin Myers explains this is exactly what her team did for their client who lived in a historic row house in Washington, D.C. “We added a custom built in for storage of folded clothes, linens and jewelry in the primary bedroom,” she says.

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Use Glass-Front Cabinetry

If you’re someone who forgets what clothes and shoes they have when you’re not looking directly at them, then it might serve you well to invest in glass-front cabinetry for your closet. Or you could simply follow this tip because your belongings are just too chic not to have on display like a boutique shop, as Ethan Greenfeld did with his client. “We added motion sensor lights, which adds to the clothing boutique vibe,” he says. “We utilized as much height in the closet as possible and used linen-textured cabinetry.”

Related Link: 35 Walk In Closet Ideas for a Fashionable Home

Separate From Your Spouse

Separate your clothes from your spouse’s, we mean. In this giant walk-in closet by Becky Shea, the designer created a more organized flow by separating the husband’s and wife’s clothes, as well as creating a changing room space away from the storage areas. However, you don’t need a walk-in closet to have this level of separation.

Related Link: Are You Headed for a "Sleep Divorce"?

Color Code Your Sections

Designer Christine Vroom doesn’t play when it comes to closet organization ideas. Not only does she suggest organizing by color but also sleeve length—and she uses matching hangers to do it all. Lastly, she says, “Incorporate tiered shelving for shoes, matching storage boxes for a clean finish, and elevate the space with a statement shelf or display, along with a piece of art to add personality and flair.”

Opt for Open Shelves

Ditch the doors in your closet and go with open shelves and hanging racks instead. In House Beautiful’s 2020 Whole Home, designer Elizabeth Georgantas made this conscious decision so everything in the closet would be easily accessible but still look put together.

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Use Unique Hanging Racks

Whether or not you’re looking for closet organization ideas for clothes or crafts, like in this closet by Grace Mitchell, there are plenty of unique ways to hang your smaller accessories. Mitchell uses this accordion peg rack for ribbons, but you could easily hang neckties, hats, or scarves on a similar item too.

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Keep a Laundry Closet

With a small home, oftentimes rooms and nooks are given multiple purposes, so if your laundry room is actually a closet, there are some stylish ways to organize it as well. Putting up open shelving with baskets above your washer and dryer, like Eden Passante has here, helps keep things organized but still feel open. Plus, you can take it one step further and add a cute wallpaper behind the appliances, letting it peek out when the shelves aren’t full.

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Don’t Stuff It Too Full

Possibly the most important tip for organizing in general is to not go overboard, and if your closet is starting to feel a bit cluttered, take that as a sign to throw some things out. This hosting closet from California Closets by Isabel Ladd looks so neat because it’s not filled to the brim—Ladd has exactly what she needs in there, nothing more, nothing less.

Put In Drawers, Shelves, and Hanging Racks

This closet, and any that takes inspiration from the closet organization ideas present, is the ultimate triple threat. Having drawers, shelves, and a hanging rack in this California Closet by Claire Staszak is such a smart way to keep things clean and clutter-free, no matter if you’re hanging clothes or gifting items.

Hang Up Vertical Storage

If your closet is on the smaller side, use vertical racks to better utilize the space. Arianne Bellizaire did so in this dog-walking closet, where she also kept a shallow space, fitting exactly what was needed into the closet.

Use Semi-Closed Off Cabinet Doors

Add more decoration to your closet and keep things contained at the same time by using cabinet doors with lattice work on the front. This option, shown here in a closet by DuVäl Design, is also a good idea if you don’t like the look of all open shelving but still want to see inside the cabinets.

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Invest in Pocket Doors

Technically this is more for your overall room organization, but using pocket doors rather than regular ones can help save so much space. Bonus points if you make the inside of the closet look like a boutique, like designer Brynn Olson did here.

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Choose a Glass-Top Island

Find inspiration in the team at L.A. Closet Design and store your beloved jewelry in a glass-top island that sits in your closet, if space allows for it. Not only will this look so luxurious, but you’ll be able to see your pieces laid out before or after picking out your clothes. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tangling any necklaces or bracelets.

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Install a Built-in Styler

Refresh your clothes between wears by installing a seamless LG Studio Styler, which also has a mirror on the front to save space. This gadget, put in this closet by L.A. Closet Design, uses steam to neutralize odors and sanitize the pieces.

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Dedicate a Wall to Built-Ins

To make the most of a narrow walk-in closet, dedicate a wall to custom built-ins for accessories and clothing and leave the other wall bare so that a pathway is clear. This will prevent it from feeling too cramped. Joy Cho also added a skylight in this custom narrow but tall closet from California Closets for a touch of natural light.

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Stagger Shelf Heights

Boots can be a pain to store in a closet—they seem to topple over at the slightest touch. If you're designing a closet from scratch, keep this in mind while drawing up custom shelving and built-in cubbies. A special bottom shelf is the perfect height for boots in this fun and organized closet designed by Andrew Howard.

Use Matching Organizer Sets

Designed by Frank DeBiasi, this closet is simple yet polished and tasteful. The custom woodwork matches organizers, trays, and boxes for smaller items. Gold rods are stacked to double the storage capacity too.

Alternate Shoe Orientation

Place pairs of shoes on your shelves heel to toe, as seen in this luxe New York City closet designed by Bunny Williams and . It'll help you fit more pairs in each row.

Repurpose Existing Furniture

Can't design a closet from scratch? Repurpose an old piece of furniture instead. Designer Annie Brahler enlisted a carpenter to "stretch" an old armoire to accommodate her shoe collection. The center island was cobbled together from multiple cabinets, new custom marble toppers, and pink paint.

Put Hats and Bags on the Door

Hang a rail on the back of your door or install hooks for hats—whichever of your collections needs a bigger home. That way, you'll have extra storage in your closet for clothing and shoes. In this bedroom designed by Kate Reid, the hat display actually makes the bedroom feel more intimate and cozy.

Display Designer Boxes

Whether you repurpose a well-constructed shoe box to keep your shoes in tip-top shape or to store small things like ribbons and jewelry, they're a stylish, on-theme way to keep items out of sight. If you're worried you won't be able to find the pair you're looking for, write the name of the shoe on the side that faces you so you can identify them more quickly. Here, a small guest room turned walk-in closet designed by Betsy Wentz features a glamorous chandelier.

Map Outfits Out on a Rack

Keep everything tucked behind cabinet enclosures except the clothing you plan to wear in the upcoming week. Mapping out your outfits on a freestanding rack will make it easier to experiment with new combinations, and planning your outfits in advance will streamline your morning routine. In this closet designed by Pam Schneider, a vintage rack introduces character.

Add Floating Shelves

Build floating shelves to keep your shoe collection on display and to store them in a more modern way. Tamsin Jonson painted all the cabinet doors, drawers, and floating shelves in this closet the same dusty green for a cohesive whole.

Utilize a Corner Chair

Use a fitting side chair to hang things like ties or belts. A cute seat is also the perfect place to sit down while sliding into a pair of shoes. Gary McBournie opted for a classic vintage chair to complement the farmhouse style of the home without overpowering the pretty floral wallpaper.

Install Barn Doors (or a Rotating System!)

Never again will you have to walk from end to end in search of what you need if you install barn doors and a smart rotating storage piece. Alison Victoria created a 360-degree rotating closet system with Closet Works that features a hidden full-length mirror and ample storage for shoes. Sourced from the Corbel, French doors that date back to the 1800s close off the modern space.

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Keep Floors Clear

Exposed shelving isn't for everyone. If you're a minimalist, take note and keep the floors clear as Brigette Romanek Studio did in this California home's dressing room for an elevated, clutter-free environment. An armchair in the corner adds some dimension, as does a leaning floor mirror.

Build an Island

The closet island/dresser in this chic space by California Closets isn't just storage, it's motivation to fold and put away your clothes. And that's just one of the good ideas here. Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool, roll out a colorful area rug, and then hang a gallery wall to polish things off.

Tuck It Away

Tuck everything behind closed cabinet doors in a multipurpose space. The hidden vanity in this Gail Davis–designed closet is a fun little surprise that also helps keep you organized. The orange mirror picks up the warmth of the curtains and wallpaper accents, while the striped penny tile floor complements the navy paint.

Install a Wall Shelf

If you've run out of room in your closet, you can display your prettiest items in your bedroom. Add a multi-level wall shelf to make an étagère. For this one, Leanne Ford made sure it didn't take up too much visual real estate by painting it white so it blends in with the wall. Psst...You can also make more of your wall space by using brackets as an extra place to hang things.

Keep It Behind Closed Doors

Keeping your wardrobe behind closed doors in the bedroom can make it feel and look a lot more organized. Bonus points for hidden doors that blend into the walls like designer Tim Clarke put in here.

Utilize the Corners

In this dream closet designed by Tamsin Johnson, the classic white shades balance the more glamorous elements of the space. And while the large windows let the natural light pour in (perfect for getting ready), that means there's less useable wall space, so every inch is precious. The built-in benches have storage inside, and the custom corner shelves provide a home for bags.

Get Creative With Bulky Clothes

Shoe organizers are handy for your sneakers, but they can also be useful for bulky items like sweaters that you don't want to stretch out on a hanger (bye, saggy shoulders). Roll your sweaters before stowing them away. This closet organization design by Regan Baker looks so clean.

Use Trays for Jewelry

Put jewelry and fragrances on a tray atop the dresser, and always leave room for flowers. We love the pop of color interior designer Danielle Colding chose here.

Store Small Items in a Vanity

For smaller items such as jewelry, wallets, and accessories, use your vanity drawers, and make sure they're beautiful like these by Arent&Pyke. Extra points if you also have drawer organizers.

Use Transitional Space

If your space opens right into the main bathroom, fill the awkward center area and turn it into something grand with a circular banquette. You'll dress and undress in a more organized (and luxurious) fashion. We love the crisp, clean white palette Breegan Jane chose here.

Organize by Season

If you have empty space under your bed, put your out-of-season clothing in plastic organizers, or opt for rolling crates. It's a storage solution that requires no power tools. You'll just need a bed skirt, even a simple one like in this Fantastic Frank-designed bedroom.

Stack Your Shoes

Having everything out in the open will motivate you to stay organized, but there are also a few things you can do to steer eyes elsewhere. For example, in this room by Leanne Ford, the space above the closet is lined with pretty glass bottles. Pro tip: You can fit more on your closet shelves or floors if you store pairs of shoes heel to toe.

Purge With Purpose

Before you start cleaning your closet so it looks as good as this one by Arent&Pyke, decide who will get the castoffs. Knowing that your clothes are going to a favorite charity, homeless shelter, or thrift shop is a goal you can feel good about and that will motivate you to take action. If there's an event going on, even better—you've got a deadline.

Add a Dresser and a Mirror

If you're lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, consider moving your dresser inside and propping an oversized mirror on top like this one by Leanne Ford. It'll turn the closet into a full-blown station to get ready each morning, with everything within arm's reach, and open up your bedroom space.

Add a Bar

Doubling up your closet space is as easy as hanging up another bar. Follow in Leanne Ford's footsteps and choose a system that also includes hooks for maximum versatility.

Style Your Space

Adding a mirror, a piece of art, fun colors, or wallpaper are all easy ways to add character to your closet—or its surroundings, like Christina Juarez did to offset her white clothes storage by California Closets. Stay away from flowers, books, and stuffed animals, which all collect dust that will make your clothes feel less fresh.

Organize Thoughtfully

The best way to organize your closet is to set it up into zones based on the way you think about your wardrobe, like this clothing rack by Leanne Ford. For example: When you're getting dressed, do you plan by occasion, garment type, color, or season? Arrange your clothes with this in mind.

Keep Your Shelves In Shape

You're about to fall in love with shelf dividers. These handy organizers, put up by Lisa Adams, CEO of L.A. Closet Design, separate different items and prevent piles from toppling, so you can stack sweaters and T-shirts way higher.

Make It a Display Wall

Get inspired by chic retail spaces, like this one designed by Tamsin Johnson. Instead of a classic shelving unit, create a floating cubby wall so your favorite items can double as decor.

Create a Jewelry Wall

Prevent your jewelry from getting tangled by building custom organization systems. In this closet by Amy Hirsch, you can hang necklaces and bracelets on the wall or keep them in a tray on one of the shelves.

Hang Strategically

The easiest way to end up with a disorganized closet is hanging up clothes without even thinking about it. To keep things sectioned off, hang blouses, tops, and skirts above built-in shelves and long dresses and pants on rods with no other storage underneath.

Hang Your Rod Higher

Not only will hanging your rod at the ceiling keep your gowns and coats from dragging on the floor, but it'll also free up space for a hamper or second clothing rod. It doesn't have to look awkward! Just take your cue from this closet by A House in the Hills.

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