Most people don’t give much thought to closet design-and it shows. Despite the fact that every home typically has multiple closets, these spaces are often treated as an afterthought. This is why so many people find themselves stuck with awkward, inefficient closet layouts that just don’t work.
If you’re designing or remodeling a walk-in closet for the first time, you need to make sure you don’t end up with the same frustrations you’re trying to leave behind. The best way to sidestep bad closet design is to identify the most common closet design mistakes upfront. From there, you can plan smarter and avoid repeating the same issues.
Below, we’ve outlined fifteen of the biggest missteps people make in closet design, along with actionable tips to prevent them.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Proper Planning and Layout
Failing to plan your closet layout can lead to a frustrating, inefficient space. Without a clear strategy, you might end up with wasted corners, awkward configurations, or storage that doesn’t suit your wardrobe.
Start with accurate measurements and a clear idea of what you need from your built-in closet design. Plan your layout, so every item has a designated spot and is easy to access.
Mistake #2: Not Considering Adequate Lighting
Closets often get stuck with a single overhead light-or worse, no light at all. Poor lighting makes it harder to find what you need and can leave your closet feeling dull and uninspired.
To avoid this, think in layers. Combine overhead fixtures for general illumination with task lighting for specific areas. Add accent lighting like LED strips under shelves or around mirrors. You can also consider motion-sensor lights that turn on automatically when you enter the space.
Mistake #3: Failing to Maximize Vertical Space
One of the biggest missed opportunities in closet design is not using the full height of the space. Empty or hard-to-reach upper shelves can leave valuable storage potential untapped.
Make the most of your closet’s vertical space by installing shelves and hanging rods higher up. You can also use pull-down rods, a compact ladder, or labeled bins to make vertical space more accessible.
Mistake #4: Not Including Drawer Space
Not everything needs to hang. If you don’t include drawers or bins for smaller items, you’re setting yourself up for clutter.
Incorporate a mix of storage options into your design. Include drawers for folded clothes, bins for smaller items, and baskets for workout gear or bulky sweaters. Combinations like these will keep your closet neat and make it easier to find exactly what you need.
Mistake #5: Overcrowding Hanging Space
Packing too many clothes into one section of your closet can lead to overstuffed hangers, wrinkled garments, and damaged clothing. Additionally, when hanging space is overcrowded, it’s harder to see and access your wardrobe.
Divide your hanging space into zones for long and short items. For example, reserve one section for dresses, coats, and gowns, and another for shirts, jackets, and skirts. Use adjustable rods to add layers of hanging space, doubling the room available for shorter items.
Mistake #6: Overlooking Shoe Storage
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for shoe storage, especially if you have both men’s and women’s shoes in your household. Different sizes and styles mean you’ll need a smarter strategy to keep everything organized and easy to find.
Also, tall boots need way more clearance than sneakers or flats. Without proper storage, your shoes can end up piled on top of each other, scratched, or impossible to find when you’re in a hurry.
Go for adjustable shelving that can grow with your needs. Change the heights to fit tall boots in the winter or slim sandals in the summer.
Mistake #7: Forgetting About Accessory Storage
Jewelry, scarves, belts, and hats can easily get lost in the shuffle if you don’t plan for them. Make sure you’re giving your accessories their own designated spaces.
- Add drawer dividers for jewelry and small items like watches or cufflinks.
- Install small hooks on walls or the back of doors to hang scarves and belts.
- Use dedicated shelves or bins for hats to keep them from getting crushed.
Mistake #8: Not Considering Traffic Flow
A cramped closet is no fun to use. If the layout doesn’t leave enough room to move around, you’ll feel boxed in whenever you try to grab an outfit.
Make sure there is at least three feet of clearance between shelving units and hanging rods. This gives you enough room to walk, access your wardrobe, and open drawers or doors comfortably.
Mistake #9: Choosing the Wrong Shelf Depth
Deep shelves may seem like they’d hold more, but they often result in items being shoved to the back and forgotten. On the other hand, shelves that are too shallow may not be able to hold folded clothes.
Stick to shelves around 24 inches deep for a balance between capacity and accessibility. Rounded corner shelves are also great for corner closet shelving.
Mistake #10: Forgetting About Ventilation
Closets are closed-off spaces, and without proper airflow, they can quickly develop musty odors-or worse, mildew.
Make ventilation a priority in your closet design. Install air vents or, in larger closets, consider adding a small exhaust fan to keep the air circulating. If you’re not able to add built-in ventilation, a portable dehumidifier can also help maintain a fresh, dry space.
Mistake #11: Choosing Poor-Quality Materials
Although it’s tempting to cut corners, cheap, flimsy materials can end in sagging shelves, bent rods, and an overall lack of durability.
Invest in durable, high-quality materials that can stand the test of time. Opt for solid wood or laminate for shelves, sturdy metal rods for hanging clothes, and heavy-duty hardware to handle everyday use. While the upfront cost might be higher, quality materials will save you money and frustration in the long run.
Mistake #12: Overlooking Accessibility and Organization
Avoid sticking to basic shelves and rods for closet organization. Instead, consider upgrading to accessories that suit your specific needs. Pull-out baskets work well for items like socks or workout gear, while tie racks, jewelry trays, and scarf organizers help keep smaller items neat and easy to access. Pull-down hanging rods are a great way to maximize vertical space, especially in taller closets.
Mistake #13: Not Planning for the Future
A walk-in closet is a long-term investment that should adapt as your wardrobe-and your family-grows. It’s important to design a space that’s flexible enough to meet your current needs while accommodating future changes.
Incorporate adjustable shelves and rods to easily modify storage as your wardrobe evolves. Leave some open space for unforeseen items, whether it’s new hobbies, a growing shoe collection, or seasonal storage needs.
Stick to neutral color schemes for built-in elements. Neutral tones in closet storage design keep your space versatile.
Mistake #14: Failing to Personalize the Design
Your closet should feel like an extension of your style. A cookie-cutter design might not reflect your personality. Choose custom cabinetry, unique color schemes, or lighting to elevate your custom closet design. You can also add personal touches, like decorative knobs or wallpaper, to better reflect your style preferences.
Mistake #15: Skipping a Full-Length Mirror
Leaving out a full-length mirror can limit your closet’s functionality. Small mirrors don’t give you the full picture, and running to another room to check your outfit defeats the purpose of having a walk-in closet.
Plan for a mounted, wall-integrated, or free-standing mirror in your closet design. Practicality aside, a mirror can reflect light and make your closet feel more spacious.
Over to You
Mistakes in closet design happen all the time, but they’re entirely avoidable with the right planning and advice. We hope this guide has helped you spot the most common walk-in closet design errors, so you can steer clear of them when it’s your turn to create or upgrade your space.
Ready for a new closet? Holland’s Custom Cabinets offers creative closet solutions crafted in your style. Our skilled designers create stunning, functional storage spaces that maximize every inch of space while seamlessly enhancing your home’s aesthetic.
Contact us today to start planning a closet that’s equal parts practical and stunning!
