Skip to Content

What do I do if my closet is too small?

If your closet is too small for your belongings or for your desired storage goals, there are a few things you can do.

First, consider organizing it better. Taking the time to carefully organize and organize your items can make a small closet feel much larger.

You can also look into closet organizers. These come in a variety of sizes and materials, allowing you to make the most of the space you have. Many organizers are designed to be both attractive and functional.

If you want more space, you can add additional shelving and rods. This could be an ideal solution if you have an awkward or oddly-sized closet.

Another option is to install a freestanding closet system in an area where you have more space. This could be a corner of the bedroom, a spare room, or even a hall closet.

Finally, you can also look into getting a larger closet. This generally requires more space, so you may need to rearrange existing furniture and work with a contractor to make the space larger.

How do you make a DIY closet bigger?

Making a DIY closet bigger can be done by adding an additional closet rod and creating an upper shelf. You can also add storage cubes to create extra shelves, which offer great storage for folded clothes, accessories, and other items.

Additionally, you should think about taking advantage of all available wall space by adding a wall-mounted rack to store items like sweaters or bags that aren’t used often. If the closet has a door, you can also install an additional storage system to make the most of the empty space behind it.

Additionally, using clear containers will help make your closet look bigger, as they can make small items easier to find, and help keep clutter to a minimum. Lastly, replacing your closet door with bi-fold or sliding doors can save you significantly more room than traditional hinged doors.

How can I expand my walk-in closet?

Expanding a walk-in closet can be a great way to make the most of a small space and fit more into it. There are several steps to take in order to successfully expand a walk-in closet:

1. Start by assessing the existing closet. Measure the dimensions and check the level of storage currently available. This will give you a better idea of how much extra space you have to work with.

2. If your closet has an attic above it, you may be able to increase the height and depth of your closet. An attic conversion is an inexpensive and effective way to gain more storage.

3. Install adjustable shelves and rails. This is a great way to make the most of existing shelves and create more space for hanging clothes and storing bulky items.

4. Consider installing a closet system. These systems provide multiple storage options and can be adapted to suit your personal needs.

5. Maximise storage by installing multiple hanging rods and shelves at different heights. You can also incorporate shoe racks, baskets and storage bins to help keep the bottom of the closet clear.

6. Add lighting and mirrors to create the illusion of a bigger space. This will also make it easier to find items stored in dark corners.

All of these tips can help you to make the most out of a small walk-in closet. With a little bit of thought and planning, you will be able to create extra storage, even in the smallest of spaces.

Can a small closet be load-bearing?

Yes, a small closet can be load-bearing. Load-bearing walls, which are also known as bearing walls, are primarily responsible for carrying the weight of the structure above it, transferring the weight of the building or structure to the foundation.

In smaller homes, load-bearing walls are typically located around the perimeter or across the middle of the house and many times a closet can be part of this load-bearing wall. To determine if a closet is load-bearing, a structural engineer or building inspector should be consulted.

If a closet is load-bearing, it cannot be removed without the risk of compromising the stability of the house or structure above it.

Can you remove closet framing?

Yes, you can remove closet framing, but keep in mind that the process can be labor-intensive and may require multiple tools. Before beginning, you’ll need to make sure your wall is strong enough to hold the weight that’s going to be placed on it.

This can be done by examining the wall’s studs. If they aren’t structurally sound, then reinforcing them might be necessary.

Once it is properly reinforced, begin by taking out the doors, drawers, and shelving from the closet. Then, use a drill to unscrew the trim or drywall around the closet frame and carefully pull out the frame.

Depending on your home’s age, it might be necessary to use a handsaw, pry bar, and a reciprocating saw to break apart the frame and be mindful of any nails or screws you might have to remove.

When the frame is out, you can move onto patching the area, ensuring everything is flush before you solder the new drywall. Finally, paint over whatever is needed and you are done.

How can you tell if a closet wall is load-bearing?

To determine if a closet wall is load-bearing, it is best to consult a professional engineer or architect. However, if this isn’t possible, there are a few things that can help determine whether or not the wall is load-bearing.

First, look for clues such as if the wall is located on an exterior wall of the house or if it is positioned over a supporting beam in the basement or crawlspace. If the wall is perpendicular to joists or runs along the long axis of the house, it is likely load-bearing.

Likewise, if it is a short wall, it may very well be supporting a beam above so it is likely load-bearing.

Second, look at the construction types. If the wall is constructed of two-by-fours and plaster, it is probably not load-bearing. On the other hand, if the wall has two-by-four framing with a double top plate and metal frames, it is likely load-bearing.

Last, you can knock on the wall and see if it sounds hollow or solid. A solid wall is likely carrying a significant weight and therefore is more than likely load-bearing.

It is important to keep in mind that there are no definitive ways to know if a wall is load-bearing. If you are in doubt, it is always best to have a professional inspect the wall to make sure.

What can I turn my small closet into?

You can turn your small closet into a wide range of functional and creative spaces. Depending on your needs and styling preference, there are a variety of creative and innovative ways of transforming a small closet.

Firstly, you could add storage solutions such as shelves, drawers and hanging sections to maximize the storage capacity of the closet. This will give you more areas to store your belongings, from clothing and accessories to home goods such as linens, towels and even seasonal decorations.

Additionally, you can add a shoe rack or shoe shelves to store and organize your footwear in one convenient place.

You could also turn your small closet into a mini-home office. Simply install a shelf and hang some baskets to store office supplies and you can use the closet as a workstation, or even as a place to store important documents.

Finally, you could also create a sleek dressing and makeup station. Purchase a folding mirror, some open shelving and a full-length hanging rack to make a luxurious and efficient place to get dressed or decorate yourself in the morning.

What can I do instead of a closet?

One alternative to a closet is to use freestanding wardrobe and storage units. These come in a variety of sizes and materials, and can include shelves, drawers, and hanging rods. You can place these units anywhere in the room, which can help you make better use of space.

If you prefer open storage, you can use bookcases and shelves to store clothing, bags, and shoes. You can decorate these shelves with baskets, and use colorful bins, trays, and boxes to store small items.

Shelves and bookcases can also be used to store items other than clothing, such as books, home decor, and memorabilia. Another option is to use chest of drawers and dressers, which are great for organizing and storing clothing while also providing a bit of surface area that you can use as a vanity or to display favorite items.

Also, consider hanging a clothing rack where you can store items that you use regularly. These are especially useful for people who have limited closet space.

Does adding a closet to a room increase home value?

Adding a closet to a room can certainly increase the value of a home. Closets are a desirable addition to homes because they offer storage space, which is always a bonus feature. Whether you’re adding a large walk-in closet or simply upgrading an existing closet, it’ll still add value to your home.

Potential buyers will appreciate having an extra place to store their belongings and having extra storage can even help smaller homes feel larger, making them more attractive. In addition, adding a new closet incorporates additional materials, such as doors, shelves, and rods to hang items from, that all add to the overall value of the home.

In some cases, especially in older homes, the closet may also require some structural upgrades to be included in the install. This would usually involve additional labor costs that would be recouped in the long run when it comes to selling the home.

Can a closet be a bedroom?

Yes, a closet can be a bedroom. This has become more popular as home sizes and especially city apartment sizes have decreased. In these situations, creative solutions are needed to squeeze every inch of livable space from a dwelling.

Designers and architects have developed ways to effectively utilize closets and other small spaces, turning them into functional bedrooms.

When converting a closet into a bedroom, it is important to first assess the space. Consider the size and shape of the room, any existing shelving, windows and the room’s ventilation. When looking to maximize the potential of a small bedroom, storage and organization are key.

Adding shelves and cabinetry cleverly utilizing wall space is beneficial. Mirrored surfaces on doors and walls can also help give the illusion of a larger space. Installing mirrors and reducing clutter will ensure the bedroom looks and feels bigger.

Using bright, light colors, along with natural materials such as wood, is a must with a small bedroom. Light and warmth can be brought into the room with patterned textures and layers. Adding a chandelier, floor-to-ceiling curtains, an upholstered headboard and decorative bedding are also great for creating a comfortable environment in a closet bedroom.

What is the average cost of a walk-in closet?

The average cost of a walk-in closet depends on several factors such as size, features, materials, and customization. Generally speaking, the cost of a walk-in closet ranges from around $1,000 to $20,000 or more.

The larger the closet and the more complex the design, the more expensive it will be. Simple solutions, such as adding organizers and shelving, can start at $1,000, while larger spaces that involve custom cabinetry and unique finishes could cost significantly more.

Additionally, labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the local market. In short, the cost of a walk-in closet can vary depending on your specific needs, but a good rule of thumb is to expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 to $20,000 or more.

How do you organize a narrow deep closet?

Organizing a narrow deep closet can be a challenge since it often lacks the necessary square footage for efficient storage. However, with some creative organizing solutions and the right storage items, it is possible to make the best use of your space.

Here are some tips to help you organize a narrow deep closet:

1. Use slim vertical organizers -Install slim vertical organizers such as hanging shelves, over-the-door racks, and tiered pocket organizers to help make use of every inch of storage space in your closet.

This will help you maximize both depth and height in your closet.

2. Group items by season – To make sure you can always access clothing and accessories that you regularly use, group items by season. Hang up items that are currently in rotation and store out-of-season items in boxes or plastic containers at the back of the closet.

This will help you make the most of the closet’s limited space.

3. Invest in expandable hangers – Many narrow closets don’t have a lot of space for hangers. Invest in a few expandable hangers so that you can fit more clothing into the same area.

4. Hang hooks on the back of the door – Use the back of the door to your advantage by installing hooks or hangers to store belts, scarves, and hats.

5. Add a rolling cart or over the door shoe rack – To store shoes or other items you need to access regularly, use a rolling cart or an over the door shoe rack. Both of these will help you make efficient use of the space without taking up precious real estate on the closet floors.

By following these tips, you will have an organized, functional closet in no time.

How deep does a clothes closet need to be?

The depth of a clothes closet needs to depend on the amount of clothing and other items you plan to store in it. Generally, a minimum depth of 24 inches is recommended but you may want to consider a closet with an even greater depth if you plan to store a large amount of clothing items.

This is because the extra depth allows you to more easily hang longer garments, makes it easier to store bulky items like coats and blankets and provides extra room for hangers, shoe racks and other storage components.

The closet should also include shelving or cubbies at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide in order to maximize the storage space. If you have the option, choose a closet with adjustable shelves to make it easier to reconfigure and update the storage as needed.