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30 DIY Walk-In Closet Ideas to Maximize Your Space

Ahead, find genius storage solutions and plenty of design inspo.

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walk in closet ideaspinterest
Courtesy of LA Closet Design

No matter how small, walk-in closets are the epitome of luxury. They're a great place to store clothes, shoes and accessories, but also to showcase your personality and experiment with design. Think beautiful built-ins, trendy paint colors, statement lighting — plus walls of high heels, designer bags and color-coordinated clothing. Whether you're hunting for design inspiration or organizing hacks, we've rounded up walk-in closet ideas that prioritize style and function.

Treat your walk-in closet as an extension of your bedroom design, even if it's small, narrow or awkwardly shaped (like an attic). Here, explore thoughtfully-designed closet layouts, from modern setups complete with center islands to simple spaces and compact rooms with floor-to-ceiling storage. Before you get started, consider these tips for designing an organized closet, courtesy of Desiree Washington, owner of Designs by Des.

✔️ Declutter, declutter, declutter. Donate or recycle anything you do not use or can no longer fit.

✔️ Only store clothing in your closet for the current season. "It keeps the clutter down and allows for accountability to declutter every other season."

✔️ Categorize and color coordinate. "I follow the order of the color spectrum along with shades, so clothing is easy to find and looks visually pleasing."

✔️ Embrace micro-organizational systems, like dividers, storage boxes and specialized hangers to use space more intentionally.

✔️ Label storage boxes. Store boxes and bins on higher shelves, while keeping everyday items at eye level.

    1

    Use a Mix of Storage

    clean white walk in closet
    MEGHAN BOB

    To accommodate your entire wardrobe, include a mix of drawers, shelves and clothing racks at various heights. Here, LA Closet Design folds jeans and sweaters, then hangs blouses and dresses. As for the drawers, it's a great place for socks, belts or other accessories.

    2

    Bring in Decorative Elements

    walk in closet with art and ottoman
    R. BRAD KNIPSTEIN

    Treat your walk-in closet just as you would your bedroom, as K Interiors does here with gorgeous built-ins, sleek gold hardware and a stylish dresser. The space is finished with tabletop decor and wall art.

    RELATED: Clever Bedroom Storage Ideas to Keep Your Space Organized, No Matter How Small

    3

    Reserve Room for a Vanity

    walk in closet with desk
    Lara Kimmerer

    Make your morning routine a breeze by designing a full dressing room, just as Designs by Des does in this spacious area. Nestled under the window, a white desk serves as the perfect makeup station.

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    4

    Keep Everything Hidden

    walk in closet with large mirror and teal cabients
    Laure Joliet

    Install closed storage and reserve the right to be a little disorganized behind closed doors. Here, designer Regan Baker opts for a tall wardrobe in a striking teal shade and an oversized mirror to make getting ready easy.

    5

    Make the Most of Awkward Spaces

    walk in closet in attic space
    Lara Kimmerer

    To maximize function, Rebel Builders turns a spare space with a pitched roof into a walk-in closet. Built-ins provide plenty of room for hanging clothes and shelves for folded clothes, hats and accessories.

    6

    Let Clothes Act as Decor

    a white closet with a variety of hats and a plant
    Corinne Cobabe

    Jeans, sweaters and shirts — when neatly folded — can look stylish and organized on open shelving. If aesthetics are important to you, take note from professional organizer Erica Thompson and put your most neutral items on display.

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    7

    Prioritize a Seating Area

    walk in closet with large white seating area
    Nicole Hirsch

    Whether it's a small ottoman or spacious bench, don't forget to include a comfortable place to sit — ideal for putting on and taking off shoes. For this luxe setup, designer Nicole Hirsch adds a curved bench with a bright white cushion.

    8

    Label Everything

    labeled closet
    Courtesy of Organize Dwell

    Ensure every article — think dresses, shirts, hats, bags — has a designated place to prevent clutter. Professional organizers Danna Bitton and Shira Rom Bitton of Organize Dwell suggest utilizing as much vertical space as possible (try storing seasonal or less used items, like purses, up top).

    9

    Swap in Barn Doors

    walk in closet behind barn doors
    Courtesy of Kate Lester

    Here, designer Kate Lester trades basic closet doors for wood barn door. The swap allows for easy entering and exiting, but also adds a rustic touch to the bedroom design.

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    10

    Pick a Pretty Shade

    a closet with white shelves and light blue cabinets
    Mel Willis

    Charming design in the closet, whether a soothing paint color, patterned runner rug or striking pendant light, may inspire your OOTD. In this lovely space, Threshold Design used a pale blue-gray hue for the walls and custom built-ins.

    11

    Hang a Full-Length Mirror

    a closet with a mirror and ottoman
    Rikki Snyder

    If you intend to try on clothes in your closet, a full-length mirror is a must. To contrast the off-white walls and wardrobe in this cozy closet, Becca Galbraith of Becca Interiors brings in a patterned ottoman and positions it near the mirror.

    12

    Install Recessed Lighting

    a closet with clothes
    Amy Lamb

    It's easier to find what you need in a well-lit closet. Recessed lighting — like Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors uses here — under shelving is the best way to ensure every area is illuminated.

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    13

    Fold Clothes Neatly

    a closet full of folded clothes
    Courtesy of Organize Dwell

    Danna Bitton and Shira Rom Bitton of Organize Dwell believes folded jeans, white T-shirts and sweatshirts can look neat and clean on a shelf. Just avoid folding items that will wrinkle easily, advises the organizing expert.

    14

    Go Glam With Gold Accents

    black built in walk in closet
    Courtesy of LA Closet Design

    When it comes to designing a functional closet, there's no need to skimp on style. For a dramatic touch, LA Closet Design uses black wood built-ins and shiny gold hardware and accessories.

    15

    Paint Cabinetry a Bright Hue

    a blue door with a white pillow
    Laura Visioni

    If you're nervous about incorporating bold paint colors in your main living spaces, experiment in the closet. Here, designer Erin Myers chooses a bright blue and adds glamorous gold hardware.

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    16

    Consider Your Wardrobe

    closet with hanging jeans and sneakers
    Courtesy of Organize Dwell

    Choose a setup that makes your life easier — whether that means hanging jeans from hangers, keeping infrequently used sneakers in drop-front boxes or bringing in boxes to conceal accessories. "Consider your preference of hanging clothes versus folded, the length of your clothes, etc. — we see that mistake over and over," says Danna Bitton of Organize Dwell.

    17

    Consider Floor-to-Ceiling Cubbies

    a closet with clothes and an ottoman and arched mirror
    A Beautiful Mess

    Cover an entire wall in cubbies, which are perfect for storing folded jeans, bags, shoes and wicker bins filled with smaller accessories. Feel free to paint them a pretty pink shade for a feminine touch.

    See more at A Beautiful Mess »

    18

    Invest in a Chandelier

    a white shelving unit with a white counter top and a white cabinet with a white shelf with
    Courtesy of Organize Dwell

    Luxuries, like a sputnik chandelier, will turn your walk-in closet into a place you adore using. To elevate the style, Organize Dwell displays a stunning collection of high heels.

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    19

    Use Baskets High and Low

    walk in closet ideas with baskets
    Caroline Lee for The Container Store Custom Closets

    Use baskets to give everything a home. Keep anything that you may reach for more frequently in the lower baskets and put any off-season items up high.

    SHOP BASKETS

    20

    Build a Functional Island

    walkin closet ideas with statement island
    LA Closet Design

    Islands are great to include in larger walk-in closets. Take inspiration from LA Closet Design and add a marble island to balance out a sleek white design.

    Headshot of Mariah Thomas
    Mariah Thomas
    Assistant Editor

    Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. 

    Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
    Alyssa Gautieri
    Associate Lifestyle Editor

    Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

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