1Use a Mix of Storage
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.
2Bring in Decorative Elements
R. BRAD KNIPSTEIN 3Reserve Room for a Vanity
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4Keep Everything Hidden
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.
5Make the Most of Awkward Spaces
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.
6Let Clothes Act as Decor
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7Prioritize a 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.
8Label Everything
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).
9Swap in 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10Pick a Pretty Shade
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.
11Hang a Full-Length Mirror
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.
12Install Recessed Lighting
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13Fold Clothes Neatly
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.
14Go Glam With Gold Accents
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.
15Paint Cabinetry a Bright Hue
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16Consider Your Wardrobe
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.
17Consider Floor-to-Ceiling Cubbies
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 »
18Invest in a Chandelier
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19Use Baskets High and Low
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
20Build a Functional 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.
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.
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below