Getting dressed doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With the right open closet design, you can streamline your morning routine and make picking an outfit a breeze. From maximizing your storage space to displaying your clothes in an organized fashion, there are many clever ways to configure your closet for efficiency and style.
Consider these 18 open closet ideas to help make getting dressed each day a cinch. An optimized closet layout and storage solutions can save you time while providing inspiration for coordinating outfits.
Choose Open Shelving to Display Fashion Items
Open shelving is a great way to display your fashion items like accessories, shoes, and handbags. When clothing and other items are hidden away behind closed cabinet doors, it’s easy to forget what you have. With open shelving, you can see everything in your closet at a glance.
Try installing floating shelves in different sizes to neatly display and organize your fashion items. Folded clothing like sweaters and jeans can go on wider shelves, while more delicate items like silk blouses can hang from smaller shelves. The visibility makes it easy to view all your options and pull together a great outfit.
Use Baskets to Corral Accessories
Baskets are wonderful organizational tools for wrangling all your smaller accessories in one spot. Try stowing all your scarves, belts, sunglasses, and other accessories in baskets according to type. Label each basket so you know exactly where to find what you need.
Having all your accessories visible and neatly corralled makes it easy to identify the perfect finishing touches for your outfits. You’ll be able to quickly grab a belt or scarf to pull a look together without having to dig around in a drawer.
Opt for Open Bookcases for Folded Items
Bookcases with shelves provide plenty of space to neatly fold and display sweaters, jeans, tee shirts, and other casual wardrobe staples. The vertical storage approach maximizes the storage capacity of the closet, while the openness makes it easy to scan through your folded options.
Arranging items by color makes similar hues easy to spot. Try placing dark neutrals together on one shelf and brighter colors on another. This makes it effortless to identify items that pair well together so you can choose complementary pieces.
Use Cubbies for Handbags
Cubbies or open divided shelves are perfect for storing handbags of different shapes and sizes. This prevents your bag collection from ending up in a jumbled heap on the floor of your closet.
The compartments neatly separate each bag while keeping them visible and within easy reach. You’ll be able to quickly grab a clutch for a night out or a tote for everyday errands. Having organized storage for all your handbags makes getting out the door faster.
Add a Mirror Inside the Closet
Having a full-length mirror inside the closet lets you view your completed look before heading out the door. A mirror helps you identify if anything needs adjusting or modifying to perfect your outfit.
Try placing the mirror on the back wall of the closet or on an interior door for convenient access. The visibility allows you to quickly spot anything that needs a bit of tweaking like tucking in a tag or adjusting proportions.
Use Wall Hooks for Hats and Bags
Take advantage of vertical wall space by installing hooks at varying heights for hats, handbags and even jewelry. This keeps these items visible and accessible while freeing up shelf space for clothing and shoes.
Placing hooks near the entry to the closet makes it easy to quickly grab a go-to bag or hat on your way out. You can also group hooks by type or color to keep things neatly organized. This makes it effortless to find the finishing accent piece for your look.
Add a Valet Rod for Tomorrow’s Clothes
A valet rod is a great solution for staging the clothes you plan to wear the next day. Install a second hanging rod a little lower than your main closet rod. Use it to hang up tomorrow’s outfit, keeping it separate and ready to go.
Having tomorrow’s ensemble prestaged means your look is decided and waiting for you when you open the closet in the morning. No more staring blankly trying to figure out what to wear! Just grab your prepped outfit and accessories and be dressed in no time.
Use Wall-Mounted Rails for Scarves and Ties
Scarves, ties, and other long delicate accessories can quickly turn into a tangled mess when tossed in a drawer. Keep them neat and visible with wall-mounted rails installed inside the closet.
Simply drape and hang scarves and ties over the rails. This keeps them straight, untangled and easy to flip through. You’ll be able to quickly identify the perfect neckwear or hair accessory to complete your look when everything is neatly displayed.
Add Pull-Out Trays for Small Items
Pull-out trays are great organizational tools for small accessories and undergarments. Mount them under a shelf or on the back wall of the closet. Use them to neatly store and categorize items like socks, jewelry, belts, underwear and more.
The pull-out design provides easy access to your small items, so you don’t have to move stuff around or rifle through drawers looking for what you need. Just open the tray, grab what you need and close it when done to keep things organized.
Use Floor-to-Ceiling Poles for Max Hanging Space
Take advantage of all the available vertical space in your closet by installing floor-to-ceiling poles. This allows you to double up hanging rods to hang twice the amount of clothing. It also maximizes the use of overhead space.
Place everyday wear like shirts, pants, and dresses on the lower rod. Use the upper rod for items worn less frequently or for longer dresses and coats. The vertical layout keeps everything visible so you can quickly identify what you feel like wearing.
Add Shelves Above Hanging Rods
Another way to maximize vertical storage space is to install shelves over your hanging rod. Use the shelves to store folded garments, shoes, purses, hats and other accessories. This keeps them up and out of the way but still easily accessible.
The overhead storage approach also helps you better utilize all the available space in your closet. And being able to see everything helps jog your memory so you don’t forget about pieces stuffed on upper shelves.
Use Modular Drawers for Undergarments
Modular drawer systems are great for keeping undergarments and other intimates neatly organized. Look for stackable drawers in different heights perfect for fitting smaller items like undergarments, socks, shapewear, and pajamas.
Being able to see everything in the neatly labeled drawers makes it easy to grab what you need. And having an optimized storage solution for these items helps keep the rest of your closet clutter-free.
Add a Built-In Dressing Bench
A dressing bench or chair built right into the closet provides a place to sit while putting on shoes or getting dressed. Try placing it near your shoe racks or dresser drawer storage.
Built-in seating makes getting ready more comfortable while also providing additional storage space. Look for benches or stools with lift-up seats or drawers to stash extra accessories or undergarments.
Use Bins for Seasonal Clothing Storage
Plastic bins are great for storing off-season clothing to free up space in your closet. Label bins by type and size such as “winter sweaters”, “bathing suits” or “formal dresses.”
Stack the bins on shelves in the back of your closet or in the bedroom. Having your off-season clothing organized makes swapping out wardrobes between seasons a breeze. You’ll always know right where to find what you need.
Add Adjustable Shelving and Rods
Look for modular closet systems with adjustable shelves and hanging rods. This allows you to customize storage to fit your unique needs. You can raise shelves to fit tall boots underneath or lower rods to accommodate long dresses.
The adaptability also lets you modify the configuration as your wardrobe and needs change over time. Adjustable closet systems make it easy to keep your closet optimized.
Use Sectioned Hanging Rods
Sectioned hanging rods with dividers are a clever way to separate and organize clothes by type. Use one section for shirts, another for pants, one for dresses, etc. This makes similar garments easy to view at a glance.
The divided setup also prevents clothes from bunching together into an overwhelming jumbled mass. Sectioned rods help keep like items neatly grouped together so you can quickly identify what you need.
Display Jewelry on Wall Grids
Maximize your closet wall space by installing jewelry grids or pegboards to neatly display your jewelry collection. Hooks and cutouts sized for rings and earrings keep each piece organized and untangled.
Mount the grid at eye level for easy viewing. Use it to arrange pieces by color or type, keeping earrings, bracelets, and necklaces separate. The visible display makes selecting the perfect accent jewelry to finish an outfit fast and easy.
Illuminate Closet Interiors
Proper lighting inside the closet is essential for viewing and selecting clothes. LED strip lighting installed under shelves provides clear visibility without harsh glare. Wall sconces positioned near clothing rods illuminate garments.
Look for dimmable, motion-activated or app-controlled lighting options to make your closet lighting adjustable and automated. The right lighting makes it easier to coordinate outfits and see details on clothing when getting dressed.
Keep Laundry Hidden In Hampers
Conceal laundry needing washing in lidded hampers stored in a closet corner, along the back wall, or behind a door. This keeps fresh laundry separate from worn garments and improves the visual appeal of the space.
Use multiple hampers with mesh sides for sorted laundry. Label by lights, darks, or colors to make washing easier. Having laundry organized, separated and hidden promotes a tidy closet appearance.
Incorporate Drawers for Private Storage
For items you want concealed, incorporate drawers into the closet organization system. Use them to stash undergarments, swimsuits, socks and other intimates.
Drawers keep private items out of sight while keeping them easily accessible. Integrated closet drawers also utilize all available storage space efficiently. Just be sure to label drawers clearly so you know where to find things.
Display Shoes on Wall Shelves
Storing shoes on floor shelves can make it hard to see all your options. For better visibility, mount shoe shelves vertically on the closet wall. Angle the shelves slightly so the shoes don’t fall off.
Seeing your shoes neatly lined up makes it easy to view all your choices at a glance. You can quickly grab a heel for date night or flats for a busy day of walking. An organized shoe wall saves time and effort getting dressed.
Add Hidden Storage Nooks
Take advantage of awkward small spaces and corners in your closet by turning them into concealed storage nooks. Use them to tuck away seasonal items, infrequently used pieces like formalwear, or overflow accessories.
Look for ready-made storage units or use closet organizing systems with integrated nooks and crannies. Hidden storage spots keep your main closet clean and clutter-free for everyday wear.
Create Zones for Different Clothing Types
Divide your closet into zones designated for specific clothing types. For example, have a zone for workwear, one for casual weekend clothes, one for athletic apparel, etc.
Use floor markers, area rugs, or wall dividers to define the zones. This makes locating the type of clothing you need fast and efficient. Zoned closets streamline getting ready for different occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Closet Ideas
Here are answers to some common questions about planning and organizing an open closet space:
How do you maximize storage in an open closet?
- Use shelves, cubbies, and bins to neatly store folded and accessory items. Floor-to-ceiling hanging rods double your hanging space. Install extra racks and shelves above and below the main closet rod. Modular storage components fully utilize all available space.
What colors complement an open closet design?
- Neutral colors like white, beige, gray and wood tones keep the space feeling open and airy. Pops of color in accessories, bins and baskets add visual interest.
What lighting works best in an open closet?
-LED lighting installed under shelves and along the top provides even illumination without glare. Dimming and motion-sensor lights enhance convenience. Consider plug-in puck lights inside drawers and cabinets.
How do you keep an open closet organized?
- Use clear labeled bins and baskets to corral accessories and seasonal items. Fold and neatly stack garments according to type. Group like-items together on shelves. Keep surfaces clear of clutter. Designate spaces for specific clothing categories.
What storage solutions help maximize vertical space?
- Floor-to-ceiling hanging rods, wall-mounted shelves and rails, over-the-door storage, and wall grids fully utilize vertical real estate.
Should you put a mirror in an open closet?
- Yes, a full-length mirror located inside the closet lets you view your complete outfit before heading out for the day. Convenient mirror access ensures you look polished from head to toe.
Conclusion
An organized, well-designed open closet makes getting ready each day quick and easy. Clever storage solutions like baskets, pull-out trays and cubbies neatly stow all your wardrobe accessories and essentials while keeping them visible and within reach. Adjustable closets systems accommodate your evolving needs and streamline swapping seasonal wardrobes. The right layout and smart organization transforms your open closet into a functional dressing sanctuary.
With these closet ideas, you can create a space that suits your unique style and storage needs. A customized closet designed for efficiency and visibility takes the headache out of getting dressed. You’ll be able to pull together chic, polished looks effortlessly.