32 DIY Closet Ideas That Are Surprisingly Doable

Reorganizing and revamping your closet doesn’t have to be an expensive or tedious process. With a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can totally transform your closet on a budget. Here are 32 do-it-yourself closet ideas that are surprisingly doable even for those without expert DIY skills.

Utilize Every Inch of Space

The first step in any closet reorganization is maximizing the space you already have. Here are some tips:

Install floor-to-ceiling shelving units or rods to take advantage of vertical storage space.
Use hanging shoe organizers on the back of the door for small items like socks and accessories.
Opt for closet systems with drawers to make the most of unused space below hanging rods.
Stack sweaters and purses on narrow shelves built between the hanging rod and ceiling.
Add a second rod below your main one to double your hanging space.
Use tension rods or shelves to create extra storage cubbies in wasted corners.

Thinking vertically and taking advantage of every inch is the key to creating a spacious closet that meets all your organizing needs.

Build Custom Shelving

Prefab closet systems can be expensive, but you can create customized storage on a budget by building DIY shelving. All it takes are some basic carpentry skills and these easy options:

Use precut boards from the hardware store to construct simple cube-style shelves. Paint them to match your decor.
Nail inexpensive 1x4s or 2x4s directly to the wall studs for instant ledges.
Secure metal L-brackets to the wall to hold up repurposed wooden planks or other materials.
Stack and secure identical boxes or crates to build an industrial shelving unit.
Use decorative brackets as side supports for wide boards to create floating shelves.

Custom shelves allow you to add storage exactly where you need it the most in your closet. And DIY builds allow you to create any size or shape needed.

Repurpose Household Items

Before buying new organizational units, look around your house for everyday items that can be repurposed into custom closet storage solutions. Get creative with things like:

A ladder turned on its side holds folded clothes and accessories.
Sturdy wooden crates become pull-out cubbies for folded items.
Vintage suitcases stacked vertically store sweaters or shoes.
Leftover tile or wood from other projects makes unique shelves.
Cutlery organizers corral small valuables and jewelry.
Old toolboxes serve as desktop-style drawers.
Under-bed storage bins double as pull-out closet organizers.

Repurposing found objects adds personality and saves you money compared to buying new organizers.

Install Tension Rods

Tension rods are one of the simplest DIY solutions for adding extra storage space between your existing closet walls and shelving units. You can find them in various lengths and use them to:

Double hanging space by installing a second rod below the main one.
Instantly create new shelves by placing rods horizontally across corners.
Hang shoe organizers or fabric cubbies in wasted narrow spaces.
Use short rods vertically as towel bars or jewelry displays.
Create levels for folded sweaters, scarves and other clothing.

With just tension rods and some fabric or boards, you can customize storage nooks and levels anywhere you need them. They offer a quick, affordable and adjustable way to maximize unusable space.

Organize with Pegboard

Pegboard offers an adaptable, industrial way to hang and display items in your closet. It’s easy to install on any wall and requires just these simple steps:

Paint or stain a 4×8 sheet of pegboard to blend with your decor.
Secure it directly to wall studs with long screws.
Add hooks, baskets and shelves designed to fit into the peg holes.
Customize your setup as needed – move hooks or add accessories anytime.

Use pegboard to hang tools, jewelry, hats, bags, scarves, keys or anything else you want quick access to. Mixing pegboard storage with shelves and cabinets gives you the perfect combination of open and concealed space.

Build a Closet Island

Short on floor space for a freestanding closet organizer? Get creative and install one on casters or wheels so it can roll out as needed and tuck away when not in use.

Use a small bookcase or cabinet as the base.
Secure plywood or MDF to the top and sides to create one enclosed unit.
Attach handles or knobs to dress up the DIY island.
Add hooks, rods, shelves or drawers inside to customize storage.
Install locking casters on the bottom for easy mobility.

This movable closet island maximizes floor space but still provides plenty of storage options exactly where you need them most. And the ability to access every side makes organization a breeze.

Display with Pipe Shelving

For an edgy, industrial look, use pipes and fittings from the hardware store to create original shelving units. It’s a beginner-friendly project if you follow these steps:

Cut black or galvanized pipes to size with a hacksaw.
Connect them with T-joints and flanges screwed into wall studs.
Spray paint pipes if needed to match your style.
Add wooden shelves, crates or baskets to hold clothing.

The slotted design keeps air circulating so clothes don’t get dusty. And you can customize the size and layout to work perfectly in your closet. Plus, exposed pipes add unique personality and style.

Hang a Shoe Carousel

If floor space is limited, install an overhead hanging carousel to store shoes two ways – doubled up and visible at a glance.

Secure a metal coat rack to the ceiling with sturdy brackets or anchors.
Hang shoe organizers designed to hook over rods on each arm of the rack.
Fill each pocket with a pair of shoes so they can be seen easily.

This DIY carousel keeps shoes neat and out of the way. For smaller closets, it takes advantage of vertical storage you can’t get from floor units. Install one in a kids’ room to corral endless pairs.

Craft a Jewelry Organizer

Tangled necklaces and scattered earrings are a thing of the past with these crafty jewelry storage projects:

Use clothespins to hold necklaces and bracelets on a small board.
Arrange corks or foam pool noodles on a plank to hold rings and earrings.
Stack trays or plates to sort accessories in a vertical tower.
Craft a padded hanger with fabric strips for delicate necklaces and chains.
Screw mason jars to a board to contain rings, pins or other small items.

Customizing inexpensive materials creates one-of-a-kind organizers sized and shaped perfectly for your collection. Choose your favorite DIY jewelry solution to keep precious pieces protected and tangle-free.

Add Hidden Storage

Maximize every inch by tucking concealed storage spaces into unused areas around your closet. Get sneaky with these ideas:

Use false drawer fronts to hide open shelving for shoes or linens behind.
Build a secret cubby behind hinged closet doors for small accessories.
Cover awkward gaps with fabric curtains to stash hats, scarves or bags.
Add wainscoting with bolted-on panels that open to hidden compartments.
Under stair spaces are perfect for narrow shelving or rolled storage bins.

Building in disguised storage is a smart way to capitalize on corners and crevices that typically go unused. The options are endless when you get creative with closet hiding spots.

Display Collections Uniformly

Neatly lining up your collection of shoes, hats, or handbags makes it easy to see everything at a glance. Try these tips for orderly displays:

Install shelving in graduated heights for shoes.
Use dividers or cubbies to assign each pair their own space.
Arrange hats on wall hooks in an orderly grid pattern.
Contain loose bags in identical baskets, bins or boxes.

Uniform storage keeps collections tidy and easier to access. It also creates a cleaner visual effect compared to jumbled piles. Group like items together for a closet that looks as organized as it functions.

Zone by Category

Create separate zones in your closet for certain clothing types or accessory categories. Ideas include:

Long hanging for dresses, coats and formalwear.
Double rod for everyday shirts and pants.
Drawers for underwear, socks, T-shirts and sleepwear.
Shelves for sweaters, jeans or activewear.
Bins or baskets for hats, gloves and seasonal accessories.
Floor area for shoes.
Jewelry station mounted on the wall.

Zoning makes it simple to keep things neat since similar items are stored together. And you’ll always know right where to find what you need.

Install Pull-Out Drawers

Can’t fit large dressers in your bedroom? Get drawer storage in tight closet spaces with DIY pull-out solutions like:

Use drawer slides to mount wide, shallow bins that pull out.
Install stackable plastic drawers that roll out smoothly.
Build a drawer tier with small boxes on tracks behind doors.
Use hardware to mount a small cabinet or dresser box so it can roll out.

Pull-out drawers are accessible even in the deepest corners of a closet. And they provide plenty of hidden storage without taking up usable floor space when closed.

Go Vertical with Stacking Shelves

Floor space is prime real estate in a closet, so go vertical wherever you can to maximize storage. Stacked shelves give you plenty of room for:

Folded sweaters, scarves, jeans and other clothing.
Shoe boxes lined up end-to-end.
Handbags stood upright for easy viewing.
Frequently-worn accessories like hats and gloves.
Collections of baskets, boxes and bins.

Choose stackable shelving units with the same depth or staggered sizes to take advantage of all space. Going up instead of out is the key to fitting more into closets of all sizes.

Use Wall-Mounted Rods and Shelves

On tight closet budgets, wall-mounted shelves and rods are affordable DIY options. All you need are:

Brackets and boards from the hardware store to create custom shelving.
Adjustable closet rod brackets secured directly to wall studs.
Tension shower curtain rods installed horizontally as instant shelving.
Floating wall-mounted cabinets to hide clutter.
Pegboard to hang small accessories, tools or jewelry.

Take advantage of vertical real estate with accessories made for walls. You can find them in any size and style to match your storage needs.

Craft Custom Drawer Organizers

Plastic drawer dividers can shift and fall apart over time. For a more permanent solution, make custom organizers by:

Using cardboard cut into cubbies sized for specific items.
Gluing together foam board or felt to create compartments.
Separating drawers with bookbinder’s tape.
Inserting cut PVC pipes into drawers to hold accessories upright.

DIY dividers prevent clothes and delicate items from snagging and sliding around. And designing your own shaped compartments allows you to maximize drawer space.

Arrange Baskets in Cubbies

Baskets aren’t just for storing toys in a kids’ room. They can be used to neatly organize your closet too.

Split a large wicker basket into sections with cardboard divider
Designate different colored/patterned baskets for specific categories like underwear or socks.
Buy or make fabric covered baskets to match your decor.
Use hanging wall cubbies to display matching baskets.
Stack baskets on shelves, hide behind cabinet doors or slide into drawers.

Attractive storage baskets keep clutter at bay while adding style. Use them to corral anything from linens to winter accessories in the closet.

Add a Mirror

A well-placed mirror instantly makes your closet space feel larger and brighter. Look for:

Full-length mirrors inside closet doors or placed on the back wall.
Hanging mirrors that take up less wall space.
Lean narrow mirrors in corners to reflect light.
Small mirrors above dressers or organizers as a finishing touch.

Check the mirror for distortions before installing – you want an accurate reflection! Position it across from windows or lights to make the space feel big, bright and airy.

Paint or Wallpaper for Visual Interest

Tired of plain white closet walls? Use paint, wallpaper or contact paper to make the space more fun and personalized.

Paint patterns like stripes, geometrics or ombre using painter’s tape.
Wallpaper the back wall as a dramatic focal point.
Use self-adhesive wallpaper or contact paper for temporary updates.
Cover small organizers or shelves with paper instead of entire walls.

Add color and interest without a lot of commitment or work. Removable papers allow you to switch up looks whenever the mood strikes.

Add Mood Lighting

Proper lighting is key for a functional closet where you can see everything easily. But mood lighting provides extra style with these tips:

Use LED strip lights under shelving for a modern look.
Install sconces or adjustable swing-arm lamps.
Hang pendant lights over a closet island or dresser.
Use battery-operated lights inside drawers or cabinet units.
Add mirrors with built-in lighting for function and style.

Lighting sets the vibe and makes your closet a more enjoyable space for getting ready. From task lighting to soft ambiance, it’s a must-have design element.

Incorporate Bulletins

Turn the back of your closet door into a handy bulletin board for notes, lists and reminders.

Wrap the door with corkboard fabric or tile for an instant display area.
Use an old door as a standalone organizer with added hooks and hardware.
Paint or decoupage the closet door to coordinate with your decor.
Attach notes, photos, jewelry and other items using thumbtacks or clips.

Keep your daily schedule or outfit inspiration handy in your closet. The door is valuable real estate – take advantage of it!

Build a Closet Desk

Maximize your closet by transforming an unused corner into a small workspace or vanity area.

Use the back of a set of drawers as a keyboard desk.
Install a narrow counter with outlets against a back wall.
Place a small table or island on casters for mobility.
Use wall-mounted dropdown desks that fold up when not in use.

A compact closet desk creates a handy spot for catching up on email, makeup application or jewelry organization inside the room where you get ready every day.

Add Adjustable Shelving and Rods

Upgrade old permanently-fixed closet rods and shelving with adjustable DIY options:

Remove old wood shelving and replace with metal tracks and brackets.
Swap fixed rods for adjustable telescoping units secured to the wall.
Use PVC pipes and clamps as customizable clothing rods.
Install tension rods that can be moved up and down as needed.

Adjustable closet systems allow you to reconfigure as your storage needs change over time. And being able to move parts around makes cleaning and accessing all areas simple.

Use Fabric Hanging Organizers

Affordable fabric hanging organizers are easy DIY additions that provide tons of adjustable storage options:

Hang over closet rods for folded clothing like sweaters and jeans.
Use in corners to hold accessories like scarves, gloves or jewelry.
Install on back of doors to corral small items you grab daily.
Create instant shelving spaced anywhere with tension rods.
Store shoes, laundry and more with stackable canvas cubbies.

Lightweight fabric storage conforms to any space and is endlessly customizable. Pick your favorite shape and size to inexpensively maximize unused space.

Hide Things in Plain Sight

Conceal clutter while keeping essentials easily accessible with these hidden storage techniques:

Store items inside decorative bins, tufted ottomans, or covered baskets.
Use furniture like benches or stools with lift-up lids.
Place baskets under wall-mounted shelves or inside open cube units.
Stash items behind sliding panels or unnoticeable fold-down doors.

Hidden compartments keep closets neat while still allowing simple access to what you need most. Your secret organizing hacks will be right in plain sight!

Label Everything

Finally keep your neatly organized closet chaos-free with labels to mark where everything goes.

Use printed tags on baskets, shelves and drawers.
Stencil directly onto storage containers and walls.
Attach adhesive vinyl labels of different shapes and sizes.

Clear and consistent labeling means no more guessing or rummaging to find what you need. Everything has a designated spot to keep your careful organization intact.

Incorporate Closet “Cheat Sheets”

Keep your closet layout fresh in mind with quick reference cheat sheets:

List frequently used items on a wall poster or bulletin board.
Sketch a rough floorplan showing where categories are kept.
Create a laminated guide with photos of your storage zones.
Use large vinyl decals or chalkboard paint to label zones.

Visible cues help jog your memory about where specific items live. Cheat sheets make it simple for anyone else who uses the closet to follow the system too.

Add Drawer Inserts

Plastic drawer organizers shift around easily, creating a mess over time. Solve this with DIY inserts for a semi-permanent solution:

Cut eggcrate-style mattress foam to size for custom compartments.
Glue together pieces of felt or foam core for customized dividers