A cluttered, disorganized closet can be an eyesore and make getting ready in the morning a hassle. However, with some creativity and elbow grease, it’s possible to transform even the most chaotic closet into a functional, aesthetically pleasing space. Here are 8 amazing before-and-after closet makeovers that will inspire you to give your own closet a much-needed revamp.
Transform a Tiny Closet into a Dream Space
Small closets can easily become overstuffed messes. But with some clever storage solutions, even the tiniest closet can be totally transformed. This makeover took a closet that was only 3 feet deep and filled with clutter and turned it into a serene space for storing clothes and accessories.
Before:
The tiny closet was bursting at the seams with clutter on the floor and overstuffed shelves. Shoes and random items were crammed on the floor, while the shelf housing sweaters and tops was a mess of unfolded and wrinkled clothing. Overall, the space felt claustrophobic and disorganized.
After:
To maximize the storage potential, the entire back wall was turned into a custom built-in unit with shelves, cabinets and cubbies to store folded clothing, accessories, shoes and more. Baskets neatly hold scarves and hats. The shorter shelving unit holds neatly folded sweaters and shirts. The floor is now clutter-free, with shoes lined up beneath the longer hanging rack. The minimalist white color scheme makes the small space feel airy instead of cramped.
Tips for Tiny Closets:
- Install floor-to-ceiling shelving to optimize vertical storage space.
- Use see-through storage bins to prevent clutter build-up in cubbies.
- Opt for a neutral color palette to prevent a small space from feeling closed in.
- Hang a storage rack on the back of the door to stash accessories, hats and scarves.
- Use stackable shelves and shoe racks to maximize floor space.
Makeover for a Cluttered Walk-in Closet
For those lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, it can be tempting to fill all that square footage with as much stuff as possible. But as this stunning before-and-after proves, even a spacious walk-in can benefit from some decluttering and organizing.
Before:
The sizable walk-in closet was overwhelmed by stuff, with clutter piled on the floor and overcrowded hanging racks. Shoes and bags were strewn across the floor, while everyday clothes mingled with fancy gowns and formalwear. The dressing area was equally disorganized, with makeup, jewelry and skincare products competing for counter space.
After:
This makeover included a purge of anything unworn or unwanted. Groupings of like items in cubbies, bins and baskets help segregate off-season clothing from daily wear. Formal dresses now hang together, separate from everyday clothes. The dressing area and jewelry station are clean and streamlined. Open shelves provide display space without adding visual clutter. The addition of a stylish rug and bench complete the polished look.
Tips for Organizing a Walk-in Closet:
- Purge anything you haven’t worn in over a year to free up space.
- Use bins, baskets or cubbies to group clothing types and categories.
- Opt for closed cabinets for storing off-season items out of sight.
- Reserve prime real estate for everyday clothing and shoes.
- Allow for open space between hanging racks so clothes don’t feel crammed.
- Keep surfaces clutter-free with drawer organizers and trays.
From Drab to Dramatic
A bland, boring closet doesn’t have to stay that way. With some simple upgrades like new lighting and hardware, you can infuse personality and style into a plain closet makeover.
Before:
This traditional closet was totally basic, with plain white melamine shelves and a hanging rod on a white track. Harsh overhead lighting cast shadows in the windowless closet, making it feel dark and uninspiring.
After:
Strategic upgrades gave this closet a stylish makeover on a budget. Swapping out the plastic melamine shelves for crisp white wood added interest. Sleek satin bronze rods and hooks replaced dated hardware. Hanging pendant lights provide soft, even illumination. The cherry on top is the digitally printed wallpaper featuring a chic black and white floral pattern. The total cost was under $150 but the impact was huge.
Tips for a Quick Closet Facelift:
- Swap out plastic shelves for attractive solid wood options.
- Replace basic wire closet rods with decorative wood or metal rods.
- Add pretty hooked in place of plain ones for hanging clothes.
- Install pendant lighting over the clothing area.
- Add wallpaper, paint or decals to blank walls.
- Incorporate stylish baskets for storage.
Making a Messy Closet Instagram-Worthy
With the right upgrades and accessories, it’s possible to go from clutter central to a closet so cute you can’t wait to Instagram it. This makeover included affordable updates for a high-impact result.
Before:
The previous closet was plain, cramped and chaotic. A mismatched tower shelf unit housed piles of sloppily folded clothing alongside random boxes and bags on the floor. The back of the door was overloaded with jewelry and scarves.
After:
This closet got a top-to-bottom style upgrade with budget-friendly touches like peel-and-stick wallpaper, cute bins and baskets, along with personalized details. The coated wire shelves provide airy open storage while baskets corral accessories. Labeled clear bins make finding clothes easy. Pretty drawer pulls dress up the basic tower unit. Hanging racks keep necklaces and scarves in order. The glam geometric wallpaper ties the space together beautifully.
Tips for an Instagram-worthy Closet:
- Use baskets in different sizes and prints for visual interest.
- Label clear bins so everything has a designated spot.
- Hang a large mirror inside the door to add depth.
- Arrange clothing by color for a rainbow effect.
- Display collections like hats or purses on open shelves.
- Add personalized touches like monogrammed bins or favorite photos.
Makeover Magic for a Nursery Closet
Even the tiniest nursery closet can be optimized with smart solutions to keep baby’s things organized. This cute kiddo closet makeover included DIY and store-bought storage options for a custom look.
Before:
The basic builder-grade closet had open melamine shelves and a hanging rod crammed with baby clothing and supplies. The open shelves allowed dust and clutter to accumulate easily. Diapering supplies were stashed in plastic bins on the floor.
After:
This clever makeover adapted the closet into a functional storage spot for a growing toddler. Charming baskets corral small items like socks and mittens. Clear acrylic bins are great for viewing contents. Adjustable closet rods accommodate different garment lengths. Chalkboard-painted cubbies make labeling contents easy. And the whimsical hot air balloon print wallpaper adds a playful accent wall.
Tips for Kid’s Closet Makeovers:
- Use labeled bins and baskets to organize clothing and toys.
- Swap out closet rods for adjustable height versions.
- Paint the back wall with chalkboard paint for labeling.
- Use wallpaper or decals to add a fun accent wall.
- Separate play clothes from school/dress clothes.
- Display favorite stuffed animals, books or toys.
Refresh a Mudroom Closet
Mudroom closets take a beating, so occasionally they require some TLC. These clever renovations turned a lackluster mudroom closet into a functional space for wrangling coats, shoes and outdoor accessories.
Before:
This tired and crowded mudroom closet was an eyesore. Coats were crammed together and heaped on the floor along with shoes and umbrellas. The melamine shelves were scratched and peeling. It lacked sufficient storage to handle a busy family’s outerwear and accessories.
After:
This stunning makeover optimized every inch to accommodate the family’s needs. Plentiful coat hooks line the entrance wall. Cubby shelves with upgraded wood finishes stow hats and mittens. Taller storage houses sports gear neatly. The bench provides a spot to sit while removing muddy shoes, which now reside on a wall rack. Custom wood trim dresses up the once dreary space.
Tips for Mudroom Closet Makeovers:
- Maximize wall space with hooks, racks and cubbies.
- Include a bench or stool for sitting while changing shoes.
- Add a storage rack or cabinet for shoes near the entryway.
- Upgrade basic finishes with wood trimwork or shiplap.
- Add a shelf with bins near the door for gloves and hats.
- Use waterproof flooring like tile rather than carpet.
Breathe New Life into a Tired Closet
Has your closet remained unchanged since the 1980s? Don’t worry, a few simple upgrades can bring an outdated closet into the modern age. These enhancements gave new life to a closet stuck in the past.
Before:
This closet was trapped in a time warp, with worn orange-hued carpeting, ancient wood paneling and a popcorn ceiling. The track lighting shed an unflattering light in the windowless space while the sliding doors felt flimsy and cheap.
After:
Cost-effective improvements made this closet feel current and stylish. Fresh white paint covered the wood paneling while laying new vinyl plank flooring was a breeze. Sleek track lighting provides better illumination. The dated sliding doors were replaced with a stunning barn door-style alternative featuring black hardware. Small details like a decorative floor rug and framed prints finish the space beautifully.
Tips for Modernizing an Outdated Closet:
- Add a fresh coat of paint in a modern, neutral hue.
- Replace old flooring with easy DIY vinyl planks.
- Upgrade to contemporary closet doors like barn or bi-folds.
- Swap dated rods and shelves for more modern versions.
- Improve lighting with overhead or LED strip lights.
- Add stylish hooks, baskets and accessories.
Give a Bland Closet Personality
Generic contractor-grade closets can feel blah and boring. But you don’t have to live with a lackluster closet if you’re willing to infuse it with a little color, texture and creativity. This makeover shows how small additions make a world of difference.
Before:
This closet epitomized boring, with plain white melamine shelves and a basic wire hanging rod. The unadorned sliding doors and walls were desperately uninspiring and forgettable.
After:
With the addition of wallpaper, paint, accessories and personalized touches this formerly plain closet is now packed with playful personality. Replacing some of the shelving with decorative O tomé cubes adds modern flair. Painting the interior of the doors blue and adding coordinating handles pulls the whole space together. The unique pineapple print wallpaper makes this closet truly unforgettable.
Tips for Giving a Closet Personality:
- Consider removable wallpaper or a colorful accent wall.
- Paint or replace interior doors to complement your decor.
- Display favorite photos, art or collections.
- Upgrade hardware like rods, shelves and hangers.
- Add pops of color with bins, baskets and organizers.
- Include personal touches like monograms, favorite quotes or inspirational prints.
FAQs about Closet Makeovers
What are some cheap ways to upgrade my closet?
Some budget-friendly ways to upgrade your closet include using peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper, installing new closet rods and hooks, adding drawer organizers, painting the interior a new color, updating lighting fixtures, replacing door handles or knobs, and incorporating pretty storage baskets.
How can I add more storage to my closet?
To add more storage to your closet, consider installing floor-to-ceiling shelving, extra rods and racks for shoes or accessories, over-the-door hangers, built-in drawers, or converting unused spaces like the back of doors into hanging racks. Cubbies and shelving for hats and folded items can also help maximize unused space.
What should I do first when organizing my closet?
When organizing your closet, the first step is purging. Remove anything you haven’t worn in over a year along with items that are damaged or don’t fit. Next categorize what remains and group like items. Use storage bins and baskets to corral accessories, undergarments, swimwear, or workout clothes. Daily wardrobe staples should get prime real estate so they are easily accessible.
Should I organize clothes by color or type?
How you organize depends on your preferences and closet contents. Some people prefer to group items by color for a neat rainbow effect. Others find it more practical to categorize by clothing type—dresses together, then shirts, pants, etc. Grouping by season is also an option. Do what feels most intuitive for your needs.
What are the best organizers for a closet?
Great closet organizing solutions include storage cubes and cubes, stackable bins and baskets, hanging shoe racks, under-bed storage, over-the-door hooks and racks, drawer organizers and dividers. Labeled clear bins help you see contents easily. Sturdy baskets are ideal for holding purses, scarves and other accessories.
Conclusion
With some creativity and smart storage solutions, it’s amazing how even the most disorganized, cramped or outdated closet can be transformed into a functional and beautiful space. Whether you want to just declutter your existing closet or embark on a major style makeover, these inspiring before-and-after projects offer ideas and tips to create your dream closet space. Improving your closest can make getting ready a joy rather than a chore.
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