Apartments can be tricky. Sometimes, you try your hardest to find the perfect space, but something will still be missing. In many city dwellers’ cases, that missing thing can be a reasonably sized closet.
That doesn’t mean all hope is lost for keeping your clothes tidy and organized, though! In the past few years, open closets and wardrobes have enjoyed a certain renaissance, making their way back into trendy AND practical interior design.
If you think you’re ready to board the open closet train, here are some tips to help you get started.
Make Sure Things Match
The issue with leaving your clothing and shoes out in the open is that there are going to be a lot of colors and styles going on at once. Rather than put everything out there, consider only displaying the clothing that season. Then, arrange or color or similar styles. Put unused items in storage, or out of plain sight.
Declutter Before You Build
A closet rebuild is the perfect time for you to finally get rid of some of the things you’ve been holding onto. Consider donating, swapping, or selling clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in ages. Your new closet needs all the space it can get.
Keep Your Friends Close
Store your the clothes, accessories and shoes you wear most at eye-level. Medium-use things can go at the bottom, while infrequently-used items should be at the top.
Maximize Your Space Potential
Use vertical space (both above and below the closet rod) to get the most out of your storage space.
Hide in Plain Sight
If you live in a small space or don’t have closets altogether (for example, if you’re putting your open closet up against a wall), consider using curtains or screens to give your closet some privacy.
Go Beyond the Closet
Make more room in your closet by storing out-of-season clothes out of your closet, like under your bed. Design tip: Got stylish suitcases? Store out-of-season linens, blankets, and sweaters in them and put them around the house as decor.
Here are some of our favorite open wardrobes for your inspiration:
Source: Avenue of Lifestyle
Source: Sachin Mahajan
Source: Made from Scratch
Source: A Beautiful Mess
Source: Trendnet
Source: Made in Persbo
Source: Manifesto Photography
Source: Jindi Days
Source: Something About Style
Ready to get started? Here are some must-haves as you start building out your open closet:
1. Adjustable Closet Hanging Rod by Simple Houseware
A great closet accessory for increasing closet space and usage.
2. Versatile Metal Wire Closet Shelf Divider and Separator by mDesign
Streamline and organize closets by creating separated sections for sweaters, shirts, pants, jeans, yoga pants, athletic wear, blankets, purses, baseball hats and other accessories
3. Foldable Bamboo Fabric Trapezoid Organizer Boxes by EZOWare
Great for storing the odds and ends of your closet.
4. Storage Cube Organizer by SONGMICS
This 3-tier 6-cube DIY Organizer Shelf offers plenty of room for arranging your shoes, daily accessories, and folded clothes.
5. Organizer Rack for Ties and Belts by InterDesign
Organizes 7 belts and 7 neckties – keep your accessory choices neat and visible.
6. Adjustable Closet Organizer by Closet Maid
This all-in-one kit has approximately 132 inches of hanging space and 216 inches of shelf space (includes 36 inch shoe shelf). Best of all, this 4.5 star reviewed product is just a fraction of the cost of similar systems from IKEA or the Container Store.
7. Custom Closet Organizer System Kit by Rubbermaid
Here is another great kit, which is normally more expensive than the ClosetMaid option, but right now its on sale for $99. Telescoping rods and expanding shelves adjust to add 22 ft. of shelving space and 12 ft. of hanging space to any open closet layout.
8. Stackable 2-Door Organizer by Closet Maid
This organizer features two adjustable shelves and is designed to work with other stackable organizers for additional storage space.
9. Underwear Organizer Drawer Divider 4 Set by Simple Houseware
A must-have for corralling your unmentionables, this simple divider is good for organizing your lingerie, socks, underwear when you finish laundry and easy to access them while you need it. Made with mold-proof fabric.
10. Expandable Closet Organizer by Amazon Basics
Don’t knock them until you try them, but Amazon’s own line of housewares offer incredible value. This expandable organizer features 10 adjustable-height shelves, 5 on either side; each shelf holds 100 pounds and can be raised/lowered in 1-inch increments.
11. Hanging Closet Organizer by Storage Works
This durable hanging closet organizer can bear a 40 lbs heavy load without bending the top, thanks to the 3mm stiff and sturdy MDF board, widened hook and loop, and the thickened and riveted bar. Each shelf contains a sturdy thickened cardboard for additional support.
12. Floating Storage Shelves by Imperative Decor
Durable and perfect for placing a jewelry stand or other small items, these attractive floating shelves are easy to install and add a touch of class.
13. Storage Container Organizer by Baseshop
Collapsible and extremely versatile, these bins are just what you need to keep items you don’t wear every day out of sight.
14. Double Closet Rod by Whitmor
Transform your closet by doubling the amount of available hanging space
15. Foldable Storage Cubes by Amazon Basics
Made of stylish, sturdy, breathable fabric with sewn-in, easy-to-grab handles, these are another great solution from AmazonBasics. Best of all, they come in six different colors.
16. Hanging Rack by LANGRIA
The minimalist and functional style of this clothing rack and its glossy black finish matches most spaces at home or at the workplace; it has an outer powder-coated layer to protect it from water and rust. It is freestanding, which means you don’t need to drill any holes in your wall to use it.
17. Foldable Storage Bag Organizers by Sorbus
Store and protect clothing and household items with convenient organizer bags. Featuring 3 divided sections with a clear window view for easy access, these are perfect for stashing your seasonal clothes when not in use.
18. All-Purpose Organizer by ClosetMaid
Perfect for storing shoes and folded clothing, these organizers work just as well on the floor as they do on a raised shelf.
19. Jewelry Hanging Non-Woven Organizer by MISSLO
Organize and hang your jewelry on your bedroom door or from a hanging road to save space in your open closet.
20. Freestanding Cloths Garment Organizer by Simple Houseware
Four durable wired shelves that keeps your clothing, shoes, boots, pants and accessories organized. This is another freestanding option if you don’t feel like repairing walls later.
21. Hanging Organizer for Purses by InterDesign
No closet would be complete without a place to put your bags, am I right? This hanger is perfect for handbags, satchels, slings, backpacks, scarves, pashminas, ties, belts, and other accessories.
22. Velvet Hangers by Home-It
Wood hangers are nice, but they take up a lot of room. Choose these slim and stylish hangers to maximize closet space.
23. Closet Organizer Wardrobe by SONGMICS
If you want a way to cover up your closet from time to time, this is the best organizer for you. With a movable clothes hanging rod and 12 storage shelves, this item offers you enough space both for your longer outfits and folded clothes. At less than a $100 bucks, it is certainly worth a try.
24. 3 Tiers Closet Shelf Organizer by MaidMAX
The simple organizing shelf provides additional space you need in a utility room and is stylish enough to put outside the closet. Just utilize it to organize your clothes, accessories, bags or shoes and keep them off the floor.
25. S-Shape Stainless Steel Clothes Hangers by HOMEIDEAS
Save room by hanging your pants all together on these genius hangers.
26. Larger Storage Cubes by Senbowe
Going with a monochromatic wardrobe? Add a pop of color to your closet with these stylish bins that come in three different color combinations.
