Walk in small closet
21 Small Walk-in Closet Ideas To Optimize Your Bedroom
Reviewed by
Katherine Picott
Reviewed by Katherine Picott
Katherine is a professional home organizer, certified KonMari consultant, and member of The Spruce's Cleaning and Organizing Review Board. She launched her own professional organizing business, Tidy Milso, in the summer of 2020, to help reorient those feeling overwhelmed with both clutter and disorganization in their homes.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Having a small walk-in closet in your bedroom makes it necessary to streamline your belongings and optimize functionality so that you can keep your wardrobe organized and accessible.
What Is a Walk-In Closet?
A walk-in closet is large enough to allow one or more people to open the door and walk into the space to access clothing. A reach-in closet only lets you open the door to reach in to access clothing. Oftentimes both sides of the closet and the far end are filled with rods and storage for clothing and there's a small "walkway" measuring at least a few feet wide that lets you walk into the space.
The key to maximizing a small walk-in closet is to pay attention to layout, tailoring the style and storage elements to your wardrobe and needs. Check out these small walk-in closet ideas that are as stylish as they are functional.
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Keep It Open
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Max Kim-bee
This small, open walk-in closet is built into the contours of this white-washed bedroom from Leanne Ford Interiors, keeping clothes visible and accessible while creating an effortless and livable feel.
Just remember to keep things tidy since the lack of a door leaves clutter with no place to hide. -
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Make It Multifunctional
From Great Beginnings
Iryna Federico at From Great Beginnings packed a ton of functionality into this narrow slip of a walk-in closet without skimping on style. Open clothes storage at the far end is complemented by a DIY dressing table on the left wall that's complete with a large mirror, bench seating, and accessible storage for cosmetics, creating a two-for-one walk-in closet and dressing room with a small footprint.
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03 of 21
Paint It Dark
Fantastic Frank
This small walk-in closet from Fantastic Frank is painted in midnight blue that contrasts with the white walls and wide plank hardwood flooring of the Scandinavian-style bedroom. The deep matte color adds depth to the space, making it feel larger by erasing the perception of where the walls begin or end. The closet has room enough for a small dresser that is painted in the same shade to help it blend in.
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Install Mirrored Doors
Erin Williamson Design
Mirrored doors on the closet within this walk-in closet from Erin Williamson Design bounce around the light from the opposite window and help double the space visually.
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Add a Sliding Glass Door
Fantastic Frank
This small Swedish apartment walk-in closet from Fantastic Frank is accessed by a sliding glass door with white panes that helps to make the small space feel more open. The inside of the closet is painted in the same tones as the rest of the space for a cohesive look.
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Label It
Finding Lovely
Finding Lovely multiplied the storage in this small walk-in closet with a combination of hanging rods and open and glass-front shelving, adding labeled storage baskets that hide clutter while keeping everything easy to find.
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Add Drawers
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Nicole Franzen
In this small walk-in closet from Leanne Ford Interiors, an edited selection of clothes is hung from a rod on the shorter far wall, while a slim long chest of drawers with a low profile provides storage for everything else on the right side, maintaining a light and airy feel.
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Dress the Walls
Design by Mel Bean Interiors / Photo by Laurey Glenn
This Tulsa, OK walk-in closet from Mel Bean Interiors has enough room for a narrow dresser that is pushed against the back wall, where a round brass-framed mirror adds light and dimension. Matching upholstered stools provide space for putting on shoes, and gray grasscloth walls and a low pile carpet make it feel tailored.
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Compartmentalize It
Laura Cattano Organizational Design
Laura Cattano Organizational Design created a small walk-in closet for an extensive shoe and handbag collection by installing simple wrap-around shelves that offer maximum storage while leaving just enough room to maneuver in and out.
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10 of 21
Take Sides
Design by Studio Peake
This galley-style dressing room from Studio Peake has a mix of open and closed storage, a top row of woven baskets to hide clutter and a bold use of color from the zigzag runner to the upholstered pouf that unites function and style in the relatively compact space.
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Have a Seat
Casa Watkins Living
Casa Watkins Living turned a small walk-in closet into a mini dressing room by adding a Persian-style runner, a gold-rimmed mirror that reflects natural light from the opposite window, and a thrift store rattan chair for putting on shoes, or closing the door and stealing a little me-time.
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Use Transparent Accents
Home Made By Carmona
Blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona added a transparent glass console table under the window of this small walk-in closet that doesn't take up much visual space and doubles as display space or a dressing table.
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Hang Removable Wallpaper
Casa Watkins Living
Casa Watkins Living gave this small walk-in closet an inexpensive makeover by hanging stacked bracketed laminate shelving and hanging rods that are tailored to fit a kid-sized wardrobe. Removable wallpaper in a vibrant orange and pink Ikat pattern adds color that complements the pink walls of the bedroom.
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Optimize Every Inch
Laura Cattano Organizational Design
Whether you're freestyling it or hiring a professional to build a custom storage system, be sure to maximize every last nook and cranny of your small walk-in closet, like this one from Laura Cattano Organizational Design.
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Leave the Doors Off
Design by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Emily Henderson Design left the doors off this small walk-in closet to maximize storage inside and create room just outside for a dresser and bench seating.
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Add a Mirror
Design by Becca Interiors
A large wall-mounted mirror doubles the perception of space in this small walk-in closet from Becca Interiors by providing sightlines to adjacent rooms.
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Be Transparent
Design by Maite Granda
Interior designer Maite Granda used transparent glass doors on this jewel box accessories closet that shows off the floor-to-ceiling open shelving for bags, shoes, and jewelry that's lit like a boutique display.
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Make It Easy
Laura Cattano Organizational Design
If you are a renter who wants to optimize your small walk-in closet without installing permanent infrastructure, take a cue from Laura Cattano Organizational Design and set up an Ikea Pax wardrobe system that you can disassemble before moving out.
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Go Vertical
Fantastic Frank
Hardwood floors and minimalist, all-white drawers, shelving, and hanging space make this small but tall Stockholm walk-in closet from Fantastic Frank feel bigger than it is by drawing the eye upward and using every inch of available space.
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Add a Peel and Stick Border
Casa Watkins Living
Casa Watkins Living decorated this small kids' walk-in closet with peel-and-stick wallpaper borders, an easy DIY that makes stepping into the pint-sized space colorful and fun.
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Use Transparent Storage Boxes
Laura Cattano Organizational Design
Keep your clothes and accessories dust-free but visible by using stacks of identical transparent-front storage boxes like this small walk-in closet from Laura Cattano Organizational Design.
How to Organize Every Room in Your Home
Small Walk-In Closet Ideas
A walk-in closet is always a plus, but what if it's tiny? Find out how others have solved this storage dilemma with these small walk-in closet ideas.
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ucpage/Getty Images
The Challenges of a Small Walk-In Closet
We’ll admit, a walk-in bedroom closet is nothing to complain about! But not all walk-in closets are the expansive storage havens of your dreams. Some are small and maybe even cramped. So yes, technically you can “walk in,” but the limited space presents a set of challenges.
What are the best ways to take advantage of a small walk-in closet and utilize its full storage potential?
- Maximize vertical space. According to professional organizer Michelle Vig of Neat Little Nest, “When you have a small closet, it’s important to maximize your vertical space.
This might mean getting additional shelving installed so you can use all the space to the ceiling.” - Add bins. Bins and baskets are always a good idea for organizing, but in a small walk-in closet they can help with the top shelves. “To make it easier to get at the items on those higher shelves,” Vig says, “consider adding bins to those shelves so you can pull them down and grab what you need.”
- Use thinner hangers. A small walk-in closet will have less rod space for your hanging clothes. “Hangers take up a lot of space,” Vig says. “By using thin hangers you can get more items into the closet.”
- Install a closet system. If your small walk-in features standard builder-grade rods and shelves, chances are you can squeeze in a lot more storage potential with a closet system. Professional systems or DIY versions will add shelves, rods and drawers custom fit to your small closet.
See these ideas in action and check out more solutions to small walk-in closet challenges below from some of our favorite Instagram users!
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Courtesy @heyyallitsdenise/instagram
Add a Floor Mirror
The small size of this walk-in closet didn’t stop @heyyallitsdenise from transforming it into a cute dressing room.
A floor mirror not only allows her to check out her outfits, but also makes the space feel bigger. A fluffy rug, small stool and hanging vines round out the whole look, creating a boutique vibe.
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Courtesy @rockycanyonrustic/instagram
Bring in a Dresser
A compact dresser fits nicely in a small walk-in closet and amps up the storage potential. In this kids’ closet by @rockycanyonrustic, she painted the dresser, added shelves made of 3/4-in. medium density fiberboard (MDF) and painted them to match. Now the space is not only easier to organize, it looks beautiful, too!
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Courtesy @classyclosetsus/instagram
Install a Closet System
This small walk-in teen closet features a closet system by Classy Closets (@classyclosetsus). Closet systems are customized to meet your needs in the available space.
In this case, plenty of clothing rods, basket shelves, drawers and shoe shelves are included.
Professional closet systems aren’t cheap, but worth the splurge if you can swing it. Check out these cheap DIY updates for some budget-friendly ideas.
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Courtesy @jessadele Designs/instagram
Use a Cube Shelf Unit
With a cube shelf unit, you can make your closet feel custom without the steep price tag. This closet by @jessadele_designs utilizes an eight-cube storage unit that fits perfectly between the two walls of hanging clothes. The styled shelves are a great spot for jewelry, purses and other small items. No complicated installation required.
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Courtesy @house On Woods Edge/instagram
Go Glam
This closet by @house_on_woods_edge proves that just because a walk-in closet is small, doesn’t mean it can’t be glamorous.
The gold chandelier, built-in shelf lighting and brass hardware all help an ordinary closet feel more luxurious. If you can, display accessories and shoes with a little breathing room. This helps your closet feel more like a high-end shop instead of a cramped storage space.
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Courtesy @mrsgoughshomedecor/instagram
Maximize Vertical Space
Remember to look up! When configuring your small walk-in closet, don’t let any space go to waste — take shelves all the way to the top of your usable space.
This closet by @mrsgoughshomedecor isn’t huge, but there’s plenty of storage thanks to the floor to ceiling cubbies. Keep a small foot stool nearby if you need help accessing the highest items.
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Courtesy @steelehomedesign/instagram
Don’t Forget the Shoe Shelves
With the limited space in a small walk-in closet, shoe storage is often overlooked, and they end up in a messy pile on the floor.
But as this closet by @steelehomedesign shows, shoe shelves are essential to maximizing your storage. They don’t take up lot of space because they only need to be the same depth as a shoe, but they make a huge impact on organization.
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Courtesy @lizgreenwalt/instagram
Get Creative
The many angles and small size of this walk-in closet by @lizgreenwalt forced her to find creative storage solutions.
“I was using space-saving hangers, a space-saving hat holder, space-saving shoe organizer and somehow, I didn’t have enough space, ” she says. So she got to work on DIY shelves, drawers and a genius hat rail using curtain ring clips. Now the closet is much more functional.
Originally Published: November 09, 2021
Erica Young
Erica Young is a freelance writer and content creator, specializing in home and lifestyle pieces.
She loves writing about home decor, organization, relationships, and pop culture. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Storage in a small closet: 9 ideas
Keeping things in a small closet: in search of perfection
Keeping things in a small closet is a reality for most people. A large beautiful walk-in closet full of your clothes, shoes and accessories is a dream come true.
In fact, the shelves are full of things, half of which are just lying in a heap on the floor. Are you tired of rummaging through the mess and are you ready for a change? Here are 9 ways to make the most of a small space.
1
Maximize space
Hanging rails and multiple shelves allow you to use the entire cabinet space.
Furniture for children's things from Closet Factory
2
Install several rungs
Position them at different heights.
On them you can place more clothes and make them more accessible than in drawers.
Model by Incredible Closets
Boys Room by IHeart Organizing
3 Hang everything! Scarves and sunglasses can be kept on hangers. For example, like this one from Ikea. This will make room for things that can only be folded.
Ikea offers this solution
4
Remove doors
This will give you a few centimeters to work with. Also, this method will make it easier to access your closet.
Another idea from a renowned manufacturer
5
Add module
Instead of ready-made furniture, get a storage system that can be configured in different ways. You can change it with your wardrobe.
PAX cabinet furniture from Ikea
6
Increase Hangers
This chain idea will multiply your hanging space with just one piece.
Lifehack from Brit+co
7
Add boxes and baskets
This is the perfect way to hide items you don't use often.
There is no need to store them openly. Additional points will give stickers with inscriptions about what's inside.
Photo and inspiration from Container Store
8
Make use of every millimeter
Even the door! Attach pockets and hooks to it to further expand the closet area.
Shoe storage, Bed Bath & Beyond
9
Organizer inside
Why stop at adding shelves and drawers? You can add storage systems inside them. More places will be added!
Compartment box SKUBB
Share your ideas for wardrobe storage in the comments to the article.
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10 ideas for competent space optimization - INMYROOM
Tips
Not enough space in the closet? InMyRoom has put together a collection of tips to help you tidy up your closet and make the most of your space.
The dream of every modern fashionista is to have her own spacious wardrobe where you can not only store your belongings, but also create their new extravagant images. But if you can't boast of having such, this is a selection for you. Tidying up the closet optimize space.
Idea #1: tiered coat hanger
If possible, hang most of the clothes on hangers. At the same time, a great option is to use equally thin hangers: this way you can save space in the closet. Each thing on separate hangers, in no case in layers - this ideal, of course, for many unattainable. There are multi-tiered hangers, they will save a little space in the closet, and at the same time things will remain in sight. Hangers are easy to upgrade and do it yourself - just fasten them with keys from aluminum cans.
Idea #2: one rod is good, but two is better
Try to fix not one, but two hanger rods in two rows. Hang skirts, trousers, jeans on the lower bar; on the top - blouses, tops, sweaters, cardigans.
Can optionally sort clothes by type: blouses to blouses, trousers to trousers. But not forget to leave room for long things - and do not make a bar under them: dresses, maxi skirts, coats, raincoats will be stored here.
Idea No. 3: strict accounting
Smart idea - use for organization space with signs, pictures, sign, hang photos outfits for wardrobe doors.
Search Among the many shoe boxes, the right one is not an easy task. Do photos of each pair of shoes and attach them to the appropriate boxes. Now, when searching, you will not need to turn the entire cabinet upside down.
Idea #4: Laundry organizers
The power of small things is that there are many of them. Small wardrobe items - panties, socks, tights, bras - are not easy to organize, which means a mess in the chest of drawers and extra time to pack. Laundry is best stored in drawers. So that the search for the right thing does not turn into an adventure, you can buy laundry organizers.
Their practicality, efficiency and beautiful design will appeal to true connoisseurs of harmony. And socks, tights, stockings can be folded into retractable baskets.
Idea 5: vacuum bags out of the closet until next fall-winter or spring-summer. The main thing is to understand what things you definitely won't need it. For example, now is the time to put summer things away so that down jackets, fur coats and other warm clothes boldly take their rightful seasonal place in the closet.
Vacuum bags save the day – an incredibly convenient way to compactly store bulky items! It can also be useful to you when traveling when the volume of things is much exceeds the capabilities of a suitcase!
Idea #6: weekly plan
If want to turn your closet into a realm of perfect order, in advance plan what you will wear on a certain day. Place each set of clothes on a separate hanger, accompanied by the appropriate label.
Idea #7: a look for the future
For items that have already been worn, you can purchase a separate hanger or tailor's mannequin to hang clothes on it the next day.
So you will have a look at the image from the side, otherwise there is only one in the mirror, but in the photo then another. Have you noticed this?
You can collect outfits for several days in advance and hang them together, for this there are very interesting design solutions outside closet.
Idea #8: Proper storage of bags
Bags can be stored as outside the cabinet as well as inside it. It must be remembered that the suspension option only suitable for bags that are used quite often (otherwise they will collect dust), and if the bags are fabric. Leather ones quickly lose their shape, stretch handles, especially if the bag is heavy.
It is better to store bags on the shelves, placing them vertically in a row, you can use separators. The most convenient place to store bags is a closet in the hallway. To avoid the situation when you get dressed, put on your shoes and understand that you need another bag for the image, the one that lies in the bedroom in the closet, and there is no desire to go after it.
