I will be the first to admit it. I get closet envy. I’m talking about literal envy about people’s closets.
Is that weird?
If you’ve ever looked in someone’s closet and thought “DAYUM!” then this is the post for you.
Even if you don’t have a HUGE closet, or a fancy closet organization system, you can design a DIY closet that looks bougie but is still functional.
I am struggling with a real basic closet in our new house.
It’s just your builder-grade basic reach in closet with bi-fold doors and I hate it.
Not only is it small and impractical, but it also lacks pizazz.
It lacks personality. And if you’ve ever met me in person, you know that I have some PERSONALITY.
So I wanted to design a closet that spoke to me, even if it couldn’t be the Carrie Bradshaw walk-in of my dreams.
Wanna join me on my small closet organization journey?
I found some fun pieces that I am considering for my own makeover that I think you’ll love for small closet organization too!
What do you need to organize a small closet?
First look at your needs. What you have in your wardrobe is going to be different than mine. Chances are the space limitations are different too.
In general though, these basic categories are a good start for closet sprucing up:
- Purse/clutch/bag storage
- Hooks for robes or hats
- Belt storage
- Catch-all bins for odd-shaped things
- Mirror
- Shoe storage
- Something inspirational (you stare into this space at least once a day, right? Might as well put something pretty and rejuvenating in there!)
- Hangers (duh)
My theory on small closet organization
Since small closets mean less space, obviously you have to be more intentional about the pieces you select, but that doesn’t mean they have to be strictly functional (and ugly).
Your closet is often where you go to both start AND end your day, so having it be aesthetically pleasing in addition to being functional is really important.
If possible, incorporating some of your favorite colors (even in things as basic as hangers) or shapes/things can go a long way to brighten your mood. I know it seems silly, but starting your day off on the right foot with little details makes a difference!
Which is why I believe in including something inspirational. Whether it be your vision board, or your word of the year, or a pretty framed piece of art (if you have the space). It’s a great way to set your intention at the start of your day, and for reflection at night before bed.
It might not be the closet Carrie had in her “Heaven on Fifth” penthouse that was the size of two New York apartments, BUT you can make it “you” and you can make it pretty while also making it functional!
My Small Closet Organizing Picks
When you have a small closet that needs organizing it's important to find things that are durable, look good and bonus if they can serve multiple purposes! These closet picks are not only great for organizing but for making your closet FEEL like your own special place.
Natural Crystal Stone Drawer Knobs
A beautiful closet starts on the outside! These gorgeous stone knob pulls start the glam feel before you even open the door.
Hanging Scarf Rack
Whether for your winter scarves, belts or even everyday scarves, this scarf hanger has a section for everything! Keeps your small closet organized, but your accessories accessible!
Gretchen Cast Iron and Glass Wall Hooks
These gorgeous wall hooks add a unique touch for anything you wanna hang in your closet! I love the unique finish AND they are on sale right now at Anthropologie!
Pendant Light Gold Hanging Light
If you're lucky enough to have a light in your closet, swap out the basic builder dome light for something a little fancier for an instant bit of bling!
Champagne Full Length Mirror
Channel your inner diva with this gorge full length mirror. I love this finish so much and it's perfect to hang on the closet door and takes up barely any space!
Acrylic Clutch/Purse Organizer
This acrylic purse organizer is perfect because it's completely clear, allowing you to see exactly what you have. If you're like me and forget, that's super handy!
Storage Drawers with Casters
This 7 drawer unit is perfect for the un-hangable things, or if you don't have room for a full dresser! It's on casters so you can move it around when space is a concern
Grey and White Striped Storage Cubes
Maximize space with cubes! Put all the random, odd-shaped things into cubes and save on space while keeping everything super neat and organized.
Collapsable Fabric Storage Bins
Great for smaller areas and shelves, you can use these handled bins to keep all your small bits together, and they fold up for easy storage when not in use.
Rose Gold Rolling Cart
I have this same rolling cart in a different color and I am constantly finding new uses for it. I probably need to buy at least 3 more. It's so versatile! But it would work great in a closet and like the drawers has wheels so you can move it around as needed.
Woven Laundry Basket
While this can be used as a hamper, there's actually lots of uses! You could put off season shoes in here, or any other odd-shaped things you want to store! Keep the clutter (or dirty laundry) at bay!
Closet Sachets
Sachets mean that your closet can appeal to all your senses! Closets (especially if they aren't used often) can harbor musty smells, so a sachet keeps things fresh. Pick up cute ones like these and throw into the crevices, storage bins, boxes, etc.
Tufted Cushion Bench/Shoe Rack
Part of having a tiny closet means finding pieces that have multiple functions. This shoe storage shelf also doubles as a bench! If you don't want to use the bench functionality, you could put baskets or other items on the top.
Velvet Hangers
I used to thing velvet hangers were unnecessary, frivolous and fancy. Who cares what your hangers look like? Then I realized they serve more than an aesthetic purpose- they are crucial to closet organization because it fixes the problem of all my shirts winding up in a heap on the floor. They are non-slip!