Upgrading your closet storage can seem like a smart idea to maximize this smaller space and keep it organized. And, with so many modern closet designs to consider, you likely already have several ideas for how you want to upgrade this area of your home.
But, before you “break ground” on your latest home reno project, you might need to rethink your choices.
Here are the closet “upgrades” that actually waste space, according to two professional closet experts and designers.
John Trosko is a Professional Organizer and Owner at OrganizingLA.
Rachael Fahncke is the CEO/Founder at Dayton Designer Closets.
Center Islands
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Plan A Office / Getty Images
Having an island in the center of your closet sounds like a dream. But unless you have the space in your closet to accommodate this luxury upgrade, it actually isn’t a smart storage solution.
“Unless you have a lot of floor space and you’re building out a closet from an empty bedroom, closet islands are north worth the investment,” Professional organizer John Trosko says. “They’re also trouble if you’re sharing a closet, as you need a minimum of 36″ between the island and the clothes for one person to work, and 48″ if you share a closet.”
So before you decide on this investment, measure your closet and determine whether you realistically can function with one.
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Shoe Cubbies
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Cerro Photography / Getty Images
Shoe cubbies are some of the most thought-out closet upgrades. If your mudroom design isn’t built with shoe storage, then it makes sense that your next closet is the next best option. But, while shoe cubbies can create a streamlined look in your closet for neat organization, they might not be as effective as you think.
“While cubbies keep shoes separated, they can waste vertical space since most shoes don’t fit the same size openings,” Angelia York, vice president of Saint Louis Closet Co., says. “Adjustable slanted shelves or flat shoe shelves allow you to store more pairs in the same area.”
Built-In Hampers
Hampers have come a long way: they’re no longer just freestanding baskets to house your dirty clothes.
Now, you can build one into your closet system, but according to Rachael Fahncke, CEO at Dayton Designer Closets, this is one upgrade that takes away from the versatility hampers provide.
“Integrated hampers look sleek, but they’re often rigid in size and placement,” she says. “When efficiency is the goal, we recommend a removable or pull-out hamper zone. This provides flexibility, easy access, and more room for hanging or folded items.”
Dressers
Like islands, you may think that building dressers into your closet is a smart way to incorporate more organization with a designer look. Trosko says it’s better to invest in a freestanding dresser for the bedroom.
“At first, a built-in dresser seems like a great idea—store as much compactly as possible and keep your wardrobe all together in one place,” he says. “But they take up a lot of space, and often, the slider mechanics break if you stuff too much.”
He also notes that built-in closet dressers can be a significant drain on your budget due to the numerous hardware considerations.
Too Many Shelves
If you really want to optimize the vertical space in your closet, shelves are always a great go-to. But apparently, there is such a thing as bringing too many shelves that take up more space in your closet than they should.
“Unless you have a massive amount of sweaters, opt for more rod space so your clothes can breathe,” Trosko says. “I am getting more and more clients who are requesting that we hang their vintage and concert t-shirts instead of folding them. So clothes stay neat without folded creases.”
Shelving You Can’t Adjust
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ablokhin / Getty Images
And speaking of shelves, Trosko says he sees many clients choose stationary shelves in their high-end closets to create a “display look.”
While stationary shelves can elevate the aesthetic of your wardrobe, they’re not as functional as adjustable shelves.
“If you’re trying to unpack a lot into a small space, it’s better to insist that the shelves be fully adjustable, floor-to-ceiling, so you can change them and maximize every inch,” he says.
This way, you’ll be able to use your storage solution to your advantage and have options that grow with your needs as you bring more into the closet.