33 Best Closet Organization Ideas to Maximize Space and Style

The trouble with rarely used items is that they are often out of sight. Keep them in your line of vision by neatly placing scarves, clutches, and even socks in a wire basket. Bonus points if you get a colorful one, like these matte beauties from Open Spaces.

A decorative ladder can be as functional as storage bins: Lean it up against one wall in your closet and use it to hang loosely folded, worn-but-not-dirty-yet shirts. You can also drape scarves from it or add S-hooks for securely hanging belts. A ladder is basically a more versatile version or a tie rack because it can take on bulkier items, too.

In walk-in closets, add single hooks to walls wherever you have space. You’ll create extra storage zones and you can have fun with them by choosing vibrant versions like these bent wall hooks from West Elm. The end result? An eye-catching gallery wall for your sweaters, necklaces, scarves, or hats.

Rounding out our list of the best closet organization ideas: painting or embracing wallpaper textures in your closet. Tempaper & Co. offers peel-and-stick grasscloth that looks posh but is still easy to install should you want to do a closet makeover this weekend. It'll be the grand finale of your walk-in redo. After all the work you put it in, your closet just might be one of your favorite spaces.

Jewelry organizers can be so much more than practical. They also provide a gorgeous design element in your closet, like lucite bracelet holders in Shay Mitchell's home. Other options that are as beautiful as the baubles they hold include acrylic jewelry boxes, ceramic ring holders, and glass trinket dishes with decorative lids—all available on Amazon. For a fancier take on jewelry organization look to a freestanding display made of natural stone.

In hallway closets, creating specific zones for each type of item, especially seasonal clothes, makes it easier to put things away, and the easier it is, the more likely you’ll put things where they belong and stay organized. For a pantry closet, set up different zones for washcloths and bath towels. For a miscellaneous closet, dedicate space for each holiday’s decorations. This is one place where stackable storage bins will make your life less chaotic.

Clothing organization is one thing, shoe storage is a whole other animal. If you have the vertical space, design a shoe wall with cubed shelving. Ikea is king for this. Not only is a compartmentalized wall a satisfying alternative to lining up shoe racks, it ensures you can see all your footwear at a glance. 

Another one of our closet organization ideas? Popping in a jewelry tray. “People don’t always have time to put their jewelry away,” Wearstler says. “A tray or bowl provides someplace to stow it in a rush. They’re also useful when packing.”

An accessory wardrobe hits so many style and organization marks. Does it organize? Check. Does it take up minimal room? Check. Does it free up clothes and drawer space? Double check. Plus, some versions even double as full-length mirrors with built-in makeup shelves. Just short of actually doing your hair and choosing your outfit, a jewelry armoire does it all.

Large, closed-door wardrobes are expensive and a huge commitment; look for an open, lightweight, breezy garment rack for hanging items instead. It works inside or outside your closet for extra storage (especially with bulky clothing like coats), and it's got a lot of character—just like your clothes. Added bonus: you can always take stock of what you have since everything is super visible with easy access.

Celebrity closets often look like boutiques, and for good reason: Closet designers like Charlton take cues from retail settings to create spaces that make getting dressed feel like a shopping trip. “A visual merchandising trick I learned a long time ago is to simply organize by type of clothing, left to right, light to dark,” she says.

The key to getting the look just right? “Make sure that everything is on the same monotone hangers so the clothes are visible, not the hanger.” Ditch all those mismatched wire and plastic versions for a cohesive set of slim velvet hangers. If you tend to wear certain pieces together, hang them together in the closet—that way you won’t have to go searching for the other half of your outfit.

Kay suggests another approach when it comes to your hanging space. “Use consistent hangers, at least within each category of clothing,” she says. Blouses might get white hangers, sweaters go on blue hangers, and jackets get wooden hangers. “It’s a small investment that will streamline the appearance of your closet and allow your eye to focus on your clothing.”

And those puffy hangers that look like they belong in your grandmother’s closet? “There is no need to buy those bulky silk-lined hangers for sweaters,” Charlton says. A simple way to hang sweaters without stretching out the shoulders is to use hangers with shoulder molds. “Only hang thicker-gauge sweaters, instead of fine-gauge ones that might stretch.” Thinner sweaters can be folded and stacked on shelves (again, consider shelf dividers!) or kept in drawers.

For extra long items that bunch up on the bottom of your closet, consider a long garment velvet hanger from Cove that allows you to pick up the length without wrinkling dresses and jumpsuits.

Closet clothes storage isn’t just about clean pieces. Create a system for your dirty clothes, too. Hampers with multiple sections make it easy to instantly sort dark, light, and colored clothes. You’ll have a quicker time on laundry day, and once everything is clean, putting each item back in its place will be easy breezy.

“You want to be able to see the difference between navy and black when you’re getting dressed. Use recessed lighting, a ceiling fixture, LED lights in shelves and the hanging rods—basically, whatever you need to create a well-lit room," Adams says.

Wearstler echoes Adams’ thoughts. "Great lighting is crucial,” she says. “Installing only overhead downlights can be deadly—not at all flattering. You need light from multiple angles. We embed task lighting within millwork and then layer in secondary sources, such as sconces and chandeliers. You want your client to look their best and feel sexy.”

“Seasonally declutter your closet,” says Vivien Lee-Mayhue, a certified KonMari organizing consultant and the founder of Tidy Up Los Angeles. “Keep what you love for the person you are today. Then, keep two baskets handy (store them in the hall closet): one to be used for donations and the second for items that need mending, altering, cleaning, etc. Give yourself a set time frame on when these should be dropped off,” she says.

Bins get a bad wrap, but if done correctly, they can save you tons of time scrounging for pieces in your closet. The best way to maximize their effectiveness is to put pictures of what’s inside them on the front. It may sound tedious, but if done with a Polaroid (as Jessica Alba does in her own closet) it takes no time and will make your life infinitely more organized. Not enough closet space? You can still put their space-saving abilities to good use under your bed.

Take pride in your closet and make the closet feel like an actual fitting room, even if it is a small space, by adding a throw rug. A pop of color or a fun print may inspire you to get creative with your looks. Or, a faux fur rug will feel comfy under bare feet in the morning when you’re getting ready.