ANSWERS: 1
  • An unconventional idea commonly used by empty-nesters, turning a bedroom into a closet fulfills the fantasy of the long awaited walk-in closet. Although not every bedroom successfully converts into a closet, most rooms are customizable to create the ideal wardrobe that contains all your clothes and personal items. In addition to creating just a walk-in closet, an old bedroom can double as extra storage for other items, such as seasonal clothing and decorations.

    Assessing the Space

    Avoid transforming a bedroom with large or numerous windows. Although windows provide adequate lighting to find physically flattering styles and proper color coordinating, the sunlight can fade delicate fabrics and the open drapes can lead to privacy issues. Do not cover electrical outlets with boards or clothing racks. This increases the risk of fire. Also, keep the transformed closet near the master bedroom or bathroom. While a walk-in closet is grand, it makes no sense to be located far from the places you frequently change clothes. If you are considering reselling the property, keep the design concept small so that the new owners can affordably turn the space into a room that will meet their specific needs.

    Storage Options

    Begin by considering your storage needs and gathering references and design layouts from various interior design and organizing magazines, such as This Old House or Real Simple. You can also request literature from several of the shelving manufacturers. One of the easiest ways to gather references is to go to home improvement stores and pick up the design catalogs from the many product lines available. Once you have an idea for your design, make a rough sketch of the design plan and include measurements taken from the room. This will help keep your budget and design on track. Most closet elements can cost hundreds of dollars, but you can cut these costs by using portable or flexible design elements such as hanging units on casters. The cheapest units are wire-hanging shelves, but more furniture-like designs are available and can be customized to your specific measurements. Consider adjustable shelving and multiple hanging rods that grow with your wardrobe and design changes.

    Adding Luxuries

    A walk-in closet is ideal, but the luxuries turn a plain closet into a grander design. Items like wall mirrors, padded seating and vanities can create a one-of-a-kind design, while adding style and functionality. Consider adding an island located in the center of the room to create extra storage with drawers for folded clothes, ties and even jewelry. Keep the island small, however, with at least 3 feet of space around the fixture. If there is sufficient room and you are handy with electrical and plumbing elements, consider installing a washer, dryer and ironing board to keep laundry related chores located in one place for easier access.

    Organizing the Closet

    Begin by creating a section designed to contain your everyday wear, items that coordinate and fit well as well as a separate section designated to your more elegant clothes. Regularly rotate old and new items to keep your wardrobe fresh. Colored hangers help keep the sections organized for easy identification. Arrange special storage shelves for shoes and seasonal footwear. Keep shoes arranged by style in the sections you have already made for your clothes. Clear totes make organizing shoes easy.

    Source:

    Scripps News

    Real Simple

    Home Decorating Reviews

    More Information:

    This Old House: "The Principles of Smart Closet Design"

    Reasl Simple: "31 Ways to Make Over Your Closets"

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy