How To Make A Small Apartment Closet Feel Bigger
If you’re like me and dealing with a closet that seems to shrink every time you open the door, fear not – I’ve got your back. Today, let’s explore some savvy tricks that can magically transform your small apartment closet into a roomier, more organized haven.
1. Light it Up:
Brightening up your closet is the first step to creating an illusion of space. Add LED strip lights or a battery-operated tap light to ensure every nook and cranny is well-lit. A well-lit space not only feels larger but also makes finding your favorite sweater a breeze.
Play with Color Temperature: When considering lighting for your closet, pay attention to the color temperature of the bulbs. Opt for cool white or daylight LED bulbs, as they mimic natural sunlight and create a bright, inviting atmosphere. Warm lighting tends to make spaces feel cozier, but in a closet, the goal is to enhance visibility. Experimenting with color temperature can significantly impact how your clothes appear and contribute to the overall illusion of a more expansive and well-lit closet. So, don’t just light it up – light it up right!
2. Mirrors, Mirrors, Mirrors:
Mirrors are the wizards of creating an expansive feel. Add a full-length mirror to the back of your closet door or the inside wall. This not only reflects light but also gives the illusion of a larger space. Plus, you get the bonus of having your own personal dressing room vibes.
Mirror Placement is Key: The magic of mirrors lies not only in their presence but also in where you place them. Consider positioning a mirror opposite a window if possible. This strategic placement reflects natural light, enhancing the brightness and openness of your closet. Additionally, placing mirrors at different angles can create the illusion of depth, making your closet appear more spacious than it is.
3. Declutter and Donate:
A clutter-free closet is a spacious closet. Take a weekend to declutter and donate items you no longer wear. Embrace the minimalist mindset – keeping only what you truly love and need. You’ll be surprised how much space you can free up.
Seasonal Rotation and Capsule Wardrobe: Take your decluttering to the next level by adopting a seasonal rotation and considering a capsule wardrobe. With a seasonal rotation, store off-season clothes in clear bins or under-bed storage during warmer or colder months. This not only frees up valuable closet real estate but also makes your current wardrobe more accessible.
Additionally, experimenting with a capsule wardrobe – a curated collection of versatile, timeless pieces – ensures that everything in your closet is intentional and serves a purpose. Embracing these practices not only maintains a clutter-free space but also encourages a mindful and purposeful approach to your wardrobe, creating a closet that feels both spacious and purpose-driven.
4. Invest in Slim Hangers:
Say goodbye to bulky hangers and welcome slim, non-slip hangers into your closet. These space-saving wonders not only maximize hanging space but also add a touch of uniformity that makes your closet look more organized and, dare I say, more spacious.
Cascading Hangers for Vertical Efficiency: Take your hanger game up a notch with cascading hangers. These ingenious tools allow you to vertically hang multiple garments, saving horizontal space. Not only do cascading hangers maximize the hanging capacity of your closet rod, but they also provide a clean and uniform look.
5. Add Some Cube Shelves or Drawers:
For a storage solution that combines style and functionality, consider integrating some IKEA style drawers into your closet. The beauty of drawers lies in their modular design and variety of sizes. These drawers can be customized to fit your specific needs, providing designated spaces for folded clothes, accessories, or even shoes. With a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, IKEA style drawers and shelves not only optimize your closet’s storage capacity but also bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your organization game.
I personally don’t live close enough to an IKEA to go there so thankfully there are lots of similar options online.
6. Utilize the Door:
Don’t underestimate the potential of the back of your closet door. Install hooks or an over-the-door organizer to store accessories, bags, or even shoes. It’s like unlocking an additional storage dimension without taking up valuable floor space.
Pocket Organizers for Efficient Door Storage: Transform the back of your closet door into a pocket of efficiency with the help of pocket organizers. These ingenious organizers come in various sizes and configurations, providing designated compartments for shoes, accessories, jewelry, or even small clothing items. By utilizing the door, you not only keep your belongings neatly organized but also avoid clutter on the closet floor.
Source: Momoozecom on Pinterest
7. Color Code Your Clothes:
Organizing your clothes by color not only makes your closet aesthetically pleasing but also creates a sense of order. This visual organization gives the impression of a larger, more thoughtfully curated space.
Gradation for Artistic Harmony: Take your color-coded organization to the next level by arranging your clothes in a gradual color gradation. Transitioning from light to dark shades creates a visually pleasing and harmonious flow. Imagine opening your closet to a spectrum of colors seamlessly blending together.
8. Beautiful Baskets:
If you’re using storage bins, opt for baskets instead. Being able to see what’s inside at a glance can make the closet appear cluttered and messy. Baskets not only hide the clutter, but add a lovely natural texture to your organization.
Label and Categorize for Easy Access: Enhance the functionality of your storage baskets by taking the extra step of labeling and categorizing their contents. A label maker or adhesive tags can be your best friends here. By clearly marking what goes where, you not only maintain the advantage of easy visibility but also streamline the process of finding specific items.
9. Go Vertical with Shoe Racks:
For shoe lovers, a vertical shoe rack can be a game-changer. Instead of scattering shoes on the floor, stack them neatly on a vertical rack. This not only saves space but also turns your shoe collection into a stylish display.
Rotate Seasonal Shoes for Visual Variety: Elevate your vertical shoe rack strategy by incorporating a seasonal rotation for your shoe collection. Not only does this keep your closet visually interesting, but it also ensures that your most frequently worn shoes are readily accessible. Swap out your summer sandals for winter boots or vice versa, depending on the season. This intentional rotation maximizes the utility of your vertical shoe rack and also turns it into a dynamic display that adapts to your wardrobe needs throughout the year.
10. Keep It Neat:
Last but certainly not least, maintain a neat and organized closet. Regularly revisit your belongings, put things back where they belong, and resist the urge to let clothes pile up. A consistently tidy closet always feels more spacious.
Develop a 5-Minute Daily Tidying Routine: To ensure your closet stays consistently neat, establish a quick 5-minute daily tidying routine. Take a moment each day to hang up clothes, return shoes to their designated spots, and organize any accessories or items that may have found their way out of place. By incorporating this brief daily ritual, you prevent clutter from accumulating and maintain the sense of order you’ve worked hard to achieve. It’s amazing how a tiny daily commitment can make a substantial difference in the long-term organization and spacious feel of your closet.
Turning your small apartment closet into a roomier retreat is all about strategic choices and a touch of creativity. With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be surprised at how much more inviting and open your closet can become.
Try and create a system that you know you will ACTUALLY stick with. A helpful tip for this is to tie your system into daily habits so you can make it effortless to keep your closet picture perfect and easy to see everything.
Happy organizing!
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