Posted by
Elana Safronsky, Managing Editor
Saturday, March 12, 2011 12:43 PM EDT
Since it's organizing month, I'm stuck on closets. If you're in a new-build home or a nice, spacious condo where closets are bountiful, this post is mere entertainment. But if you're like many and reside in an older home or rental apartment with tiny linen closets, or one of those first-time-buyer, storage-poor 450 sq ft 'lofts' -- you may deeper appreciate the following creative clothing storage ideas...
Where Else, But Ikea?
Southern Exposure via Design Shimmer blog
As I always say, no matter what you harbor toward this big box buddy, it's always there for you. See here, for example, how this clearly creative, urban dweller has used Ikea's Stolmen closet system to max out otherwise dead space behind the bed? A great tip if you're renting or on a budget...
Hand-me-downs?
Go-To Glamour Girl blog
Surely there is someone in your family who has lived long enough to own and want to get rid of an armoire? A clunky, often awkward and shunned piece in the storage family, armoires can be very useful in small spaces, and can be easily customized with various inserts and even paint, to add not just function but beauty to a room.
The Curtain Trick
Desire to Inspire
Pick a wall, slap on some shelves, stuff some baskets, and curtain the whole thing off -- the sky's the limit (though I imagine the space in your home would be the more immediate limit.) Tip: however little space you have, it's always better to go shallower and longer, rather than shorter and deeper with custom closet solutions. Think of it as moving one of your walls a few feet inward; like shearing a strip off one side of your room. You won't notice the space gone if it's evenly distributed.
Let It All Hang Out
Maison Petite blog
You're in a tiny apartment, you've no space, but lots of style: you celebrate! Why not collect charming, sundry storage furniture, including makeshift clothing racks, and turn your bedroom into a lush boudoir? This can really only work if you love your things like I love my shoes and bags (which are venerated in a glass cabinet), nor is this an option for a minimalist, but if you're in a tiny space, you may have to learn how to have fun with it. Tip: 99% of salvaged wood furniture looks great striped of its finish (no matter how cheap or old). If you have a little patience for the scrubbing, you will be rewarded.
The Easy Way Out
Southern Exposure blog via Desire to Inspire
Gosh, if you have style and an eye, you can make anything work. Including a rope and some colour coordination.
Cool!
Authentics "Wardrope" hooks
Look at this rope hanger! Pretty cool (German). Why I love it so, is because I am seeing it used as a room divider. If you're in an open space that could use a little separation, why not suspend a row of these from the ceiling, hung with your things, thereby creating a clothing room divider and killing two birds with one stone? I can see it, and I would do it...
Are you happy with your closet space?
