Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    This Is Why We Send Paper Valentines on February 14

    The tradition began more than 1,500 years ago.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflĆ© dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    Pantone Predicts the Bold, Happy Colors You'll See Everywhere in Spring 2021

    If these trendy hues are any indication, brighter days are coming. Here's how to use these stunning shades around your home.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Closet Organization
  4. Reach-In Closets
  5. Clever Closets Around the House

Clever Closets Around the House

February 23, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
See your closets in a new light and maximize their storage potential. The closets around your house can organize your family's accessories, hobbies, and more. Browse these closet organization ideas to help you tackle your closets and keep them orderly and clutter free, no matter what they need to store.
Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bathroom Closet: Bath Caddy

Once great for college dorm bathrooms, bath caddies can now find a spot in your home. Get a matching set of caddies and line them up in your bathroom linen closet. Decide on an organization method that works best for your family. A house with lots of kids would benefit from designated caddies with each kid's toothbrush, toothpaste, and other bedtime necessities. If you are a smart shopper and buy sale items in bulk, caddies are a great way to corral all your shampoos, soaps, razors, and more. You'll be able to clearly see items you're running low on. 

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hall Closet: Season by Season

The coat closet sees a lot of traffic—and a lot of clutter. And what piles up in your closet will change from season to season. Outfit your closet with organizational gear that is useful year-round. An over-the-door pocket organizer is perfect for corralling mittens and hats during the winter, and umbrellas and sunscreen in the summer. Hooks on the back of the door and along the closet wall are smart closet additions, as well. And no matter what the season, shoes will always track in something from the outdoors. Use a shoe rack to keep footwear organized. Set the rack on a large jelly roll pan or other tray to collect the muck from the bottom of shoes and boots.

  • Learn the secrets to good closet organization.

2 of 22

3 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kid Closet: Split Space

Sharing a bedroom comes with many advantages and disadvantages. While your kids can keep each other entertained, they also learn valuable lessons about personal belongings—especially when it comes to closet organization. Having each child's clothes on the same rack is a strict no-go. Avoid the clothing mix-ups by designating a side for each kid. If they share pajamas or lounge wear, keeps those in bins stacked up the middle. Just be sure to keep undergarments separate! 

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bedroom Closet: No More Door

In shallow closets, space is crucial. Sometimes an extra inch or two would make all the difference! Get that added space by replacing the door with a curtain. This stylish solution expands floor space near the doorway by just a hair. The change could make room for a larger laundry basket or an extra-puffy winter coat. Install a wall hook or keep a decorative ribbon on hand to tie back the curtain when necessary. 

4 of 22

5 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Craft Closet: Contain Your Closet

A shelf-lined closet can be just what you need to keep your space neat and organized. See-through storage containers are perfect for this sort of tucked away space, allowing you to see what you need before sifting through all the drawers. Different sized and labeled containers fit snugly on the shelves, ensuring that everything has a place and the closet stays organized.

5 of 22

6 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Linen Closet: Corral & Conquer

Towels, sheets, and blankets are necessities but can be a headache to organize. Keep your linen closet in tip-top shape with a few organizing tools. Use shelf dividers to create cubbies on existing shelves. Label each cubby as the designated spot for specific linens—a spot for kids bathroom towels, guest towels, twin sheet sets, queen sheet sets, etc. Use baskets to round up extra toiletries and cleaning supplies. High shelves are ideal for storing large, infrequently used items such as bulky comforters and extra pillows.

  • Get more small closet ideas.

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Household Closet: Organization Boosters

An adjustable shelf unit provides extra storage space and a more organized layout for your closet. Specific compartments and products to boost organization help make sure that everything has a place and makes your closet look tidy. Desk organizers, mini drawers, photo boxes and even magazine holders can be used to eliminate clutter and make sure everything is in order.

7 of 22

8 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Ways to Organize Your Closet

It's simple to declutter your closet with these five must-know organization tricks.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Home Office Closet: Private Work Space

Create your own tucked away work space simply by using a wall-mount storage system and setting up a makeshift desk. In this crafty closet, a hollow-core door sits atop stacked storage cubes, perfect for a DIY work surface. The original pole bracket is still in place, allowing the closet to be used traditionally as well.

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bedroom Closet: Doubled-Up Storage

Try this smart closet storage idea: Install a second bar to add more hanging space. In this bedroom closet, a shorter, lower bar is suspended from the top bar, leaving room on one side of the top bar for longer items, such as dresses. The lower bar is at the perfect height for hanging shirts on top and pants and skirts below.

  • Get ideas from this closet.

10 of 22

11 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Home Office Closet: Room within a Room

By adding a few roomlike features, you can turn a closet into a practical home office that can be tucked away behind closed doors when not in use. Make the storage space feel more like a room with a colorful coat of paint and a pendant light to brighten your work surface. Use table legs and wall brackets to convert a prefinished wall shelf into a slim desk, then bring in ready-to-assemble modular storage units for books, files, and office accessories. Hang decorative bulletin boards on the wall for the finishing touch.

11 of 22

12 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Household Closet: Laundry Room

Despite their heavy workload, laundry rooms are often squeezed into small spaces where clutter can make the space feel even more cramped. To give the room a more spacious feel, replace closet doors with simple canvas curtains that slide neatly out of the way when open. Above the washer and dryer, mount a storage shelf for laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Craft Closet: For the Kids

If your kids are budding Picassos, designate a closet as storage central for all of their paints, brushes and other supplies. Buy bins or baskets that are the same size and assign supplies to each one. Look for plastic baskets with handles, which are easy to clean and easy to transport from closet to a work space. To prevent supply overload, sit down with your kids every few months to weed out empty bottles and dried-out markers.

13 of 22

14 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Home Office Closet: Simple Makeover

Outfit a small, narrow closet with shelves you can install yourself to give the space an organizational boost. Shelves placed close together provide a smart way to organize cumbersome rolls of wrapping paper. The rolls will lay flat and be protected from being crushed. Take a trip to an office supply store for file storage boxes and tags. Be sure to measure the height and width of your shelves to ensure what you buy will fit neatly on the shelves.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Craft Closet: Use Your Resources

Gather individual materials to turn an unremarkable closet into a crafter’s haven. A metal pegboard against the back wall is a great place to hang shelves and is also a quick and easy way to hang tools and supplies. A cutting board resting on top of filing cabinets makes an instant work space with lots of storage. Curtains allow the whole area to be hidden away when not in use.

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Linen Closet: Roll with It

Save space in a shallow linen closet by rolling up towels instead of folding them. Put lost space to use by installing towel racks on the back of the door to hang wrinkle-susceptible linens, such as tablecloths. With these delicate linens out of the fray, they won't be crushed by sturdier towels and blankets.

16 of 22

17 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kitchen Closet: Pantry Savvy

Plan out your pantry to store all of your kitchen must-haves. Instead of installing shelves from wall to wall, these shelves stop short, leaving room on the wall to mount a broom and mop holder. By sacrificing just a few inches of shelf space, these cleaning necessities have a place to call home, and any storage space that was lost was regained by mounting basket-inspired shelves along the back of the door for condiments and spices.

17 of 22

18 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mudroom Closet: Transformed Space

This space once housed a closed-off, cluttered closet. The decision to remove a closet door can be a scary one, but opening up this closet had a positive outcome. With the door gone, the space was fitted with custom cubbies that meet all the requirements for a savvy mudroom closet. Shallow cubbies fill the back of the space, leaving room for a bench extension in front, the perfect perch for taking off shoes. With an open storage space such as this, don't forget about adding a little style. Line the back of the space with wallpaper, or paint it a fun color.

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Household Closet: Cleaning Supplies

Make a clean sweep of your utility closet by organizing all the household cleaning supplies—you'll make cleaning a breeze when you can find everything easily in one place. Separate cleaning supplies in containers for specific rooms: a bathroom bucket with cleaner for the toilet, shower, and glass; a bedroom caddy with a dust cloth, surface cleaner, and linen spray. Stash sponges and used rags in wire trays and baskets to let air in and moisture out. Store gloves, cleaning wipes, and extra supplies in a hanging shoe or sweater organizer mounted on the inside of the closet door next to hooks holding the broom, mop, and dustpan.

19 of 22

20 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Craft Closet: Arts & Crafts Galore

Dedicate one closet to all the arts and crafts supplies in the house and you'll always have exactly what you need on hand for school projects, home decor creations, or just creative play. Start by filling the closet with basic adjustable shelves, then use a variety of storage boxes and containers to organize your supplies. Canvas boxes with dividers work well for storing papers and fabric scraps vertically where they can be flipped through easily. Use clear storage boxes and containers so the contents are visible. And use boxes with lids for easy stacking.

20 of 22

21 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kids' Closet: Baby Changing Station

Creative thinking makes the most of this small closet in a nursery. By removing the door and building in a simple cabinet with a top, the space is now a handy baby changing station. To make this transformation in your nursery, include storage shelves and a drawer in the base cabinet. Up top, cut a semicircle from the existing (or added) shelves at the doorway opening to allow headroom for baby and grown-ups. These shelves put nursery necessities within easy reach.

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Household Closet: Garage Storage

Conquer garage clutter with handy metal bins. Assign a specific item to each bin, and you'll avoid the frustrating search for a tape measure or a roll of tape. Fasten sharp tools, such as saws, to a pegboard storage system, so reaching into a bin doesn't become a hazard. Keep screws and nails in small boxes and round up all of the boxes into one bin, so you can easily find a deck screw or finishing nail.

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 22 Bathroom Closet: Bath Caddy
2 of 22 Hall Closet: Season by Season
3 of 22 Kid Closet: Split Space
4 of 22 Bedroom Closet: No More Door
5 of 22 Craft Closet: Contain Your Closet
6 of 22 Linen Closet: Corral & Conquer
7 of 22 Household Closet: Organization Boosters
8 of 22 Easy Ways to Organize Your Closet
9 of 22 Home Office Closet: Private Work Space
10 of 22 Bedroom Closet: Doubled-Up Storage
11 of 22 Home Office Closet: Room within a Room
12 of 22 Household Closet: Laundry Room
13 of 22 Craft Closet: For the Kids
14 of 22 Home Office Closet: Simple Makeover
15 of 22 Craft Closet: Use Your Resources
16 of 22 Linen Closet: Roll with It
17 of 22 Kitchen Closet: Pantry Savvy
18 of 22 Mudroom Closet: Transformed Space
19 of 22 Household Closet: Cleaning Supplies
20 of 22 Craft Closet: Arts & Crafts Galore
21 of 22 Kids' Closet: Baby Changing Station
22 of 22 Household Closet: Garage Storage

Share options

Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

  • Textured Throw Pillows
  • Round Mirrors
  • Kitchen Rugs
  • Hallway Runners
  • Tufted Area Rugs
  • Kitchen Island Pendants
  • Wall Sconces
  • Bedside Lamps
  • Throw Pillows
  • Vases
  • Shop More Next

Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
Better Homes & Gardens

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
  • Help
  • Media Kit
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

View image

Clever Closets Around the House
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.