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Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

Simple DIY tutorials and thrifty furniture and decor makeovers

How a Girl Built her Closet

How to build a closet without breaking the bank

This is the perfect time of year to start thinking about getting organized.  One of my all time favorite spaces in my house is my master closet, probably because it is the most organized space in my house!

I originally shared my Master Closet Makeover last year, and for a while I was getting questions about it almost on a daily basis.

Today I’m going to share how I built my closet. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

If you haven’t seen my closet makeover, allow me to set the scene. This is how it started:

Master-Closet-before

Lovely, right? Here is how it looks today:

Master Closet Makeover by Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

 

Master Closet makeover by Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

 

Master-Closet-Before-3

 

Master Closet Makeover by Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

 

Master-Closet-Before-2

 

Master Closet Makeover by Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

So. Much. Better, Right??

It is not a huge space by any means compared to similar sized houses from the 80’s, so it was important that I use every square inch wisely.

Most of the questions I received were about measurements and how I knew what would go where. Hopefully I will answer those questions here:

What are the measurements of your closet?

My closet measures 6′ wide X 4 1/2′ deep and from ceiling to floor is about 8′.

How did you get started?

I sketched each wall of my closet on graph paper, allowing each square to equal one square foot. Then I started penciling in what I wanted to go where.

How did you decide how to divide the space so that everything would fit your needs?

To decide on the height for each space, I used a sample of what would be hanging/stored there.  I used a few pairs of pants to determine how tall to make that section. I used a few shirts to measure out that section. I did the same with my shoes and boots. For the spaces that hold baskets and bins, I found the bins first. Then I measured to accommodate them.

Did you paint the wood first?

Yes! I primed and painted everything first. The knots have bled through a tiny bit in a few spots, so I would probably prime any knots a couple of times before painting. I used a six-inch sponge roller to apply the paint and then touched up any areas that needed it with a brush after installation.

Where did you start?

I painted the walls first of course, using some leftover bathroom wall paper scraps on either side of where the shoe shelves would go. Then I built the shoe tower.  For the sides of the shelving as well as all the shelving in the closet I used 12″ pieces of pine cut to fit the lengths I needed. Here are the measurements for the shoe shelves:

How to Build a Closet

All of the shelves are about 6 1/2″ apart with the exception of the bottom shelf which is 12″ tall to accommodate a couple of bins. I store my flip-flops and slippers in these. The bottom shelf is at the same height as the molding I used to trim it out.

How are the clothing areas installed?

If you look at my closet closely, you can see a piece of 1X5 pine that is supporting the shelving all the way around.

How a Girl Built her Closet

This was the next step. Installing this piece the length of the wall allowed me to screw it right into the studs. I  added  another piece the depth of the shelf on the left for support:

How a Girl Built her Closet 11

On the right side, I took the support all the way to the shoe shelving so I could find a stud. Clothes are extremely heavy, so try to take advantage of studs whenever possible.

How a Girl Built her Closet 12 1

I installed the hanging bar  next, screwing the rod holder right into the side supports. Then I added the shelf above. Here are some basic measurements I used:

How to build a closet without breaking the bank

The basket shelving was built by adding 1X3 pieces (the depth of the shelves) to the wall, screwing them into studs.

Baskets for closet storage

Then I cut a piece of 1X12 for the right side support in the height I needed. I attached the shelving with a nail gun from the right side, using a level as I went.

Here are my measurements which are based on the size of the baskets, yours may vary depending on your needs.

How a Girl Built her Closet 13 1

To finish this side off, I added 1X5 the rest of the length of the top, and to the right side and added the top shelf. This holds bins that keep everything from books, to photo albums, to jeans I may or may not be hoping to squeeze back into some day 🙂

How a Girl Built her Closet 2

The other side was built very similarly. I started with the support pieces for the hanging bar and shelf. Here are some basic measurements:

How a Girl Built her Closet 10 1

For the  left side supports, I took them to the shoe shelving, again to take advantage of the studs. It doesn’t take away from the finished look. Now that pipe is another story…

How to Build a Closet without Breaking the Bank

For the middle shelf, I added supports the same way, only I used 1X3 s. I added my shelf and then to build the cubbies, I cut two pieces of 1X12 to 12″ to act as dividers. They also support the top shelf along with side wall supports. I secured them with my nail gun through the top shelf.

How a Girl Built her Closet 3 1

The shelf and hanging bar appear to be sagging a bit, but it’s just the picture.  As you can see the shelf appears to be leaning forward as well, but it’s not. This is a good time to tell you though that if you have a wall that’s any larger than this, you probably want to add shelf brackets in the center for additional support.

Where do you hang your maxi dresses?

I get this question a lot. I made the right side long enough to accommodate my shorter sundresses, but I only have a handful of longer dresses. It just didn’t make sense to me for my space to create an entire area dedicated to them. I hang them on my regular velvet hangers but use these clips to fold them up at the bottom. It’s a solution that works for me. If you have  a lot of longer dresses, you may want to include an area for them.

Where did you buy your baskets?

I found these at Michaels for 50% off.  Their styles change with the season, but they always have a nice selection. Be careful they’re not made from banana leaves. The first ones I bought were and there’s a bit of an earthy odor to them.  Unless of course you like your underwear to smell earthy!

Here are some that are perfect (prettier than mine) that I found on Amazon:

Fabric lined baskets

I use them to house my undergarments and belts and such:

Bins for the closet

Ok so there you have it. This is how I built my closet.

Let’s take another look back so you can really appreciate this makeover…

Closet Before and After

The before was so lovely.

Closet Before and After

 

Closet Before and After

It came a long way! And I think I managed to use every square inch!

Master Closet Makeover by Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

 

Master Closet makeover by Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

Want to know what happened to my Hubby’s clothes?

Find out what happened to my Hubby’s clothes here:

Master-Closet-2

Master Closet Makeover Part 2

And you won’t want to miss my 10 Tips to a Better Closet. You can put these to work today!

10 Tips to a Better Closet

10 Tips to a Better Closet

If you have any other questions about my closet,  feel free to leave me a comment. This isn’t a huge dream closet, but it is a “real” closet and it is completely do-able!

Love it? Pin this image for later! How to build out a closet using every available inch and without spending a fortune!

I’d love to hear from you, your comments always make me smile!

XO,

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Comments

  1. Wow, great job and thanks for laying it all out. I have a closet to build this year (each room has a long deep narrow cupboard, so I’m splitting both in half and opening them out, but they would be about 1/10th of your space!! Then that’s okay, since I have less than 1/20th of the clothes that you do!! Very well organised, does it always stay so?

    • Thanks, Annet! It actually does stay neat since there is a place for everything. That is if you don’t count the small pile of clothes that seem to accumulate on that little bench. Maybe thus will be helpful to you with your closet! Good luck 🙂

  3. This is amazing Christy! It looks like you had it professionally done! I love that you fold your undies oh so nicely! Mine are crammed in a drawer 🙂

    • Uh..everything except long dresses lol! I fold them up over the top of the hanger hee hee. I only have a few anyway! It’s where I go when I finally tire of picking up the same toys five times…my little haven of organization 🙂

  5. Amazing Christy! Our closet really needs a makeover but I’ve been putting it off because I don’t really know where to start. I have to say though that I am most impressed with your matching hangers 🙂

    • Lol…you are so funny! I ditched all of my old ones when I redid my closet. These weren’t expensive at all…from Walmart! This was easy to do, really! Just draw out your closet on paper and go from there 🙂

  6. Christy, I saw this at Best of the Weekend, and had to come over for a better look. WOW, just wow. I love everything about it. Especially the organization and tidiness!! You inspire me to at least organize, maybe even build! Thanks! 🙂

  7. Wow! And can I just say, WOW! I’ve been putting off finishing the redo of my master bedroom because I’m so intimidated by the closet but I think if I pay close attention to what you’ve done I can do it!

  10. Christy, you just amaze me!!! Your closet is fantastic and I know how much this will inspire so many people – thanks so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend! Pinning and sharing! You are so going to be my go-to girl for the (lots) of help I’m going to need with my own goal of tackling my chronic disorganization! 🙂 Have a fantastic first weekend of 2014!

    • You are so funny, Cindy…I told Abby that this is my tiny box of organization for when I need to retreat from all the toys I’ve picked up five times already! Have a great weekend!! XO

  11. It looks fabulous!! My husband and I share a pretty small closet and it is in bad need of a good clean out and some kind of organizing system. I think I can use several of your ideas in our small space. I love how you used every inch of space! Beautiful!

  16. Hi Christy, You did an awesome job on your closet. We just expanded our master bathroom to make room for a double vanity (I was tired of dancing around each other and fighting over the sink)! Anyway, to do that we had to take party of my already impossibly small reach and grab closet. Even though I lost space in my closet, we took down the wall between my husband and my closets and made it into one ‘large’ closet – not large by any sense… The access is bigger now with french doors and we put in an organizing system like you have built! I used about every square inch, as well, and I can’t believe how much more actually fits into my closet now that it’s super organized and the space is utilized so much better. Thanks for sharing your ideas! I would love it if you linked up at the Link It or Lump It party going on right now > http://www.twoityourself.com/2014/01/link-it-or-lump-it-party-20-plus.html

  18. Awesome Christy!! I am SO inspired, you have no idea. We have done semi renos on our tiny little “walk in” and are going to do a big reno soon! Now I want to start sooner than later!! Beautiful closet…well used space!
    Nancy

  19. Beautifully organized closet, I am so ready to organize mine. It’s a good sized space but I need to have a plan for it. Thanks for the inspiration.

  20. Yes, you did use every square inch!! Great job – it looks so lovely and functional to the max. 🙂
    Blessings,
    Kim

  21. You really did an amazing job on your closet. Every inch is used to it’s maximum potential. I love it! My closet is on my “to do ” list this year. It’s no where near as big as yours but it does have a lot of wasted space I can use. Thanks for sharing your project. It’s so inspirational!

    • Thanks, Bonnie! Our closet had so much wasted space. When I first redid outer closet, I had so much room. It didn’t take too long to fill it ha ha! Hope you get to redo yours soon! 🙂

  22. I found you through Fluster Busters blog………Wow this is awesome and so organized, I just love it all. I miss having a big walk in like I used to have and maybe some day I will have one back and can get it organized like this. Thanks for sharing and have a great week.

  23. Christy…there is no doubt that you used every square inch of space! And you did it beautifully too! I love an organized closet and yours is fabulous. Thanks for sharing all the important details on how you made it happen, too.

    Thank you for sharing it at Project Inspire{d}!

    Hope your week is Extraordinary!!

    • Thanks, Melinda! There’s a lot of that going on in my house too…I want so much done, but much more important (but no fun at all) things need to come first! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

  25. Awesome work and idea! This makes me wanna tackle my closet! Thanks for the inspiration. Btw, I have the same storage boxes that you have on the very top but in gray. 🙂 Just came over from the Suburbs Mama Blog.
    Carmen

      • Would ya’ll like to share where the best place to buy those bins are? (The ones on the top, Carmen I was thinking Grey also!) I love everything about this Blog Christy!

  27. Will you marry me? You think I’m joking but I’m not. Or at least just be my girlfriend long enough to do this in my closet? I know Phil is going to want to put up a bunch of wire racks and shelving and I just don’t want that. I want this. And I’m pretty dumb when it comes to building stuff, so I can’t count on Me. Right now my closet is wide open, empty, and ready for whatever I dream up. I just lack the building skillz…..

    -andi

    • OMG if I only had a blank canvas to work with! I know we don’t get too serious, but Seriously, this was not hard to do! Seriously. Show Phil and see what he says. I’m pretty sure it would be cheaper too! Draw out your closet on graph paper like I suggested in my post and go from there. Home Depot or Lowes will make your cuts for you. Have I convinced you at all? Ok, if we “go out”, I get to be the girl. XO

  28. The mark of a good teacher is making the students feel that they can be successful. You have made me believe I can do this! I’m going to start drawing up plans for a smaller closet in another room. I’ve tried a couple of times to redo it, but it is such an odd shape. I think I can plan it out now so that it will maximize the space. Then … on to the master closets. I have small walk-ins. One will be a “cloffice”, and one will be my closet. I’m going to rock this because of you. Thank you so much 🙂

    • This is the sweetest comment ever!! Thanks so much, Lisa! I am thrilled that you feel inspired to tackle your closets. You really CAN rock this! If you start with a plan on paper to maximize the potential in your spaces, then make a list of what you need and get started. I’d love to hear how it all turns out…keep me posted!! XO

  29. This is amazing, Christy! We redid our master closet last summer, and I know how much work it can be. Thanks for sharing at Give Me the Goods… you were featured!

  32. Christy, I think this is your most impressive DIY to date!!! I am sharing at my party. It has been popular this week, and for such a good reason!

  36. Thanks for the post. I really, really need to update our closet, it’s a mess! This is just the inspiriaton I need to get going! Great job!

  37. This is so AWESOME!!!!!!! I am inspired. Thanks so much for doing a great job on the pics and explanations.

  38. Nice closet but are you not worried about carbon monoxide leaking from the vent into your bedroom? I am surprized that it is not boxed in.

  40. FINALLY! Someone posts a REAL closet with a REAL amount of clothes! I think you’re the first on the web. Seriously though, Container Store and IKEA have great closet suggestions, but their measly two skirts, three pairs of pants, five shirts, and three pairs of shoes are ridiculous. Home decor mags are just as bad. My daughter’s clothing collection takes up about 75 linear feet of shelves, hanging, and floor space, and she’s still crammed in. Yours is the first closet I’ve seen that looks as though she maybe could fit everything in one space. GREAT design job, cute clothes, and fab inspiration!!

    • Ha Ha! You are so right. Every closet system advertised doesn’t even show enough clothes for a long weekend away! My closet is pretty full, but you can see clearly how much it can hold (a lot). So glad you stopped by and found some inspiration here! XO

  41. You have totally inspired me! I want this now!!! I had a few questions…I am not the graph paper planning type so do you have your sketch that you could show us? Did you do it from above or of each wall? Also, the rods you used, are they wood or something else? Did you paint those as well and where did you get them? Thank you so much for sharing!

    • Awesome! Unfortunately I don’t have my sketch, but I drew each section as if I were standing in front of it looking at it head on. I measured each wall of my space and made each square on the graph paper = one foot, so my drawing would be to size. The rods are metal and I purchased them in the white finish at Home Depot. I’m so excited you feel inspired and I’m happy to answer any questions you have along the way. 🙂

      • Thanks Christy! My husband was wondering what gauge and length nails you used and the length of the screws. Thanks so much!

        • I’m not sure about the nails, since I borrowed the nail gun and don’t have any leftover nails for reference, but I believe I used 2″ wood screws. I’d love to see your project when you’re done if you’re up to sharing! 🙂

          • Christy, I feel like I may drive you crazy before I even get this started. I wanted to know if your shoe tower was attached to the wall and if it is how you did it. I don’t see a back on it, so I wasn’t sure. I have small children and the last thing I need is for them to pull a shelf of shoes over on them. Thanks a ton!

            • Ha ha, you’re no bother at all. As for the shelves, I had to wedge the two side pieces in place because they were a very tight fit, so honestly that’s what’s keeping them up. I had planned to add a few “L” brackets to secure it to the wall behind it, from the inside. It’s so snug in there, though that I haven’t yet. The brackets should hold it securely in place if needed. 🙂

  43. Very, very impressive!! I have awful wire shelves in my closet, and I have really been wanting to redo it. You have really inspired me to hop to it. This will be my summer project. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us who were afraid to tackle such a project. 🙂

  44. Thanks for the inspiration! I’m in the middle of redoing mine now. We removed all the wire shelves and pull out bins(saving in the basement for some other project) and the carpeting and my husband has installed hardwood floors.

    I’m kinda stuck so I decided to patch some of the drywall (wasn’t sure if I was going to do it since a lot may end up being covered by wood) just to pass some time. I’m having a difficult time committing to a design layout, LOL. I keep searching online then I find something else I want to incorporate, LOL. Ours isn’t a huge closet either (8 feet across back wall, about 4 1/2 on the sides. After looking at yours, I may just have to take the plunge and commit.

    • I certainly understand the commitment part! That’s why I drew it out on graph paper. It’s so much easier if you can get your vision down on paper, then just add your measurements and make a list of what you’ll need. Good luck with your project, I’d love to see it if you are up to sharing when its done. 🙂

  45. Christy, just discovered your site through Woodgrain Cottage. It’s lovely! Can I ask two questions? First, how far out are your rods? Second, how deep are your shelves (for baskets & shoes). Love what you did with your closet. I’ve been trying to figure out how to utilize my space more efficiently and now I know I can!

    • Awesome! So glad to have you hear, Susan! The center of the hanging bar is at 9 1/4″ from the back shelf support. All of the shelves are 12″ deep. Hope this helps! 🙂

  47. Looks wonderful…what would you say the total cost was roughly? So I can can do some sweet talking to the other half:) I want mine just like this!

  48. I love your closet. It is very inspiring. One thing I want to know is why you don’t have a hanging area for dresses, like long maxis or full length?

    • Thanks, Vallari! Great question! I really wanted to maximize the storage in this closet, and I honestly only have four maxi dresses, so it made no sense to me to create an entire section dedicated to four dresses. Instead I just fold the bottoms up and secure them with clips. Problem solved! I made the hanging bar on the right high enough to accommodate my shorter dresses since I have more of them. Hope I answered your question. 🙂

  49. Hey, I found your blog on Pinterest, I just got back from California Closets and they want 1300 dollars for something like what you did. This is my question, I noticed that you don’t have any space for long hanging items. Do you wish that you had a space for long hanging dresses and what not?
    You are an inspiration I want a closet just like yours for Christmas, so maybe I can do it myself.
    Molly F.

    • Hi Molly! I do not miss having a space for long hanging items at all, but I have very few of them. I made the right side hanging bar high enough to hang shorter/knee-length dresses and anything longer than that, I just pull the hem up and attach it to the top of the hanger with clips. It has worked perfectly! You can absolutely do this yourself…draw up a plan like I did and go for it! Good luck and I’d love to hear how it turns out! XO

  51. Great job! You’ve inspired me so much. One question though. Don’t you have long dresses? Gowns that need the full 6ft?

    • Ha ha…I should add my thoughts on that in the post because I do get a lot of questions about that. I don’t miss having that long space at all. The right side is high enough to accommodate most of my dresses that are a knee length. The longer ones, I fold up on the hanger. SO happy to hear you feel inspired! 🙂

  53. In the middle of using your design to redo our master closet which is exact same dimensions as yours! Thank you SO much for the dimensions of shelves and for the inspiration to begin with! Can’t wait to show you the pics!

  54. Maybe I missed it, but can you give me the approximate cost of materials was for this closet? And how much time you put into it? I’m getting prices from custom closet companies, and while I’d love to do it myself, it needs to be worth it in terms of both time and cost. Thanks!

    • This was roughly around $250. I would say that is without the cost of the hangers. I built it long before I started blogging, so that’s why I don’t have an exact figure given in the post. For a more accurate cost for your space, draw out your plan on graph paper like I did, and take it to the home improvement store with you. Don’t forget to figure in costs for the hanging bars, baskets and bins, and replacing the hangers if you plan to do so. I completed my space in less than a week. Good luck!

  55. May i ask: How much did the closet makeover cost? Good job by the way.It seems very realistic.

  57. Hi. Love how you utilized all the space here. How far away is the edge of the pant hanger from the side shoe wall? It looks like there is enough clearance but wondering if you have trouble reaching to the back of the pant wall to get things out?

  58. Hi, Christie!!
    When you have time (Ha!!), you should instruct on SkillShare. For example: How to Mix DIY Chalk Paint, How to Design Lettering, How to Transfer Lettering, How to Paint After Transfer., etc. The possibilities are endless. You would be in great demand!

  59. Wow! Add my vote to everyone who loves it and is inspired to tackle their own closet! Fantastic job! I just recently got a nail gun too, I bet it made the job go by much more quickly.

  61. Hey Christy

    Love your closet makeover – in fact, this is my closet or close to it lol but you have used every inch so perfectly – now it’s back to my closet for me and time to revamp. I especially love the way you have organized your purses – mine are just dumped on the upper shelf. Just one question, – what about your dresses? One side of my closet is relegated to my dresses (of couse the closet is entirely mine). Great post and once again lots of inspiration! Thanks

    • Thank you, Nancy! The hanging bar on the right side of my closet is high enough for shorter dresses and my maxi dresses, since I only have few, are hanging on pants hangers with the bottom of them flipped up over the hanger. I had such a limited space that I didn’t feel it necessary to create a section specifically for those few things. I also added hooks on either side of the shoe tower which could also hold a few longer dresses if needed. You could absolutely add a section for them if you have a lot. 🙂

  62. I like what you have done to the small closet space; it looks great! I have a closet similar in size desperately in need of a makeover much like this one. Thank you for laying out how you completed this project and your suggestion to add a support bracket if the shelving unit is much longer… nothing worse than figuring that out later after everything fell down 🙁 I am new to your posts, and I have really enjoyed the project ideas you have shared. Thank you!

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