Impressive Yet Elegant Walk-In Closet Ideas

Walk in closets have always been a symbol of luxury, but the days when a walk in closet exclusively belonged in a mansion are over. We have some of the most functional and beautiful walk in closet ideas to help you create an impeccable, organized dressing area.

If your clothes and accessories are works of art to you, it’s time to display them properly. With some good design choices, you can have (and enjoy) the walk in closet of your dreams. The first thing to decide when considering walk in closet ideas is how to create the most functional space possible.

1. Select a Walk-In Closet Shape

In closet design, there are three general possibilities:

–an “L” shaped closet
–a “U” shaped closet
–a straight walk in closet

Closets in the form of “L” occupy two of the walls of the room leaving you space to move. A “U” occupies three walls for maximum storage. The straight closet design allows for his and hers sides and works well in smaller areas. Depending on closet size, all three shapes benefit from an ottoman or seating area for putting on shoes or dressing.

2. Add Good Storage

Most of us have have lots of accessories, not to mention a wardrobe of seasonal items that need to be stored most of the year. Having dedicated storage for all clothing and accessories makes it easier and less stressful to find the items when you need them. Adding plenty of drawers to your closet design is the best way to keep items organized and dust-free.

The right organizational plan consisting of shelving, hanging space, drawers and cabinets keeps a closet looking neat and uncluttered.

3. When Considering Walk In Closet Ideas, Choosing a Style is Key

Review walk in closet ideas and decide on a style for your closet. Contemporary styling is the best for a clean, uncluttered space to display your clothes beautifully. Have a definite style in mind to keep a walk in closet looking cohesive and stick with it!

Once you get the bones of your walk in closet in order, take inspiration and incorporate some picks from our nine must-have walk in closet ideas:

The Color White

No other color in the palette creates a better backdrop in your walk in closet for your clothes to shine. White is high-contrast, bright in what is normally a dark room and always looks crisp and new.

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A Dressing Island

If you have the luxury of space, a dressing item is the perfect spot to drop all your things until you use them again. Islands come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Be sure to select one with plenty of storage drawers and shelves to maximize storage. Add trays or boxes to your island top to catch smaller items like jewelry, pocket change or keys.

TerryJ/ Getty Images

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Innovative Accessory Displays

Create a beautiful and unique closet space by using innovative displays, like the shoe wall above. Take inspiration from the hottest fashion boutiques to display your fashion objects. Some display ideas include:

–Mannequins
–Racks
–Retail jewelry displays
–Open bookcases
—Floating boxes and ledges

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A Seating Area for Dressing

For your walk-in closet to be truly functional and a space you want to enjoy, you’ll need seating. An ottoman is the perfect solution. You can lay out outfits on the ottoman, or sit on it to get your shoes on. For additional storage, try a storage ottoman that opens up.

Depending on your closet shape, round ottomans work better in large open closets while narrow benches work best in straight, single-aisle closets.

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A Vanity Section

One of the newest upgrades in the world of walk-in closet design is the built-in vanity. Regardless of the amount of space available, you can add one to your walk in closet. The key components to a vanity area include:

–A countertop
–A mirror. If wall space is not available, a portable mirror works, too
–Dedicated lighting. Use a lamp, a lighting bar or whatever lighting works best in your closet’s vanity space
–Drawers. We recommend drawers for easily storing all make-up and grooming tools when not in use
–A stool or seat. A stools work great in a small space because it can serve as a seat or as a ladder to reach taller places

TerryJ/ Getty Images

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Mirrors

You can never have too many mirrors in your walk-in closet. If you are space and wall challenged, consider upgrading your closet doors to mirrored. The multi-function doors will keep items organized while reflecting light and other parts of your closet, making your dressing area feel larger.

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Cool Lighting

Set the mood with lighting in several ways including:

–Creating a design or focal point
–Adding mood lighting to the space
–Improving room brightness, especially when windows are not available
–Highlighting accessories
–Functioning as task lighting when dressing or applying make-up
–Showcasing your beautiful closet displays

Björn Forenius/ Getty Images

Ever wondered how to get the lightbox effect, like the shoe wall in the image below? Mount a flourescent light fixture on the wall and add a white plexiglass backing to the bookshelf or cabinet in front of the fixture. The plexiglass will diffuse the flourescent light and cause the lightbox glow you see.

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Artful Organization

Once you’ve invested in a walk-in closet upgrade, it’s time to showcase your items like a pro. Some ways to artfully organize your closet include:

–Grouping items like bags or shoes in one section
–Color coordinating all clothes and accessories
–Creating vignettes or combinations of your favorite items for display
–Adding favorite framed personal images or inspirational photos to your displays
–Including favorite art and fashion books on your shelves and counters
–Using a coordinated series of clothing hangers

Besides artfully displaying your items using the tips above, don’t over-do it. Like the image below, keep displays minimal and allow for open space to shine through. The saying, “less is more” is the secret to beautiful closet displays.

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The Library Ladder

Make the most of your walk in closet by installing a cool library ladder. The ladder allows for easy access to items stored up high while adding a funky effect to your closet. The best part is that your ladder can be part of your display, where you can hang next day’s outfit or a couple of scarves ’til you need to use it.

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