Get the most our of your tiny bedroom closet with these layout, organization and product ideas.
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10 Bedroom Closet Ideas to Optimize Your Space
Updated on Oct. 25, 2024
Maximize Your Small Bedroom Closet
Your bedroom closet is one of the biggest workhorses in the house. It’s the place to store your clothes, sure. But if you don’t have space for a dresser, items like shoes, accessories and even socks and underwear land there as well.
If your bedroom closet is on the small side, you can optimize every square inch through careful organization. We spoke to Jenna Shaughnessy, home organizing and decor expert at Jenna Kate at Home, for her top small closet organizing tips.
Invest in a closet system
“I’ve found by far the best way to optimize storage is to invest in a closet system,” says Shaughnessy. “The standard rail and shelf that is in most closets just doesn’t work.
“By utilizing a wall-mounted closet system, like those available at IKEA or The Container Store, you can triple the storage capacity of even the smallest closet. I like to hang a double rod, shelves or drawers and of course, a behind-the-door hanging system to make use of that unused space.”
Secret weapon divider products
Shelf dividers and drawer dividers are two of Shaughnessy’s favorite small closet organizational products.
“[Shelf dividers] allow me to neatly stack my sweaters and I don’t have to worry about them falling over,” she says. “I use drawer dividers in my dresser to help keep my clothes neatly folded using the vertical folding [file folding] method.
“Both of these items help me get the most out of the storage in my bedroom and help keep everything looking neat.”
Double Hanging Rods
Standard closet systems often only have one hanging rod. Double rods hold a lot more clothing and reduce the amount of required shelf space.
Notice this closet by @suddenlysimpleorganizing. It’s got four hanging rods, two on each side of the shelf tower. Hanging clothes in categories as seen here — dress shirts, casual shirts, jackets and pants — creates tidy sections and lets you find things easily.
Hang Up Boots
Boots often end up in a heap on the floor or folded over on a dusty shelf. Instead, check out this solution from @spacesbyemily.
Use specialized boot hangers with clips to hang your boots on rods. It gets them off the ground, saves precious shelf space and utilizes any wasted hanging areas you might have.
Matching Baskets
A set of matching baskets can work wonders in a small closet with messy shelves. In this little girl’s closet by @orderleighhome, the baskets are sized to fit each shelf perfectly, giving the closet a nice uniform look.
Baskets are great for corralling small accessories, socks, underwear and swimsuits. Don’t forget the labels that ensure everything is put back in its place.
Shelf Dividers
Storing sweaters on hangers can stretch them and damage the shape. Instead, use shelf dividers to create tidy stacks of folded sweaters, as seen here in this closet from professional organizers @organizing.engineers.
Shelf dividers maximize shelf space and keep all the clothes visible, making it easier to find your favorite pieces and plan your outfit.
DIY Closet System
Can you believe @builder.baker.boymom built this gorgeous closet system herself? A custom closet system can be costly, so if you’re handy, DIY is a good alternative.
This closet features drawers for accessories, shoe and hat shelves and plenty of hanging room. The narrow vertical piece pulls out to store ties. When you DIY, you can design your closet to seamlessly organize all your odds and ends.
Elfa Closet System
The Elfa Closet System is popular among professional organizers for its versatility and ease of installation. This small closet by @sortandstore reaches its full storage potential thanks to the Elfa system.
Elfa closets are customizable and made to order. And everything is adjustable, so you can add extra shelves or drawers later as your needs for your closet evolve.
@michelleeeejh Small closet organizing is much easier when you’re not wasting space! These stackable shoe organizing boxes make a HUGE difference ? #smallapartmenthacks #smallclosetorganization #smallclosetmakeover ♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul
Stackable Shoe Bins
With a small closet, it’s important to use every inch of space, even that dead space between the top shelf and the ceiling. In this video, @michelleeeejh turns that unused vertical space into organized shoe storage.
These stackable shoe bins (these look similar) can be piled as high as you want. They keep your shoes tidy, dust-free and easily visible through the clear doors.
@asa_organizeurchaos Wait until you see this! Baby hangers are a great way to store pants, sports bras and tank tops! They take up less room and make your closet look great! You can find them on my Amazon link! #taylorswift #gorgeous #closethack #getorganized #declutter #storagehacks #organizedcloset #professionalorganizer #controlthechaos #allsquaredaway ♬ Gorgeous – Taylor Swift
Baby Hanger Hack
If you hang up your jeans or athletic wear, check out this hack from @asa_organizeurchaos.
Folded jeans and leggings can slide around on big hangers and make everything look messy. Switch to baby-size hangers for a cleaner look. The smaller width keeps jeans and leggings in place and takes up less space in your closet. Win-win!
@aangelicawilliams #closetmakeover #amazonfinds #amazonfind #amazondresser #dresser ♬ original sound – Angelica Williams
Renter Friendly
Place a dresser in your closet as a substitute for a built-in closet system, as seen here from @aangelicawilliams.
This is a great solution for renters because you won’t damage your closet walls and you can take the dresser with you when you move. Measure the exact width of the closet opening before choosing a dresser to ensure the right fit.
Utilize Doors
When you have a small closet, every space must be utilized — including the doors. This beautifully organized closet by @horderly features door systems for accessories, like purses and hats. We really love those acrylic shelves, perfectly sized for the owner’s sunglasses collection.
The right planning and products keep your favorite items on display so you’re not searching through crowded baskets and bins.
About the Expert
Jenna Shaughnessy is a home decor and organizing expert and owner of Jenna Kate at Home. She also authored the popular eBook, Home in Progress: The Ultimate Home Decorating Guide.
