12 factors to consider when designing a custom closet

Designing a custom closet is an opportunity to create storage that truly works for your lifestyle. Instead of forcing your belongings into a basic layout, a custom closet allows you to plan every detail, from how you hang clothes to how accessories are stored and displayed.

Homeowners often look to experienced craftsmen like Riverside Millwork Group for inspiration when exploring high-quality, custom-built storage solutions that combine function with thoughtful design. Before you finalise your design, here are the key factors to consider when building a closet that’s both functional and beautifully organised.

1. Hanging space configuration

One of the first decisions is how much hanging space you need. Options include single-hang sections for long garments, double-hang rods for shirts and trousers and mixed configurations to maximise vertical space.

2. Shelving style and placement

Shelving is essential for folded clothing, handbags and storage bins. Adjustable shelves allow flexibility, while fixed shelves provide a clean, built-in look. You can choose open shelving for visibility or enclosed shelving for a streamlined appearance.

3. Drawer options

Built-in drawers are perfect for organising smaller items. Consider shallow drawers for accessories, deeper drawers for clothing and soft-close hardware for a premium feel. Drawer inserts can further organise socks, jewellery or undergarments.

4. Shoe storage solutions

Shoes deserve dedicated storage. Options include angled shelves, cubbies, pull-out shoe racks or floor-to-ceiling shoe walls. The size of your collection and types of shoes you own will determine the best setup.

5. Accessory organisation

Custom closets offer a variety of accessory storage options, such as pull-out belt racks, tie organisers, jewellery trays, watch drawers and handbag shelves. These features keep items visible, protected and easy to access.

6. Lighting features

Lighting plays a big role in functionality. Built-in LED strip lighting, motion-sensor lights and illuminated shelves improve visibility and elevate the overall design. Proper lighting ensures nothing gets lost in dark corners.

7. Use of vertical space

Maximising height is key in custom design. Upper cabinets, overhead shelves and tall storage units provide space for seasonal clothing, luggage and less-used items while keeping everyday essentials within reach.

8. Finish and material choices

Closet finishes help define the look and feel of the space. Options range from clean whites and wood tones to textured laminates and accent panels. Durable materials ensure your closet stands up to daily use.

9. Layout and flow

A good layout makes your closet easy to navigate. Walk-in closets benefit from clear pathways and balanced storage zones, while reach-in closets require careful planning to avoid overcrowding.

10. Mirrors and seating

Full-length mirrors are both practical and space-enhancing. Seating options, such as built-in benches or ottomans, add convenience for dressing and shoe changes while creating a boutique-style feel.

11. Speciality storage features

Depending on your needs, you may want speciality storage like pull-out hampers, valet rods for outfit planning, luggage compartments or dedicated space for athletic gear or seasonal wear.

12. Flexibility for the future

Your closet should grow with you. Adjustable components and modular designs allow easy changes as your wardrobe or lifestyle evolves, ensuring long-term functionality.

A closet designed around you

A custom closet is a lifestyle improvement. By considering how you use your space and selecting the right features, you can create a closet that feels organised, intuitive and effortless to maintain. With thoughtful planning and the right options, your custom closet becomes a space that supports your routine and enhances your home every day.

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How to maximise your storage with smart closet design

A well-designed closet does more than store your belongings; it simplifies your life. Whether you’re working with a spacious walk-in or a compact reach-in wardrobe, thoughtful closet design can dramatically increase storage, reduce clutter and make your daily routine easier.

Homeowners looking to elevate both function and style often turn to custom solutions from experts like Closet Envy, where storage is designed to fit real life. Smart closet design is about using the space you already have more effectively. Here’s how to maximise storage with a closet that truly works for you.

Start with a clear plan

Before choosing shelving or drawers, take time to assess what you, in fact, store in your closet. Clothing, shoes, accessories, seasonal items and speciality pieces all require different types of storage. Measure your closet carefully and think about how you use it every day. Do you need more hanging space, additional shelves or easier access to shoes or bags? Designing around your habits ensures every inch of space serves a purpose.

Use vertical space from floor to ceiling

One of the most common mistakes in closet design is underutilising vertical space. Many closets stop storage well below the ceiling, leaving valuable real estate unused. Installing shelving or cabinetry that extends upward creates storage for items you don’t need daily access to, such as seasonal clothing, extra linen or luggage. Even small closets benefit from vertical storage without sacrificing floor space.

Double your hanging space

Maximising hanging space is one of the easiest ways to improve storage. Instead of relying on a single rod, double-hanging sections allow you to separate shirts and trousers or jackets and skirts. This setup works particularly well for everyday clothing and can instantly double your hanging capacity. Long garments like dresses and coats can be accommodated in designated full-height sections.

Incorporate adjustable shelving

Closets should evolve with you. Adjustable shelving gives you the flexibility to modify your layout as storage needs change, whether you’re adding more folded clothes, shoes or storage bins. Being able to reposition shelves ensures your closet remains functional over time without requiring a complete redesign.

Add drawers for hidden storage

Drawers are an essential component of an organised closet. They’re ideal for storing smaller items like undergarments, workout clothes and accessories while keeping visual clutter to a minimum. Built-in drawers also add structure and balance to your closet design, helping the space feel calm, clean and intentional.

Design with shoes in mind

Shoes are often one of the biggest storage challenges. Without a dedicated solution, they tend to pile up or disappear. Angled shelves, cubbies or pull-out shoe racks keep footwear visible, protected and easy to access. Locating shoe storage near the bottom of the closet makes use of otherwise overlooked space.

Use accessories to maximise every inch

Small accessories can deliver big storage gains. Belt racks, tie organisers, jewellery trays and hooks prevent items from getting tangled or lost while freeing up shelf and drawer space. These features ensure even the smallest items have a dedicated place.

Improve lighting for better functionality

Lighting plays a critical role in how usable your closet feels. Bright, even lighting helps you see what you own, find items quickly and keep everything organised. LED strip lighting, motion sensors or built-in fixtures can completely transform the space without taking up storage space.

Customise for your lifestyle

No two closets should be the same. A closet designed around your lifestyle will always function better than a universal solution, whether that means workwear, casual clothing, athletic gear or accessories. When storage reflects how you live, your closet becomes easier and more enjoyable to use.

Storage that simplifies your day

Maximising your storage with smart closet design is about creating a space that supports your routine and reduces daily stress. When everything has a place, clutter fades and daily decisions feel effortless. With thoughtful planning and intentional design, your closet can become one of the most functional and satisfying spaces in your home.

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Modular furniture: The ultimate customisable solution for any room in your home

Have you ever found yourself on a quest for furniture that fits your space just right, matches your ever-changing style or adapts to your shifting needs? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Traditional furniture often leaves you in a bind, forcing you to settle for pieces that are either too large, too small or just not quite right. But what if there was a smarter solution? Enter modular furniture – the innovative and flexible answer that lets you create the perfect environment in every nook & cranny of your home.

What exactly is modular furniture?

At its core, modular furniture is just that: furniture made up of independent, interchangeable units or “modules” that can be combined, rearranged and reconfigured in endless ways. Imagine it as building blocks for your living space. Instead of purchasing a single, fixed piece, you invest in components – whether they’re seats, storage units, shelves or desk sections – that work together effortlessly. This clever design allows you to mix and match to create a piece that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Why you need modular furniture in your life

The magic of modular design lies in its incredible versatility, offering a range of benefits that traditional furniture simply can’t compete with:

Unparalleled customisation: This is where modular furniture really stands out. You become the designer. Need an L-shaped sofa for your living room today and two separate sofas for a new layout tomorrow? No problem at all. Want a media console that perfectly fits your TV, sound system and a specific number of books? Modular units empower you to build it piece by piece. You get to decide on the size, configuration and even the function, ensuring that every item aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Optimal space utilisation: Every inch counts, especially in compact homes, tiny houses or flats. Modular furniture is a true champion of efficiency. As such, it allows you to expand vertically, horizontally or even into those tricky corners, maximising those awkward spaces that often get overlooked. For instance, picture a wall unit that seamlessly combines shelves, a desk and closed storage, all designed to fit your wall perfectly.

Adaptability for life’s changes: Life’s always evolving, and your furniture should too. Whether you’re relocating, welcoming a new family member or just refreshing a room, modular pieces can easily adjust. You can add more sections, take away components or rearrange what you have to meet your changing needs without the hassle of buying all new furniture. It’s an investment that grows alongside you.

Aesthetic cohesion: With a plethora of styles, finishes and materials to choose from, modular systems help you keep a consistent design theme throughout your home. Indeed, you can achieve a polished, custom look that feels like it was crafted by a professional, all while showcasing your personal style without sacrificing functionality.

Tailored solutions for every room

The possibilities with modular furniture are nearly endless, turning every space into a stylish and functional retreat:

Living room: Design custom sectionals, unique media centres or build-your-own shelving units that perfectly display your books, decor and entertainment essentials.
Bedroom: Create personalised wardrobe systems with specific hanging, shelving and drawer setups or design integrated bedside tables and storage solutions.
Home office: Build a desk that suits your workflow – whether it’s a corner unit, a long straight desk or one with built-in filing and shelving – ensuring you stay productive.
Kids’ rooms: As kids grow, so do their needs. Modular storage, adaptable beds and play units can evolve from infancy to their teenage years, making furniture purchases less frequent and more sustainable.
Kitchen & dining: When it comes to the kitchen & dining room, modular concepts can really shine, especially for storage solutions, pantry setups or those practical dining tables that can expand and contract to fit your needs.

Your future-proof furniture solution

In today’s world, where flexibility and sustainability are more important than ever, modular furniture is a fantastic long-term investment. Ultimately, it helps cut down on waste by letting you update and rearrange instead of tossing things out, and it gives you the power to design your own living space.

So, the next time you’re thinking about buying furniture, don’t get stuck on rigid designs. Embrace the freedom and endless possibilities that modular furniture brings. It’s not just furniture; it’s a versatile, customisable solution that truly transforms your house into a home. Tap into your inner designer and see how modular pieces can elevate your living experience today!

Designer Desire: Ron Arad

Justin was watching an episode of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces programme on television recently (see below) that highlighted the Design Museum in Holon, Israel. It’s an incredible, one-of-a-kind building, designed in 2010 by Ron Arad.

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A post shared by Ron Arad (@ronaradstudio)

Ron Arad studied at the Jerusalem Academy of Art prior to emigrating to London in 1973. In the early 1980s, he founded his own practice in London and set up One Off Ltd with his partner Caroline Thorman, focusing on limited-edition objects.

Throughout his career to date, Arad (b. 1951) has created sculpture, furniture, jewellery and audio equipment using materials including glass, textile, metal, wood, ceramic, marble and plastic. He is a master of design!

Designers accuse me of being an artist, artists accuse me of being an architect, and architects accuse me of being a designer. But it doesn’t bother me too much; that’s just the way the fragmented world works. _{Ron Arad}

Arad has worked with many leading design firms such as Kartell, Vitra, Driade, Guzzini and Moroso. He has collaborated with Fiat, Swarovski, KENZO, Samsung, Adidas and many more.

His more famous works include the award-winning ‘This Mortal Coil’ bookshelf, ‘Big Easy’ chair and ‘Victoria and Albert’ sofa.

There are over 50 examples of his work in the V&A collection in London and at least half a dozen in MoMA in New York.

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Additional image credits:
Bukowskis | Phillips

H is for Home Harbinger

Tag: furniture design