Longing for a bigger closet?
Remember that rooms don’t have to be used as they were originally intended. Get creative and convert a small room into the ultimate walk-in closet, says Egypt Sherrod, host of HGTV’s “Flipping Virgins” and “Property Virgins.”
Giving up a room can be a big decision. The trick is retaining the flexibility to use the room differently in the future, says Kevin O’Connor, host of PBS’ “This Old House.”
• CHOOSING THE SPACE.
Ideally, use a bedroom next to the master bedroom, says Sherrod: “That way, you have the option of opening up the wall to go directly in.”
Creating a doorway in a wall is relatively minor construction and can easily be undone, experts say.
• DIY CREATIVITY.
The simplest way to convert a small room is by lining the walls with clothing racks on wheels and free-standing wire shelving. Customize the space with colorful bins and baskets.
O’Connor recewntly worked with a homeowner to build closet storage of black metal pipes and wooden shelves. The industrial look brought a dose of style, and the unit was sturdy.
“The few places they anchor to the wall give you nice rigidity,” O’Connor says, but the shelves also are easily removable.
Another DIY project: To fill the center of a new closet, Sherrod set two large bureaus of the same height back-to-back. She had a sheet of granite cut to cover the tops, creating a work island that combines storage and a place to arrange accessories or stack folded laundry.
“For those who like to lay out their attire to help them choose their outfit for the day, a table would be perfect,” says interior designer Mikel Welch, previously a competitor on “HGTV Design Stars.” And for changing or trying things on, “having a snazzy upholstered bench or chaise in the space will certainly come in handy.”
The finishing touch: Prop up a framed, full-length mirror on one wall.
“It’s sort of a boutique hotel look,” O’Connor says, and easy to remove if you repurpose the room.
• CONSIDER A SYSTEM.
If you’d rather exert less DIY effort, you can buy closet systems that mix hanging space and shelves.
The more permanent systems look like built-ins, Welch says, and “are a great way to maximize the space with a more customized look.” He recommends California Closets and Poliform for portable closets and wardrobe units. He also likes the Italian brand Porro Storage: “They put a chic spin on a typical storage unit,” he says.
Additional pieces to consider: “A great planning tool is a valet rod, which is a pullout rod that you can lay out your outfit for the next day or use for staging for a trip,” says Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at Home Depot.
If you have enough space, she suggests adding jewelry trays, and racks designed for belts and ties: “Some spin, and some you can slide out with plenty of space,” she says.
• BONUSES AND OBSTACLES.
A bedroom repurposed as a closet has ventilation and natural light that’s lacking in many closets. “For people who care about getting the tie to match the jacket,” O’Connor says, “there’s nothing better than natural light.”
For the best possible lighting, Fishburne suggests adding dimmers and choosing lightbulbs carefully (she likes LED daylight bulbs).
One challenge: Closet doors are designed to swing out, but bedroom doors generally swing into the room. Switching to a sliding pocket door can be expensive, O’Connor says, but a nice finish for your ultimate walk-in closet.
