Make Your Small Closet Stylish and More Functional With These Designer-Tested Tips (2024)

How to Organize Your Closet in 6 Easy Steps

Add Some Chic Lighting

A simple way to elevate the mood in your small closet is to spruce up the lighting situation. "A stylish yet subtle flush mount light with a soft white bulb works great," Kimami says. In this design, created by Emily June Designs, a bold light fixture lends an earthy and luxurious feel. Choose a bright light that makes it easier to find your garments.

Invest in Built-Ins

Investing in built-in shelving or closet inserts is one of the best ways to leverage every square inch of your small closet.

"Take measurements and start shopping for an insert that works best for your space," says interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. "Try to go floor-to-ceiling with it, too. If it doesn’t reach the ceiling, no worries. There are many ways to utilize that top space without structure."

Have Fun With It

Whether small or large, closets don’t have to be boring! This design by EJ Interior Design transforms a girl’s small closet into a whimsical jewel box with wallpaper from Pierre Frey’s Camomille.

"While we went bold with the walls and colors, keeping the shelves minimal and accessories curated helps balance the space and create a perfect dressing room for all ages," says design director Emma Jesberg.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

When horizontal space is limited, take advantage of height. "Capitalize on vertical space by installing hooks, pegs, and additional rods," says Jessica Love, interior designer and founder of Urbane Design. "These elements are perfect for hanging accessories, scarves, belts, and even shoes."

Utilize Multiple Storage Solutions

Maximizing your small closet is sort of like putting a puzzle together. Everything needs its own space, which calls for multiple types of storage solutions. Think dedicated bins for purses or boots, hanging racks for blouses or dress shirts, and enclosed shelves for folded items, as pictured in this closet storage system by California Closets.

Use Matching Hangers

Try matching hangers, as seen here in this organized small closet by professional organizer Lauren Morrissey. Visually, they're far easier on the eyes compared to a hodge podge of mismatched hangers. They can also save space.

Swap Out the Closet Doors

If space in general is limited, consider swapping out closet doors that swing open, suggests interior designer Denise Kimami. "Opt instead for a double-sided sliding door," Kimani says. A sophisticated barn door could work, as well.

Or Remove the Doors Altogether

Removing closet doors may feel intimidating—as seen here in this beautiful closet design by Avery Cox—but it can come with some major perks.

"Being able to see everything makes it easier to find what you need without making a mess digging through the closet," says interior designer Alice T. Chan. "I have opted to remove closet doors and install good closet organizers for many closet makeover projects."

Organize Anything You Can

You can find an organizer for practically everything you own, says Malarkey. This includes perfumes, necklaces, ties, hair accessories, belts, and even hats. A small closet is easier to keep clean when everything has its own space.

Store Your Seasonal Items

When space is limited, it's important to make your closet as functional as possible. That means tucking away items that you're less apt to look for and wear. For example, by only keeping seasonal pieces on display, you free up additional room in the closet. Donating garments you no longer wear also frees up space.

Organize Even the Smallest Details

A compartmentalized drawer—and tiny matching dishes—give your jewelry and accessories a place to live. Interior designer Courtney Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic kept things pink and pretty here.

Install a Rotating Shoe Rack

While teeny-tiny closets may not have room for a rotating shoe rack, small to medium closets can take advantage of this organizational wonder. Interior designer Ashley DeLapp leveraged one in this client's closet, which instantly increased shoe storage.

Try Over-the-Door Storage

A hanging organizer on your closet door provides extra storage space while making it easier to find your belongings. Here, Lesley Drane of Clean Lines Organizing and Design hung an organizer for shoes. You can use something similar for purses, jewelry, or other small accessories.

Add Shelves to the Doors

A hanging, adjustable shelving unit is another way to leverage the vertical space on your doors. Here, Katrina Teeple, founder of Operation Organization, uses a hanging system on one door and a hanging shoe rack on the other.

Fold What You Can

Not all items must be hung. If items aren't apt to get wrinkly, fold them and pack them snugly into dresser drawers. This works well for long and short-sleeved shirts, athletic wear, jeans, and sweatshirts.

Consider a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe whittles down your entire wardrobe into a few items that easily pair with each other. This cuts down on how much is in your closet and also can simplify getting dressed.

In this small closet design by Meredith Owens Interiors, you can see the clothing is all within the same color family, while outfit variety is added through the shoes.

Provide Enclosed Storage

Along with hangers, dividers, and boxes, add some enclosed storage options. Built-in drawers or small dressers maximize space both inside and outside of your closet.

Choose a Beautiful Color Palette

A cohesive color palette can instantly make a closet feel more glamorous—no matter its size. Lighter hues can create an airy and fresh feel, while rich tones—like in this design by Creative Tonic—make a space feel sophisticated and regal.

Utilize a Purse Organizer

If you like to keep a few different bags on hand, keep them organized in your space with a purse organizer. An acrylic divider, as pictured here, allows you to store multiple purses upright and provides additional storage space on top.

Get Creative With External Closet Space

If you still find that your closet's not quite big enough to store everything you need, look around your home and get creative. For example, this Collected Interiors design project repurposed vertical space next to the bed as a secondary closet.