Creative Ways to Revamp and Upcycle Your Custom Closet System

Even if your custom closet system has served you well over the years, it may be time for a refresh. Revamping and upcycling your custom closet will not only improve the look of your closet and enhance its functionality, but it can also breathe new life into your space. 

Take a moment to explore practical and creative ways to revamp your custom closet system, maximize your storage capacity, and make organizing clothes a breeze. 

• Embrace vertical storage solutions
• Incorporate clever organizers
• Get creative with labels
• Adopt sustainable upcycling practices
• Create a dressing room vibe

Get ready for your closet to become your personal fashion sanctuary.

Embrace Vertical Storage Solutions

Whether you have a small closet or a big one, it pays to think vertically. People sometimes overlook the empty space that can be put to use just by using vertical storage, but maximizing vertical space is an excellent way to add more storage capacity to your closet without taking up additional floor space. Consider adding extra shelving or cubbies above your existing hanging rods to store shoes, handbags, or seasonal items. Utilize the full height of your closet by installing adjustable shelves to accommodate different-sized items.

Hooks and pegs are another brilliant vertical storage solution. Hang belts, scarves, and hats on hooks attached to the back of the closet door or on the inside walls. Pegboards can be used to create a versatile and customizable space for accessories, like jewelry or ties. With vertical storage, you'll free up more room for clothes, making your closet more functional and organized.

Incorporate Clever Organizers

While you’re redoing your closet, take the opportunity to include smart organizers that cater to your specific needs. Invest in pull-out baskets or drawers to keep smaller items like socks and underwear neatly tucked away. These organizers not only enhance functionality but also add a touch of elegance to your closet. You can choose cute baskets or stylish drawers that add to the overall atmosphere of your closet space. 

Consider installing specialized racks for pants, ties, or scarves, making it easier to find and access these items quickly. Shoe lovers can delight in slanted shoe shelves, shoe cubbies, hanging shelves, and over-the-door organizers that keep their collection visible and within reach. Adding these custom organizers ensures everything has its place, streamlining your morning routine and maintaining a well-organized space.

Get Creative With Labels

Labeling is an incredibly effective strategy for organizing your clothes and maintaining order in your closet. Get creative with labels to make it both functional and visually appealing. Use chalkboard or adhesive labels on baskets, bins, or drawers to identify their contents. You can also use decorative labels for different sections of your closet, such as "Workwear," "Casual," or "Formal."

Labeling extends to seasonal rotation as well. Consider creating tags for clothes you wear during specific seasons and rotate them accordingly. For example, a "Summer" section can hold lighter fabrics and bright colors, while a "Winter" section can house cozy sweaters and heavy coats. By rotating your clothes seasonally, you'll always have a well-curated wardrobe that matches the weather. If you store out-of-season clothes away in boxes and bins, labeling is essential to ensure you know what you’ve stored where when you come back to it later.

Adopt Sustainable Upcycling Practices

Revamping your custom closet system can also be an opportunity to embrace sustainability through upcycling. You may not realize how serious a problem clothing waste can be, but CALPIRG reports that the average American throws away an estimated 81 pounds of clothing every year, and 85% of discarded textiles, including clothes, are dumped into landfills or burned. That’s a lot of waste. 

When considering clothes that you no longer like or can’t wear, consider creative upcycling strategies. Have a shirt that’s not worn out and still fits, but it’s got stains you can’t remove? Try dying it a darker color to hide the stains. Old clothing can be sewn into a quilt or tote bag, cut into cleaning rags, or even used to make scrunchies. You can also repurpose stretchy fabric as creative wrapping paper for gifts, allowing you to upcycle the clothes and avoid single-use paper wrapping. It’s a win-win.

Keep upcycling in mind when redesigning your closet, too. Reuse old wooden crates or vintage suitcases as storage containers for shoes or accessories. Repurpose mason jars or glass containers as a chic solution for jewelry or small accessories storage. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also adds a unique and eco-friendly touch to your closet.

Create a Dressing Room Vibe

Elevate the aesthetics of your custom closet by creating a dressing room vibe. Add a full-length mirror to one of the closet doors or a mirrored wall to visually enlarge the space and provide a convenient spot for outfit checks. After all, what’s a dressing room for if not to give you a chance to model your clothes? Comfortable seating adds to the vibe, and storage benches or ottomans also give you more space for your things. 

Don't overlook the importance of lighting in your custom closet. A well-lit closet helps you find what you need more easily and enhances the overall ambiance. Consider installing LED strip lights along shelves or under hanging rods to provide ample illumination. You can also incorporate a statement light fixture, such as a chandelier or pendant light, to make your closet feel like a luxurious dressing room.

Conclusion

With a little creativity and resourcefulness, revamping and upcycling your custom closet system can yield remarkable results. By maximizing space with your vertical storage and clever organizers, while using smart organizational strategies that also enhance the atmosphere of your closet, you'll create a practical yet stylish closet that reflects your personality while keeping your belongings tidy and accessible.

Source

• https://pirg.org/california/articles/the-fashion-industry-waste-is-drastically-contributing-to-climate-change/