Expand Your Bedroom Closet Space: Smart Strategies

how to make a bedroom closet bigger

Making your bedroom closet feel bigger can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of clothes and other items. However, there are several ways to maximise the space you have and create the illusion of a bigger closet. This can be achieved through a range of DIY projects, organisation techniques, and clever storage solutions. From installing additional rods and shelves to utilising door space and corners, there are plenty of options to explore.

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Install a second hanging rod

One of the easiest ways to increase your hanging space is to add a second hanging rod to your closet. This can be done by purchasing a second hanging rod or making a DIY version. If you make your own, you can easily customise the height and length to fit your closet, and it will be inexpensive and quick to make.

What you need

You can get everything you need at the hardware store: 1 hardwood dowel (1 1/4” diameter), 4-8 eye screws (2 for the rod, and the rest for the purses), chain (2 lengths of ~ 3.5 ft long), 4 chain links, and s-hooks (for the purses).

Cut the wood dowel

Cut the dowel to the length that you need (you can have it cut at the hardware store or use a miter box and saw).

Drill pilot holes

Drill pilot holes and put in eye screws at each end of the dowel (these will be used to hang the dowel). If you don’t have a drill, you can use a nail and a hammer to make a pilot hole. Repeat for the eye screws that will be used for the purses, on the opposite side of the dowel.

Attach the chain to the closet rod and the dowel

Attach the 2 chain lengths to the top closet rod using the chain links, and attach the chain to the eye screws on the dowel using the chain links – adjust the length as desired.

Storing purses and boots

Drill pilot holes and add eye screws to the bottom of the dowel to store purses using s-hooks. To store long boots, use pant or skirt hangers (to protect soft leather, pad the clips with foam or cardboard). If you want more room to hang clothes on the hanging rod, you can move up your closet rod.

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Utilise the back of the door

The back of your bedroom closet door is a great place to start when trying to maximise your storage space. If your closet has a door that swings open, use the back of the door for additional storage. There are many racks available on the market that can be affixed to the back of the door. These are perfect for holding frequently used items like your favourite shoes and accessories.

The trouble with most doors is that they don't offer a good mounting surface for hardware. To solve this issue, screw a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to the back of the door. For hollow-core doors, add construction adhesive. Cut the plywood 3 or 4 inches shy of the door edges to avoid conflicts with the doorknob or hinges. Now, you can mount as many hooks, magnets and other storage gizmos as you like.

If you don't want to go to the trouble of affixing plywood to the back of your door, you can also use over-the-door hangers or hooks. Hooks are an affordable, space-saving solution that can be used to hang clothes, keeping them off your bedroom furniture, and are another great way to use vertical space.

You can also modify tool aprons to store nearly any household item. Just sew a variety of pocket widths into the aprons, then mount them by screwing a wood strip through the top of each and into the door. For hollow-core doors, use hollow anchor fasteners to hold the screws firmly.

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Add corner shelves

Adding corner shelves to your bedroom closet is a great way to maximise storage space and make the closet feel bigger. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you add corner shelves:

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin installing corner shelves, it's essential to plan and prepare. Measure the dimensions of your closet's corners to determine the size and number of shelves you can fit. Decide on the depth and spacing of your shelves, keeping in mind the items you plan to store.

Marking Studs and Attaching Cleats:

Use a stud finder to mark the studs on your closet walls. Attach 2x2 cleats to these studs using 3-inch construction screws. Space the cleats according to your desired shelf spacing, typically 16-18 inches apart.

Building the Shelf Skeleton:

Create a sturdy framework for your corner shelves by using more 2x2s to build a "skeleton." Secure these pieces to the initial cleats using 2 1/2-inch wood screws, driven at angles for a strong hold. Reinforce the structure by adding 2x2 support braces approximately every 18 inches.

Covering the Walls and Adding Beadboard:

If desired, cover the walls of your closet with beadboard for a polished look. Painting the beadboard before installation is easier. Cut the beadboard into strips and piece them between the cleats.

Adding Plywood and Hardwood:

Cover the 2x2 skeleton with plywood and hardwood to create the shelves. Cut 1/2-inch plywood to size and nail it onto the support braces. Use 1/4-inch plywood for the underside of the shelves. Frame the front edge of the shelves with 1x3 poplar for a finished look.

Finishing Touches:

Fill any nail holes and sand the surfaces for a smooth finish. Apply caulk to seal gaps and create a cohesive look. Paint the shelves and allow them to dry.

Now you have functional and attractive corner shelves in your bedroom closet, providing additional storage space and making the closet feel more spacious.

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Use stackable storage bins

Stackable storage bins are a great way to maximise limited space in your bedroom closet. They are versatile, modular units that can be stacked high, making use of vertical space. You can choose from clear or opaque bins, depending on whether you want to showcase or conceal your accessories. Stackable display trays are also handy for keeping smaller items like jewellery and cosmetics organised and within easy reach.

To get started, take an inventory of the items you plan to store in your stackable bins. This will help you determine the number and size of bins you need. Consider the weight and volume of the items as well, especially if you plan to stack the bins high. You want to ensure the bottom bins can withstand the weight of the ones above without collapsing.

Once you've gathered your stackable bins, it's time to organise your items. Group similar items together and consider using labels to identify the contents of each bin. This will make it easier to locate specific items when you need them. You can also use dividers or smaller bins within the larger bins to create compartments, keeping things neat and tidy.

When stacking your bins, consider accessibility. Place the items you use most frequently in the bins that are easiest to reach, and reserve the top bins for items used less often. Additionally, pay attention to weight distribution. Distribute the weight evenly across the bins to prevent them from toppling over.

Finally, don't be afraid to rearrange and adjust your stackable storage system as needed. The beauty of stackable bins is their versatility, so you can adapt them to your changing needs and preferences.

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Hang a curtain rod for purses

Hanging a curtain rod for your purses is a great way to maximise space in your bedroom closet. This idea is especially useful if you have a lot of purses or handbags that you want to keep safe and accessible.

First, you'll need to decide on the placement of your new rod. Consider installing a low-hanging rod, as this will utilise storage space that most people forget they have. If your closet has a "weird wall" where you can't hang a regular rod or shelves, this could be a great spot to utilise. Alternatively, you could hang the rod on the inside of your closet door. This is a good option if you want to keep your purses hidden away.

Next, you'll need to choose a rod and decide how to hang it. A tension rod is a good option if you don't want to drill into your walls, and it gives you the flexibility to adjust the height of the rod. If you're happy to drill, you could opt for a regular curtain rod or a drapery rod. To hang the rod, you can attach it to the wall or door using screws or command hooks, which simply stick to the surface.

Finally, you'll need some hooks to hang your purses from the rod. You can use S-hooks, or for a more decorative look, try hanging some small open-mesh bins or shower curtain rings from the rod and hooking your purses onto those.

This simple storage solution will help you make the most of your bedroom closet space and keep your purses organised and easy to find.

Frequently asked questions

Utilize various organizing products such as baskets, bins, and wall hooks. Also, consider decorating tricks like using light colors to paint your closet, which can create the illusion of space.

Get rid of clutter by tossing clothes that don't fit or haven't been worn in a year. Use thin hangers and remove empty ones. Make use of floor space by grouping short-hanging and long-hanging clothes separately. Install wall hooks and shelves for additional storage.

Yes, you can replace the closet door with a bigger one. However, ensure the wall isn't load-bearing, and if it is, consult a professional before installing a new header.

Install a double-decker closet rod to gain more hanging space. Utilize the space above the shelf for storing seasonal items in stackable bins. Use the back of the closet door for additional storage with racks or hooks.

Use organizers like shoe racks, separators for stacks of sweaters, and stackable clear bins to efficiently manage items that take up a lot of space, such as shoes, bulky sweaters, and handbags.

Written by
  • Lara Beck
  • Lara Beck
    Author Home Renovation Professional
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