Maximize Closet Storage With DIY Custom Shelving
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that no matter how big a home is, there’s never enough storage space. And our old farmhouse is no exception. When my husband, Nick, and I first moved in, we quickly discovered that our closets were woefully inadequate for our needs.
You see, our house was built way back in 1910, long before modern builders started prioritizing storage solutions. In fact, our home didn’t even have a single coat closet, linen closet, or pantry when we moved in. We had to take matters into our own hands and DIY our way to more organized living.
Thankfully, our bedroom closets did exist, even if they were a bit sparse. But as I stood in our master closet, staring up at all that wasted vertical space, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated. Our towels had been piled up on the floor in the hallway, and our sheets and blankets were crammed into the guest room closet. There had to be a better way!
Knowing how expensive professional custom closet systems can be, Nick and I decided to tackle the project ourselves. And let me tell you, the results were nothing short of transformative.
We started by removing the top shelf to create more usable space. Then, using 1×4 boards cut to size, we installed them on the walls as “braces” to hold up the new shelves. With a little drywall compound and sanding, these braces blended right into the background, creating a seamless look.
Next, we ripped the existing shelf in half to create two shelves out of one, doubling our storage space. And because I’m all about maximizing every inch, we added shorter shelves all the way down the sides of the closet as well. Talk about a game-changer!
To give the shelves a nice, finished look, we applied edge banding to the exposed edges. And let me tell you, the difference it made was night and day. Suddenly, our DIY shelves looked like they could have come straight from a high-end closet design company.
The real fun, though, came when it was time to load everything up. Sheets, towels, and even our entire dresser’s worth of clothes – it all found a perfect home in our custom closet. And the best part? We accomplished all of this for just a fraction of what a professional system would have cost.
As I stand back and admire our handiwork, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. Not only did we maximize the storage in our closet, but we also added a touch of personalized style that makes me smile every time I open the doors.
Of course, this isn’t the only closet we’ve tackled in our home. When our twins moved into their new room, we knew we had to work our magic in their closet as well. And let me tell you, the results were just as impressive.
Whether it’s adding custom shelving, installing a DIY shoe rack, or finding creative ways to utilize every nook and cranny, transforming a lackluster closet into a thing of beauty is one of my favorite challenges. And I’m willing to bet that if you give it a try, you’ll be just as hooked as I am.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a hammer, some boards, and let’s get to work! With a little elbow grease and a whole lot of creativity, you can turn your closest closet into a functional masterpiece. Who knows, you might even find yourself opening the doors just to admire your handiwork, like I do.
And if you ever find yourself in need of some inspiration or guidance, be sure to check out ABC Home. Their team of experts is always on hand to help with all your building and renovation needs, from custom closets to complete home makeovers. So why settle for a cluttered, cramped closet when you can have the organized oasis of your dreams?
