How to Revamp Your Closets for Maximum Potential

When it comes to closet organization, it helps to know your options before making an informed decision that satisfies your storage needs and meets your budget. “Whether you’re creating more room in a narrow reach-in closet or putting everything in its place in a spacious walk-in, the closet systems installed by Callen have the quality and options to make the best use of closet space and enhance the access and style of any closet,” said Paulette Sodemann, Sales Design Consultant with Callen. “We apply customizable design and installation techniques to create closets that hold more and function better,” she added.

Walk-in closets are commonly found in master bedrooms and are valued for their versatility and storage opportunities. “Compared to a traditional reach-in closet, a walk-in closet offers more depth and space. They can range anywhere from a few square feet to as a large as a bedroom,” said Paulette.

Extra space for a dressing area or a vanity may come in handy, however you still need to give careful consideration to your closet’s design. For organizational purposes, it’s helpful to set up different zones in your walk-in closet. For instance, the top of your storage system should be confined to seasonal storage, while the belt level zone or “hot zone” of your closet should be used to maximize storage for such items as jewelry or men’s watches. You’ll also want to keep shoes visible and accessible.

In order to free up even more storage space on your walls, a walk-in closet can include a center island. “A walk-in closet should be at least 6 ½ feet wide for easy access, if you are considering a center island,” said Paulette. In addition to the island suggestion, you will also want to be mindful of tricky corners and angles in a walk-in closet. When utilized correctly, they offer optimal storage capacity as well. “The walk-in closet system installed by Callen uses each available wall to its greatest extent and provides the best solutions for hard-to-reach corners. Your closet will be carefully planned based on the area’s size and shape to ensure the open area or aisle does not feel crowded,” she said.

“Conversely, reach-in closets are usually anywhere from three to eight feet wide with a limited depth of 24 to 30 inches,” said Paulette. Reach-in closets are typically found in hallways, kids’ rooms, and bedrooms of older homes. Originally, these closets were designed with a single rod for hanging clothes under a shelf, with return walls that limit inside access. However, nowadays there is a wide array of available products that allow you to create a more efficient space with numerous storage opportunities. “Our reach-in closet system, which generally goes wall-to-wall, improves the function of any size closet. Door placement and type, the most important considerations for these closets, affect the number of sections and where they are placed. Generally, the larger the closet, the wider the sections will be,” she said.

Remember, you want to maximize space as much as possible when it comes to reach-in closets. For example, stackable storage components like cube organizers and drawer units, will give you storage for folded items and accessories. If you have traditional hinged doors, you can add hooks or over door racks and pockets to the back of the door for items such as keys or shoes to increase storage. Wire starter kits are an option as well. They offer an adjustable mounting system that you can customize as your storage needs change. Finally, a double-tiered hanging system can be used for folded articles to gain space.

“Our systems at Callen can be both floor-based and suspended. Available features include 24 colors and 13 door and drawer profiles, as well as a choice of veneer, perfect edge matches, crown and base moldings, and more. In other words, whatever type of closet you’re looking for, we have the selection and the expertise to suit your specific needs,” Paulette said.

For more information or to arrange an initial Design Center consultation, call Callen at 414-529-5509.