When we viewed this rental apartment in San Francisco over seven years ago, I was more enthralled with the view of the Bay and concerned about painting all the different colored rooms. I forgot to evaluate the closet space! So, I’d like to share my four solutions for very little closet space. Also, you are in luck as we also get to see some great closets by six great bloggers. Their links are at the end of the post.
But first, thank you for all the comforting and heartfelt comments about my mother’s passing last week. I felt like this blogging family gave me a big hug, actually LOTS of hugs. I answered each comment and email.
Solutions For Very Little Closet Space
Howard moved up here about a month before I did to start work. I got here later with all our furniture, kitchen wares, clothes, etc. When I saw the size of my tiny closet (about 30″ wide on one side with a rod and shallow shelves on the other), I burst into tears. I just knew it was impossible for all my clothes. But, of course, I had to make it work.
1. A Free-standing Armoire
In Paris, when we had NO closet in the main bedroom, we installed the IKEA Pax System. So, IKEA was the first place I thought of for a quick solution…so that I could unpack my boxes. I can’t find the one we bought below but this IKEA Wardrobe is similar.
2. Edit and Organize The Space
3. See Through Baskets for Shoes
The shelves on the left side of the existing closet are so shallow, my size 7 shoes don’t fit. I’ve used clear plastic shoe boxes with lids before, but these wire see-through baskets from Target are easier and quicker to use.
I wish I had photos of the closets I designed for our Fort Lauderdale house…all based on our clothing types and amount. I couldn’t even find any photos of our Lido house closets. This still looks like a “before” photo but oh well.
Some great wardrobe closets for you to consider…
4. Use Bedside Chests with Drawers
We store our underclothes, bathing suits, PJs, etc. in these chests.
Shop Our Bedroom
And that how we lived happily ever after with solutions for very little closet space. Here is a little video recap. NOTE: Click on the bottom right square on the photo below to have the video properly fit your screen.
Let’s go check out what my friends’ closets look like…
Mary Ann, I am very late to this. Love your ida of baskets for handbags. I have to do that with my small bags. I like the idea of sweats in the baskets too You have done a great job with your space. I need to redo mine and use some of your ideas. Love this ! xo Kim
Hi Mary Ann,
I love the tip on rolling scarves. I’ve struggled to find a way to see all of the scarves I have (and wear) and the hanger with multiple circle openings has not worked for me.
I loved all of your tips and plan to organize my closet and drawers for the season.
Thanks,
Karen
Thanks, Karen…they are staying organized since I rolled them!
I love your ideas for closet organizing. Sadly in our 1950’s tract rancher’s main bedroom we don’t have the space for either an armoire or ample bedside chests. For years we had my mother-in-law’s large, ornate dresser and nightstands in there, with furniture shoved into every corner. I convinced my husband (after 30+ years) to let them go to someone who would love them and had the space for them. I talked him into a tall 10-drawer dresser with a narrower depth, measuring the total square inches of storage space and proving the new one was equivalent to the old. (As they say, it’s just math!) We make do with under-bed storage and pilfering real estate from other closets. Having retired the mortgage makes that all a little easier to accept! 😉
How great to have an accommodating husband, Sara!
Mary Ann … I’m in love with your apartment. Everything about it is so chic including your bedroom. I really love the clothing armoire. And I’m drooling over your scarf and belt drawer. Ou la la. Your shoe basket idea is brilliant … wish I’d thought of it. It’s an understatement to say you’ve made the most of your city apartment with the great view. I suspect there’s some magic closet element happening over there because you’re always beautifully dressed and I never see you wear the same thing twice. What are you hiding?! 😉
Such a great idea to get an armor when you are limited space or don’t have a closet. adding those bins are also a great way to store smaller items and use the space at the bottom. Love it !
Ana, it was out of necessity but it has worked out well! Thanks for doing this with us.
So timely. We just bought a big house and we were so dazzled by the view, I didn’t notice the bathrooms have no closet and the master bedroom has one just ok closet. We’ll be using all your ideas.
There are some great wardrobe links in the post, Nancy!
YOU have to have MORE hanging space?!!
Or did HOWARD get that?!!
MY GOODNESS……………it all is organized!
I start out that way BUT!!!!!!
Yes, the long things filled up the little existing closet, though. I hope I can keep it organized. Made me see things I had forgotten I had!
I have always said that the real clues for storage are to be found in small spaces. Very clever use of the wire baskets for shoes. A big yes to the narrow black hangers! We were one week away from getting the upstairs carpeted before Covid lockdown. I haven’t had a real closet in years as we have worked our way through remodeling room by room. I had gutted our small bedroom closet for the closet carpet install and when covid came, we bought wire shelves to store the basic necessities of covid: TP, paper towels, gloves, and masks. Who needs clothes when you have a good supply of paper products, right? So tired of this!
ps Everytime I see pictures of your SF views, it calms me. Can’t hang clothes on it, but it is such an extraordinary glimpse of beauty and wonder.
HAHA! Right about the clothes…it will be nice to start wearing things again.
I actually was going to ask you if you could do a post on how you store everything living in an apartment so thank you for writing this! I am slowing going though my things. I did a Marie Kondo on a few drawers a couple years ago and it is so nice to see everything at a glance. What a time saver.
I am guilty of storing things in some of my dresser drawers that are not clothing related so that is my next project, to get everything out that does not belong. We have an older home so a couple of the closets are small. (not really a bad thing) I have 2 closets and my husband has 1 and an armoire for his dress shirts and hoodies.
Can’t wait to read the other ladies organization ideas!
Linda
Linda, My husband took the medium-sized walk-in closet for his suits and things which are bigger so I didn’t argue…just cried. Byt it all worked out. The rolled belts and scarves are Marie Kondo-ish 🙂
Great tips for limited closet space! We are in an older home in Monterey and have the same problems so we have to get creative. I am so sorry for your mother’s loss, I always enjoyed seeing her pictures on your blog. I also lost my mom last June during the lockdown which was a challenge. Blessings to you and your family!
Oh Annette, I am so sorry to hear that. We had to fight to keep Mom at home as if she went back to the hospital, she would have been alone. God bless you and your mom.
I am studying this. We will have to utilize one of our armoires in our new abode. Mine does not have drawers but I think I can mimic what you have done somewhat. I love all these small space solutions. I think they are so helpful because we all have small closets that we aren’t utilizing properly. Of course you have made yours both stylish and practical!!
You are going to have a great new space, Cindy!
These are great small space solutions Mary Ann, I especially love how you stand up your shoes in baskets and make the most of what you have to work with. Love the tips for organizing shirts and sweaters by color and sleeve length too. Can you come organize my closet next? Thank you for allowing me to join you this month for Project Design! I always love what you, Cindy and Annie do with this series!
Thanks, Lisa. LOVE your coat closet.