How to Make Easy DIY Closet Upgrades in Your Home

Transform your builder grade closet space with custom closet upgrades.

Are you frustrated with the boring, basic builder closet you got when you moved in? Are the racks and wood shelves nothing more than cheap materials? You don't need to settle for an uninspiring closet design any longer. By taking just a few simple steps, you can easily upgrade your home's closets and turn them into a work of art.

This article explores some of the key elements to taking your closet makeover from boring to beautiful, including tips on how to reconfigure the inside of your closet, choosing the right materials, finding the right storage solutions, and adding touches of personality. You will be amazed at how a few simple upgrades can turn your closet into an efficient and inviting space. Let's get to work and upgrade those builder grade closets!

When we welcomed our son into the family, our girls had to share an upstairs bedroom until we remodeled the basement. The upstairs bedrooms were not large, so I built them bunk beds to accommodate the small spaces. The other dilemma was having enough closet storage space. I decided to maximize space by upgrading those builder grade closets with using what I had, instead of tearing everything out.

How to Make Builder Grade Closet Upgrades

If you need help with transforming your closet organization, but you are also on a very tight budget, I have some easy solutions. Tearing apart this closet was not an option. Luckily, these few adjustments can make a huge difference in closet upgrades.

Put Closet Rods on the Same Side

First thing, adjust your closet rod. Instead of having one long rod all the way across your back wall, you want to have multiple on one side. The best way to do this is by moving closet rods to the same side, creating one upper rack and one lower rack for more hanging storage. You may need to purchase another rod to create a second rack, but these are fairly cheap to acquire.

Closet Upgrades With Additional Shelving

Add shelving to the other side using the existing shelf dividers. The wood for the shelves only cost me $20 and was simple to install with a nail gun. You can choose to add custom shelving all the way to the floor, but I opted to leave an extra space for shoe storage. Open shelves are wonderful because they have a lot of potential storage space.

Use Storage Containers for Shelves

A great way to organize open shelves while also creating some visual appeal is to incorporate storage containers. I found matching canvas bags that I purchased from Kohls to provide extra storage. The galvanized buckets on the upper shelf came from Ace Hardware.

Containers like these are the perfect closet organizer for clothes and toys. You have easy access for what you need, but it is also practical. I know my two daughters would not end up folding clothes, so providing a storage design with clothing and toys in baskets is a simple solution.

Add Hooks

Another necessary closet upgrade is adding hooks. I always make sure to install hooks for additional hanging items because they take up minimal space. Use hooks for hanging purses, jackets, scarves, hats, ties or even long pieces of jewelry.

Closet hooks can also be installed on the back of closet doors, side walls or shelves where there is an open space within the closet. Use hooks that are permanent fixtures or you can opt for other hooks that are more similar to command strips or different types of removable adhesive.

Shoe Organizer

And you can't forget a spot for your favorite shoes. A pre-made shoe rack or organizer provides the perfect storage spot for all of their shoes. I found this one at Home Depot for $30 to place at the bottom of the closet. If you have the closet space, you can also look into shoe storage that is floor to ceiling.

Simple designs like these can make the existing space feel so much larger in small closets. Now you may be thinking, my kids would never keep their closets that clean! And yes, you would be right. But making storage options that are easier for kids to maintain definitely eliminates the mess on the floor.

Build Your Own Custom Closet Upgrades

This second option is best for building bedroom closets from scratch. If your current situation allows for you to completely rip out your closet and create a built-in closet of your own design, here are some great ideas.

Master

Get one step closer to your dream closet by building your own master closets. If you have the space to do it and need to save on expense, a DIY closet system is completely doable. I built my own custom master closet with plywood. It will take time, but the effort is worth it!

Bedroom

Walk-in closet ideas are ideal for closet systems, but challenging if your space is limited. View this step-by-step guide on how to build a small walk-in closet that is functional for your room.

I used bullnose particle shelving board and MDF shelf hooks for my main supplies. This helped to make it affordable and stylish. And the built-in drawers? A home organization project that you can easily do! You'll see that I also added storage baskets on these shelves to house specific closet accessories.

When You Can't Make Closet Upgrades

We all know that sometimes funds aren't available to make closet upgrades. Or sometimes, we simply don't have a closet. In cases like these, you still need an area for your clothing and accessories!

Easily make your own clothing rack with an industrial pipe using this simple tutorial. Take this concept and create clothing storage that will be both stylish and functional.

By transitioning to custom-built closets in your home, you can maximize the efficiency of your storage space, enjoy the convenience of a well-organized space, and increase the value of your property. Upgrading your closets is an investment that pays off in the long run. Not only do you receive instant satisfaction from a job well done, but you also give your home the extra touch it needs to stand out.

Don't be afraid to take your closets to the next level and start seeing the rewards. With the right materials and a little bit of effort, you can create a beautiful closets space that you are proud to show off. Now is the time to take control of your space and start maximizing your space.

Happy DIYing!

Brooke