5 ways to create a magazine-worthy closet

We have been making steady progress on the mister’s closet makeover. If you missed what we’ve done so far, click here and here for the deets. We just finished hanging the lower closet rod and, this weekend, we’ll be installing the upper rod and the shelves (video tutorial on that project coming next week).

Yesterday, I gave this outdated tie rack a mini makeover with white primer and paint.

Much better, don’t you think?

Now before I go back into the DIY trenches with this project, I wanted to take a moment and share my 5 tips for creating a magazine-worthy closet space.

1. Be consistent with hanger style. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me, “I will not mix hanger styles or colors in my closet.” And, for Pete’s sake, no wire hangers … ever! (Name that movie.) All joking aside, to get a high-end look in your closet, you must use the same type of hanger. I like wooden ones, personally. They are a little more of an investment up front, but they last for many years and help clothes keep their shape. And they look great!

2. Hang like colors and items together. For example, in my closet, I start at one end and hang white shirts (short to long-sleeved) and continue from light to dark colors (and short to long-sleeved). I follow a similar pattern with pants, skirts and dresses – keeping like items together. Heavily patterned shirts that don’t fall into a particular color category get hung together in a separate spot. This helps give the closet that boutique look. It also offers the added benefit of showing the true quantities of pieces you own (i.e. you may not need another black turtleneck pullover since you have 15 hanging in your closet).

3. Edit. Edit. Edit. If it doesn’t make you look fabulous, or worse, if it doesn’t fit, give it away! Less clothing equals less clutter equals a prettier closet. After all, if you were successful in losing those 50 lbs., wouldn’t you want to reward yourself with some new duds? Just sayin’.

4. Lighten up. Consider giving your closet new life with a fresh coat of paint. I always recommend a light neutral shade. That way, if you decide to repaint your bedroom, you won’t have to worry about dealing with a closet color that now clashes with the room. Also, be sure to install a fixture in the space that provides plenty of light.

5. Fold clothes for style and functionality. Better Homes and Gardens recommends the following strategies: Group like with like (jeans with jeans, etc.). Put clothes you use most in the center at eye level. Don’t stack higher than about a foot, and leave at least six inches between the top of the stack and the next shelf so you can easily reach and grab things. Add drawers to collect smaller items like socks. If you don’t have drawers, use pretty baskets or containers.

See you next week with more progress on the mister’s closet. Enjoy your weekend!

I’m linking this up to Serenity Now, House of Rose, The Better Mom, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia and New Nostalgia.