You can save a lot of money by designing
and building your own clothes
closets. Here
are some tips to help you with
the design:
- locate the closet far enough from the bathroom
to avoid high humidity and the kitchen to
avoid cooking fumes. Try to have a mirror
convenient
- be realistic about space. Estimate the volume
of clothes you want to keep in your "active"
wardrobe and the volume in your off-season
wardrobe. Keep in mind that the winter wardrobe
often takes more room because of heavier
fabrics and larger garments. Put the active
wardrobe where you can reach it; put the
off-season wardrobe away.
- plan around your lifestyle. Don't put coats
and shoes in your clothes closet if you walk
around in stocking feet and the room is far
from the door (those coats should go into
a coat closet closer to the door; otherwise,
they'll only wind up draped on furniture).
Exception: because women's dress shoes are
considered a part of the outfits, they should
be stored with the clothes for easier selection
and matching.
- hang what must be hung; fold the rest. You'll
find clothes take less room when folded,
so don't plan on hanging every tee-shirt
you own.
- keep shelf spacing small, except for bulky
sweaters. Avoid having towering stacks of
folded clothes -- they are too hard to keep
straight when you want to wear something
that isn't near the top. You will be better
off to put in more shelves (even though this
reduces the amount of storage space).
- avoid shelf materials that are rough and
could snag fabric. Open wire shelves are
good for boxes and ventilation, but are difficult
to stack clothes on. Don't skimp on the materials:
clothes closets are thought of as a jewelry
box for your clothes; high quality materials
are expected and will enhance the value of
your home.
- you can double stack hanging rods, but remember
to leave some space for full
length dresses,
gowns, and coats.
- include drawers in your layout for clothes
that you want to just "toss
in"
the closet, such as socks.
- include ample natural or white light; otherwise,
you'll find yourself pulling
out the wrong
color garment.
- if your ceiling height permits it, use overhead
areas for longer term storage. If possible
build in an easy way to access these areas,
such as a corner for a small step ladder.
Remember to finish your closet off with a
nice closet door. |
