If there’s one thing I hate, it’s builder grade closets. They are always built with a super inefficient use of space and the worst lighting. A little thought could go a long way in turning a basic home into a dream home. Just sayin, builders. So with that in mind, I’ve slowly been upgrading the closets in our home and this last kids closet was worth a share.
Where we started
Before we get to the after, let’s talk about the before. The space is 5′ x 5′ which is a pretty good space for any closet, especially a kids closet. But the layout was frustrating with a blind corner. By running the upper shelving and hanging rod to wrap the corner, you are left with hidden/hard to access space in the corner. This almost always leads to clutter. The walls were pretty dingy, which isn’t surprising for a closet. The flat paint didn’t help either as it’s prone to scuffs. And let’s not forget the sad little globe light that didn’t improve the dingy feel (and collected bugs over time – gross).
Where we ended up
To transform the space I started by ripping everything out, patching the walls, and painting everything a bright white. I used Sherwin Williams Snowbound for the walls (my favorite white) and Extra White for the trim. We replaced the light with a new fixture that opens at the bottom (so no more bugs) and looks more polished even though it’s inexpensive.
For the closet system, I went with my favorite customizable solution from The Container Store. The Elfa closet system is installed in multiple areas of my home, from a full office setup to standalone drawer units. It’s super versatile and really good quality. While it’s not the cheapest closet system, it’s also not the most expensive on the market either. I always wait for a sale to purchase (it goes on sale at least twice a year). One of the things I like about this system is it’s really easy to modify or add on to in the future as your needs change. For example, I made the upper shelves/rods lower than normal so my daughter could reach. As she grows, and her clothes get larger, I can easily move the shelves/rods up higher.
To recreate our kids closet in your home, I’ve put together a complete shopping list below. Since it’s a customizable solution, everything is sold and purchased individually.
Supply List
When shopping for Elfa (or any large project) at The Container Store, I find it easier to create a wish list. You must create an account first. Once you’ve added all of your items to the wish list you can wait for a sale and then transfer everything from the list to your cart with one click.
- 2 Easy Hang Top Tracks – One 73″ and one 49″ track, both cut down to size in store or at home
- 5 Top Track Covers – not necessary but gives it a more polished look
- 6 84″ Hang Standards
- 3 Hang Standard Wall Clips – It seems they have stopped producing the wall clips in white. I don’t know why as they are necessary, in my opinion, for installation. I went with the graphite since it was still available.
- 5 Ventilated Shelving – Two 12″x24″ shelves, two 16″x36″ shelves, and one 16″x24″ shelf
- 20 Ventilated Shelf Brackets – Four 12″ brackets and sixteen 16″ brackets
- 6 Classic 18″ Hanging Drawer Frames and Medium Cabinet-Depth 2-Runner Drawers
- 2-Runner Mesh Drawer Dividers – I like to use these to keep file folded clothes separated into two rows in the drawer but definitely not a must.
- 8 Closet Rod Holders
- 4 Closet Rods – Three 24″ and one 36″
- Closet Rod End Caps – I only used one package since only one end was exposed, the rest ended in a wall.
- Ventilated Wire Shelf Bracket Hooks
Like I mentioned, the options are endless so I encourage you to look around to find the best fit for your needs. And be sure to check out this kids spring wardrobe refresh guide to keep their closet up-to-date and under control.
