https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:25:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1137533 Mon, 13 Jan 2014 14:46:05 +0000 Mander 1137533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It took me forever to decide what I wanted, but I finally did a completely DIY closet remodel earlier this year.&nbsp; My closet is a standard reach-in type, 5 feet wide, and originally had one long rod across the middle with a shelf above it, plus a few extra shelves in one corner.&nbsp; I ripped everything out, repainted it, made clothes rods from some old curtain poles, and added adjustable shelves along the back wall.&nbsp; It would be better if the hanging rods were adjustable but so far I am able to fit a lot more stuff in it without having to dig around in the dark corners. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1136304 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:52:10 +0000 MsMary 1136304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Plus one for modular pieces, and a huge thumbs up for the valet rods!&nbsp; I had one and wished I'd had two!!</p> <p>Also, when I was doing my two side-by-side closets, I ended up with each of the sections the same width, so that all the shelves, drawers and rods could fit in all the openings.&nbsp;&nbsp; I only thought of that late in the design process and thought it was really smart of me so I'm passing it on.</p> <p>Oh, and also?&nbsp; Years ago I hired a closet company that ripped all the molding out from around the inside of the closet doors in my 1920s house.&nbsp; So. Furious.&nbsp; If you have architectural details like that, be sure to take them into account.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1136102 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 17:04:19 +0000 deb 1136102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily, the melamine is great because it is easy to wipe down. All the shelves and rods are moveable except the middle one. And yes, it sits on the floor and is attached to the wall. I had a system in my old house that did not sit on the floor and even though it was attached to the studs, it did eventually fall. &nbsp;That is when I changed to the Closetmaid. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1136068 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 15:28:22 +0000 Jjsloane 1136068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I installed the Container Store Elfa system in all of my home closets and garage. I love them. They were super easy to install myself, I could design myself online and order parts for pickup or have a consultation in store (just watch out for all the tiny extras they try to include that are not necessary for the function and can really add up) Their customer service is amazing and I am able to mix and match many of the items as our closet requirements change. Their 30% off ELfa sale is on now.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1135882 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 03:42:39 +0000 Janet 1135882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing that is really great about our new closets, and you may want to investigate this -- all the rods and shelves in our system can be moved around, except for certain ones that are fixed for stability. The hardware is very sturdy - metal tabs that hold the shelves, and they tuck into sturdy plastic inserts in the shelf boards, so the metal doesn't dig into the wood shelves. </p> <p>The hanging rods are not round but more like rounded rectangles (or squared off elipticals) in shape -- not only do hangers move smoothly on them, but the shape means more strength in the rod for holding a good amount of weight with no sagging or bending. Little details like this really make the quality feel great. We also got pull-out valet rods, which are terrific for planning an outfit or hanging a new purchase for evaluation. Just a couple little details I appreciated that may give you some ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1135778 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 01:09:26 +0000 Anonymous 1135778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you have a container store near you? I just put some shelves and drawers in my kids shared room from the elfa line. Pretty easy to install. They have staff that can walk you through the design process and talk to you (or your husband about the install). They run 30% off promos 2-3 a year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1135705 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 00:24:17 +0000 Emily 1135705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the suggestions, Glory - I haven't heard of Stay Organized, but I will investigate.&nbsp;</p> <p>Deb, your closetmaid closet looks great! &nbsp;I assume it sits on the floor but is anchored to the wall? &nbsp;How has the melamine finish held up? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1135696 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 00:20:03 +0000 deb 1135696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have used closetmaid for all of my closets. Home Depot and Lowes carry it. It was easy and I was able to do it myself.</p> <p><a href="http://www.closetmaid.com/en-US/Design/Pages/DesignGalleryIntro.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.closetmaid.com/en-U.....Intro.aspx</a></p> <p>My walk in below</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1135584 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:10:37 +0000 Glory 1135584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet mentions such a good point: length of time you are going to spend in the house. I haven't really thought of upgrades etc in that light but it makes such sense.&nbsp;<br />Emily, I think Costco also has a custom closet company that they work with. I like the home depot one as well. There is also the company called Stay Organized. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1135494 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 21:12:26 +0000 Linda 1135494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am SUPER interested in hearing from folks in this thread.&nbsp; We had a contractor in several years ago in hopes of exploiting the space in our awkward walk-in and reach closet.&nbsp; It wasn't a great experience.&nbsp; Valet rods have both come loose.&nbsp; NO storage containers we can find fit the shelf spaces.&nbsp; Part of the rod space hides about a third of another part of the rod space.&nbsp; Fortunately my DH took the top rod and we DID gain a lower rod, but the top rod is ironically the much more spacious rod, although I'm the one with more clothes.</p> <p>We did have cedar lining installed, which i think helps a lot since we live in a fairly rural area and there are LOTS of insects.</p> <p>I've stacked folded clothes (and I admit, often non-folded clothes!!) on dressers and shelves for quite long enough, now, and we're looking at floor to ceiling wardrobe choices.&nbsp; We have baseboard heating along the longest wall of our bedroom, which means we can't put closed shelving or furniture there.&nbsp; So we're looking at the IKEA PAX wardrobe designs to fit on the other longest wall.&nbsp; We have a bed wall on a third wall which includes pier cabinets, but I could better-organize those, I think, too.&nbsp; It feels really cramped in our bedroom.</p> <p>If I went with a contractor again, I would be careful to get multiple bids, and to take my time comparing them very much in detail.&nbsp; I remember doing some research when we did the clothes closet, but obviously, either did not do enough, or were too dazzled by the idea of a closet design solving the actual structural challenge.&nbsp; </p> <p>For a long time, I thought that I had way too many clothes.&nbsp; However, after some time watching YouTube, and lurking on YLF, I think I have a reasonable amount of clothing, but far less space than many other people have to house it.&nbsp; (This is certainly true of our kitchen too -- basically we have an old-style small house, and today, house size is about triple what we have!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1135001 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:52:03 +0000 viva 1135001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have a walk-in closet and did a DIY using the Martha Stewart line at Home Depot. We each have three hanging sections and a set of shelves; DH has three drawers and I have an extra long set of shelves for shoes. DH is pretty handy and has a very handy friend (always a good friend to have). If you have a tight budget I think it can be a good way to go. It was not difficult or time-consuming to do and has held up really well -- about 4 years so far, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134906 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 06:13:59 +0000 Lucy 1134906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have just done a major revamp of the closets in our house (yes, all of them, including the linen closet!) And I couldn't be happier. We have so much better use of space now.&nbsp;<br />I am useless at anything practical, but DH is super handy, which is lucky. He did it all himself, with me just advising on what I wanted where. I took a while to figure it all out, but we got there in the end.&nbsp;<br />One thing. It did take a while. We swapped walls, made 3 new cupboards, moved old ones&nbsp;(and made a new entry to the house and the bedroom), so we were without a proper closet for about 6 weeks. If you got someone in, it might be quicker, as DH was doing it on the weekends only, as he has a super busy job. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134446 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 21:02:58 +0000 Emily 1134446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks great, MaryK! &nbsp;I'll take a look at easyclosets.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134445 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 21:01:41 +0000 Janet 1134445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our closet is 108" x 71" -- hope that helps! That back wall is 65" high, and the front of the closet is 124" tall -- that gives you an idea of how steep the angle of the ceiling is! My husband is very tall, and his clothes are longer than average,&nbsp;so it was especially important to use the vertical space properly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134439 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 20:53:51 +0000 MsMary 1134439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used an online company called <a href="http://www.easyclosets.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.easyclosets.com</a>.&nbsp; I designed it online (worked on it for almost a year), they shipped the components to the house, and I had a handyman install it.&nbsp; I was super happy with it and I miss it terribly!</p> <p>Here's the before and after:&nbsp; <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-my-new-closets" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ew-closets</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134433 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 20:40:43 +0000 Emily 1134433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aha, Janet, I knew someone around here had a closet done recently! &nbsp;Yours looks very well organized. &nbsp;May I ask the dimensions of your space? &nbsp;I am terrible at judging these things by sight.</p> <p>I think I will look at having someone out for a quote, if only for comparison's sake... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134385 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 19:58:06 +0000 Janet 1134385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We just had ours done by a closet company, and we are thrilled with it:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-closet">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....new-closet</a></p> <p>This is not what I'd call a budget option, but my husband is not Mr. Handyman (I'm better at that stuff than he is), and it's a tricky space, with a beam running through it and an angled ceiling, so I wanted professional help. We went back and forth a few times in the planning stages because I wanted to be sure we were maximizing the storage space and taking into consideration exactly how we envisioned using all the space. I actually inventoried items to see how everything would fit -- especially shoes. We want to be in this house for at least 15 more years, so we felt it was worthwhile to spend a little more and get exactly what we want so we'll be happy using it for years to come. The warranty on the system is transferrable to whoever buys our house from us someday.&nbsp;</p> <p>I looked at a few companies and got reviews from&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.angieslist.com">http://www.angieslist.com</a>&nbsp;(not our Angie, but a good resource nonetheless -- the company I hired had very good reviews for quality and customer service, and our experience of them was similarly impressive.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think many closet spaces are good DIY candidates, but if there's anything tricky about your space, you might want to at least get a consultation with a closet company that is highly rated in your area. The two companies who visited us gave us free quotes, so there was nothing to lose.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134365 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 19:45:52 +0000 Emily 1134365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DH and I are&nbsp;rocking a pretty small walk-in, wide rather than long, with the door displaced to one side for extra awkwardness. (It blocks his side when open, he does not complain&nbsp;because he is a gentleman)&nbsp; I took inventory of what we had in there and came up with a design on the Martha Stewart site that would in theory fit all of our stuff.... &nbsp;</p> <p>DH is pretty handy and I literally have hands so I am not too worried about assembling a DIY kit. &nbsp;This looks like it is about on par with ikea furniture, except without specific instructions since you end up reconfiguring several sets to get the layout you want. &nbsp;</p> <p>It's good to know that the rubbermaid stuff goes up easy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134333 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 19:21:43 +0000 lyn* 1134333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine is a DIY with Rubbermaid - I think it depends on what you want. I just wanted one section split into top and bottom (for tops and skirts). If you want complicated things like shoe cubbies and various hooks and doodads, then I'd probably go with someone who is more capable than myself (I can screw a screw, and that's about it).</p> <p>I think it also depends on your space. I have a fairly standard closet; but if I had a fancy walk in space I'd probably want more fancy features (I'm thinking the closet in Sex in the City - hahaha). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/custom-pro-or-diy-closets-any-advice#post-1134322 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 19:15:42 +0000 Emily 1134322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DH and I are thinking about doing some work to optimize our small walk-in closet. &nbsp;I made a plan online using the martha stewart closets tool (DIY option via Home Depot), but I know there are lots of other systems around... anyone had experience with a custom closet, either DIY or Professionally installed? &nbsp;Any tips or experiences to share?</p>