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Having a luxe walk-in closet used to be a thing we thought was only for celebs who live in echoey L.A. mansions. Then we did a little research and realized you don’t need to be an A-lister to have your very own dream dressing area—you don’t even have to live in a massive Calabasas manse. In fact, all you really require to build a chic, organized closet is a spare bedroom and a little bit of creativity.
Truly, transforming an extra room into a stylish clothing storage area can be as simple as adding a few smart structural pieces and, of course, your fabulous wardrobe. Here, we’ve outlined all you need to get started on the fashion room you’ve only dreamed of—until now.
The Valet Rod
This telescopic tool is great for narrow rooms that don’t have a ton of wall space for custom built-ins and shelves. Plus, it makes getting ready in the morning a total breeze: Take it from fashion designer Clare Vivier and display your next day’s outfit at the very front.
The Double Hangers
Standard closets typically feature a shelf with just one hanging pole below, which can make it tough to fit all your clothes on one rack. Designer Lexi Tallisman of Greyscale Interiors took full advantage of this room’s height by adding a second rod for pants up top and shirts below.
The Wall Mirror
Nothing makes a white box feel like a true dressing room quite like a trifold mirror. (Tallisman searched high and low for this unlacquered brass one, but you can find a similar version here.) When the sides are turned slightly in, it makes this nook feel separate from everything else.
The Shoe Bench
Over-the-door hangers are great when you’re working with a small space, but if you’ve got the room to spread out, you can get a little more creative with your display (like with this wood bench à la Aurora James). One unforeseen benefit: Taller boots won’t get smooshed if you sit them on top!
The Graphic Rug
Make your walk-in closet a room you actually want to spend time in (and not just jot in and out when you need to grab a blazer) by laying down a rug. Bonus points if you add a chair or an ottoman to lounge on.
The Customizable Built-In
Never underestimate the power of an IKEA Pax unit. While blogger Stephanie Sterkovski kept hers plain and doorless, these chests are totally hackable and can be tweaked to meet your storage (and palette!) needs.
The Jewelry Drawer
Elaine Welteroth’s bespoke walk-in is a testament to details: Her necklaces and sunglasses live in velvet trays within drawers to make go-to pieces more easily accessible—but just as easy to tuck away when she’s not using them. Under-shelf lighting adds extra visibility.
The Denim Wall
No matter where you stack them, bulky jeans always soak up more shelf space than you’d expect. So instead of neatly folding them, hang them by their belt loops on a peg rack.
The Rolling Rack
Adding a garment stand with wheels will make it feel like you’re shopping at your very own personal boutique every day. It’s also the perfect place to put your color-coding skills to the test.
The Shoeboxes
Christene Barberich’s tiny Brooklyn closet features a shoe wall that looks like a boutique we’d definitely want to shop in. And by keeping some of her pairs in metallic bins, she was able to double her storage space.
The Hat Hook
Actress Becca Tobin’s home didn’t have an extra bedroom to transform into a walk-in, so she got extra creative with an under-the-staircase alcove. Her wide-brimmed hats and tote bags now hang along the slanted part of the wall. And that’s how you dress up a nook to the nines.
Get more closet envy: Step Inside Clare V.’s Dream Closet This Perfect Master Closet Is Inspiring Us to Rethink Our Own 6 Tricks for the Most Organized Closet