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An interior designer weighs in on the right ones for your needs.
Unless you've had the chance to shell out for a brand-new, completely custom closet, odds are the one in your home leaves much to be desired. Perhaps you're dealing with uneven floors, warped clothing rods, or—the most common issue—a lack of space. Regardless of what obstacle you're looking to overcome as you do some spring cleaning, making the most out of your closet is of the utmost importance for your clothes—those wardrobe essentials for men deserve a good home!
Thankfully, this is where the best closet system can come in as a true storage hero. While some will arrive at your doorstep ready for a quick setup and others require some additional handiwork, a closet system is the home organizing piece that'll not only keep your clothes in neat and tidy sections but also help you use every inch of the area.
To give you the best closet systems to suit any and all needs, we turned to Melanie Whyte, a New York-based interior designer for her expertise. Below, see which closet systems are the best for your space and why.
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"This system is a modern design that works well with small spaces —even taking into consideration irregularities in the floor by providing adjustable legs. However, it also allows you to build off of your closet and expand as it needs to change. It is both a budget-friendly and durable option, while maintaining a sense of style and personality."
"ClosetMaid is the gold standard of the modular system. This piece is designed to be stacked or installed in a variety of ways to customize to your needs, which is perfect if you are renting and plan to bring the closet system with you to a future apartment."
"This system has everything—from shoe racks to extra drawers—which means you can fit as much of your clothes and accessories in your reach-in closet as you might with a walk-in version. Plus, the solid birch shelves are stylish enough that you may find yourself leaving your closet doors open."
"Rubbermaid's system can easily be mounted to the wall in smaller walk-in wardrobes and gives you designated space for all of your closet items with both high and low shelves, shoe storage, and more."
"Your entryway is the first thing you see when you come home and the first impression for your guests. My rule of thumb to avoid clutter is to have a home for items wherever they’re needed most. (For example, if you throw your dirty laundry on the floor before you get in the shower then add a laundry basket to the bathroom.) An entryway closet system could potentially store your jackets, shoes, umbrellas, or anything you might need on the way out the door. West Elm’s Nolan collection is great if you’re lacking an entryway closet or to even use in addition to an entryway closet. "
"The great thing about closet systems is you can choose any small room and turn it into a walk-in closet by installing wall-mounted cabinets, shelves and drawers to fit your needs. This Closet Evolution’s system is perfect if you’re sharing your walk-in closet with a partner, thanks to its dual tower layout."
"Gymax's inexpensive closet system is adjustable for closets ranging 3 to 6 ft wide and is made with durable, high-grade steel. This system will allow you to take full advantage of your vertical space without costing a fortune. "
"Your closet should give you a sense of relief, especially in small spaces. It is where you can store anything you don’t want guests to see in your open-layout studio apartment. This Elfa Classic gives flexibility and function to every inch of your precious amount of space. As a bonus, the shelves above the hanging space are perfect to store out-of-season clothing."
"For rent-friendly options, you may want to consider a free-standing closet system—this means less clean-up when you move out. This World Market clothing rack is a personal favorite of mine because it’s both stylish and minimalistic while offering storage without needing to mount it to a wall. "
If you've never acquainted yourself with a closet system, consider it a go-to hack for a decluttered wardrobe. Whyte explains that, by definition, a closet system is a combination of rods, shelves and drawers. "When used effectively, it can provide a specific home for each of your items without sacrificing space or style," she explains to Men's Health. "I recommend a closet system for anyone who is working with a small space or simply looking to build a more organized lifestyle."
When it comes to finding the best closet system for your space, there's one for any and every home. "There are a variety of options to consider. From a modular or customizable system that can be altered for your needs to something more specific to accommodate awkward layouts such as step-style storage for walk-ins with slanted ceilings," the designer says. With her expertise, we focus on modular systems as well as options for different types of closets and entryways.
Whyte advises to consider the space and use of your closet system. "The first question is, are you dealing with a reach-in or walk-in closet? Second, how do you plan to use it? If you have multiple closets, there is the luxury of separating them into a linen, hall or coat closet. Then, think about the style of your apartment and its layout," she says. "If you want to achieve more of an industrial look, consider an open closet concept with exposed rods."
The designer also reminds us that no matter what type of closet system you get, there are pros and cons to any option. "A customizable storage system (which is best for those who own their homes) will offer you more flexibility but means breaking out the power drill if you don’t want to hire a professional to install it." But, once you've found the one for you, you'll be wondering where it was all along. Trust us, your closet will never be the same.