Closets are small enclosed spaces used generally for storage or hanging clothes in a house or building. Cabinets, cupboards, pantries, wardrobes, armoires are other types of closets. Whatever their purpose, closets are personal spaces that we never seem to have enough of. But with some thought and planning storage space can be added or expanded within your building.

Closets may be built anywhere and do not have to be restricted by the size of your home. Closets are functional, but vary in size, and may be shallow or deep. They can be built into corners, projecting out into a room, or extend across a wall (in full or in part). Closets may be fitted below a staircase, under eaves where the ceiling slopes, in tight spaces like a hallway, or fitted into a bathroom.

Where space and size are limited, closets will have to be well organized to get full utility. Linen closets are used for general storage of household items, and are usually separated into three main sections. (a) The middle section is usually reserved for items that are used often, and to which you need easy access. (b) The top is used for items that are least or rarely used, and is being stored away. (c) The bottom part of the closet can be used to store bulky items such as bedding and cleaning supplies.

Bedroom closets can be the usual “reach-in” type, or “walk-in” units used for storage as well as dressing areas. Walk-in closets can fully utilize shelving and storage systems, seats, mirrors, shoe racks, drawers, baskets, and tie racks. All clothes closets can carry double clothes poles that allow for hanging two rows of short or folded clothing. The convenience of a closet comes from appropriately utilizing the available space.

Lighting is important to illuminate the contents of a closet. Placement of the light fixture is crucial depending on the design and features of a closet. The light should be fixed to the ceiling beyond the edges of shelves that could restrict illumination. The fixture should not be placed to the back or the very front of the closet, and the switch should be on the outside.

Try to blend the outer look of the closet with the décor of the room it is in, in terms of the type of door, use of mouldings, hinges, knobs and pulls, colour or finish. The materials, fittings, storage and shelving options for your closets are available at your nearest Rapid True Value home centre.