We love projects that make spaces more functional and more organized, and what is better than a functional and organized closet? (The answer: Nothing. Nothing is better than a great closet system. Except maybe a great closet system that is also filled with chocolate.) Our guest today took her builder-grade basic walk-in closet and turned it into a custom walk-in closet, complete with a few glam gold accents — and she built the closet organizer all from scratch!
Sabrina has a great knack for taking a small, basic space and making it both beautiful and on-trend with just the right glamorous accents — be sure to see her other guest features where she shared her dramatic small bathroom renovation with DIY vanity, and her tiled fireplace makeover that gorgeously answers the question of “what should I do with the huge mirror above the fireplace?!” plus more of her beautiful projects over at Pink Little Notebook.
Read below for the details about Sabrina’s basic to beautiful DIY closet renovation.
We’ve been working on the closets here in our home as well — from our small coat closet makeover
(helped along with the added storage of our KALLAX hack for our entry)
and then our PAX wardrobe built-in closet hack for our shared girls’ room (now office space).
We love hacks to make projects go a little faster, but just look how easy Sabrina makes this built-from-scratch custom closet organizer!
DIY Custom Walk-in Closet Organizer
by Sabrina from Pink Little Notebook
Ever wonder why you feel like you have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear? This has been my situation since moving into our home, four years ago!
I’m Sabrina from the DIY and home improvement blog, Pink Little Notebook and welcome to my cluttered mess of a closet.
No matter how many times I try to tidy up, get rid of clothes, or buy pretty hanger, it doesn’t take long before I’m completely fed up with my walk-in closet. I’ve always dreamed about re-doing my closet that would utilize my small space but there were always so many challenges. I didn’t know where to start.
After living with this space for many years, I decided to jump right in. I actually ripped down my closet before I had a plan, you can see all the behind the scenes right here. I knew this would give me the push to just go for it and I’m so glad I did.
We DIYed our own custom closet built-ins from scratch.
Here’s how I did it.
Using 1/2” finished plywood for this project (I find it much easier to handle than MDF), we began with the back wall as our starting point. This section is designed for long garments and seasonal jackets. It’s also the only place that has a 20” depth. Hangers need to be able to sit completely inside the modular unit as the right corner will be a covered section. The rest of the built-ins have a 15” depth, which is the max we can go in the space (because of our oversized window).
To create the built-ins, we basically created “boxes”, we used two panels on either side which were secured to the horizontal cleats running across the back wall. Please note, the cleats need to be screwed into the wall joist to hold the weight.
The above photo shows the built-in’s made for our double rods. We secure the two new vertical panel against the existing panel and base (marked as #1 in the above image). Then we put the horizontal cleats running across the back wall, one at the base (we removed the baseboards) and one just below the ceiling (see #2). Again, make sure the cleats are secured into the joist. The middle cleat is added to create a shelf, we use it as support since it’s there but not needed otherwise.
To create the box shape, you’ll want to grab your other vertical panel (#3) and place it against the cleats on the opposite side where you will fasten them together. To finish off the box, grab another two horizontal cleats and attach it to the front side of the top and bottom (mimicking the back wall).
While you’re doing this the structure will feel kind of flimsy at first. However, as you move along and continue connecting each “box” you will see how sturdy everything becomes.
Since we had a few challenges in our space like the window and vent. I had to adjust the design to compensate for it. Since we had no choice but to build in front of the window, we left a 4” gap from the window to the start of the vertical panel. This allows us to put in drapes right behind the structure camouflaging where the window begins and ends.
As for the vent, we simply extended the duct work up which will vent out from the top of the platform.
Once our framing was up, we added the edging. Using our plywood sheets, we cut everything to size and fastened it with a nail gun.
Next came the painting. After filling in all the holes, I primed the wood with a shellac primer. This fills in all the wood grains and give the wood a nice smooth finish.
Once the primer dries, I give it a light sanding and apply my finishing coats of white paint.
The gold rods were a perfect finishing touch. Support brackets should be used if your rods are 40” or long to avoid sagging in the middle. I only had one rod over 40” but I still put support brackets everywhere—I’m building this closet to stand the test of time!
I can’t even tell you how having an organized and function closet has changed my daily life. My biggest hope is that I can show someone that they can turn there dark, messy closet into something that gives them life.
Thanks for sharing your gorgeous closet with us, Sabrina!
Remodelaholics, be sure to visit Sabrina over at Pink Little Notebook — I’ve been crushing on her gorgeous home office for YEARS since she posted it! 🙂
You can also see more of Sabrina’s gorgeous style in her past guest features here:
powder room makeover with DIY base for IKEA sink
dated fireplace and mirror makeover
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