9 Small Steps To A Stunning Closet Makeover

If you’re tired of rummaging through piles of clothes and tripping over stray shoes, it might be time for a closet makeover! Whether you’re working with a spacious walk-in closet or something closer to a cupboard than an actual room, a few simple updates can transform your closet from a cluttered storage space into a beautifully organized retreat.

From storage solutions to decorative touches, I’ll walk you through my favorite tips and tricks for creating a closet that’s not only functional but also stylish.

Let’s turn your closet into a space that sparks joy every time you open the door!

The 9-step Closet Makeover

1. Assess Your Storage Needs

The first step to transforming your closet space is taking stock of what you have and figuring out the type of storage that works best for your lifestyle and closet setup.

Take a good look at what you own. What types of clothing or accessories do you need to store? Do you have lots of shoes, bulky sweaters, or accessories like scarves and bags?

Knowing exactly what needs to fit in your space will help you choose the best storage solutions. The goal is to give yourself as much storage space as you need while ensuring you can easily see and reach everything—nothing should get buried in the back!

Then it’s time to think about the storage options that will enable you to get the most out of your closet space. Here are some ideas to consider:

Built-In Cabinets or Shelving

For my master closet, I actually designed and built custom closet units out of plywood. It was a labor of love, but completely worth it! I also built custom shelves for my daughter’s closet to maximize every bit of space.

Freestanding Wardrobe 

If you’re not quite ready to tackle a full DIY project, no worries! You can always start with something pre-made and customize it to fit your needs. For example, I took an Ikea Rast dresser and turned it into a stylish freestanding wardrobe. It’s a great way to get the storage your space needs, without taking on a full build from scratch.

Clothes Rail

A clothes rail is another great option, especially if you like to browse through your clothes to pick out your outfits each day. You can install one between walls or go for a freestanding one on wheels, so that you can move it out of the way if you’re tight on space. 

Drawers 

Drawers are best for items you don’t need (or want!) to see, like underwear.

Shoe Organizers 

There are so many ways to store shoes, including stackable boxes, a shoe rack on the closet floor, or an over-the-door pocket system

Shelves or Shelving Units 

If you know you’re going to need to store lots of boxes or standalone, smaller items, shelving might be a good option. And if you love a good DIY, you can even build your own shelves like I did for my cleaning closet. 

Of course, you can mix and match storage solutions. It’s all about working out which combination of storage options will work best for your belongings and your closet.

For even more ideas, check out my favorite closet organization ideas and start planning your own closet makeover!

2. Wallpaper or Paint Your Closet

Now that you’ve got your storage figured out, it’s time to think about the fun stuff—decor! Since your closet is likely a small space, this is the perfect opportunity to get adventurous with your design choices. 

In my master closet, I went bold and used a beautiful wallpaper called Woodland Birds by Milton & King. It was a bit of a departure from my usual style, but I absolutely love the personality it brings to the space. The vibrant design makes me smile every time I open my closet doors!

If wallpaper isn’t quite your thing, why not try a fresh coat of paint? This is your chance to experiment with colors you wouldn’t typically use in other areas of your home. If your taste leans toward neutral or sophisticated, maybe try a fun, bright pop of color in your closet. Just be careful with going too dark, as it could make the space feel smaller than it already is. But if you choose something light and lively, it can completely transform the energy of your entire closet.

3. Install Standout Lighting

Adding proper lighting to your closet can make all the difference, transforming it from a dark cupboard into something that feels more like a room. Even adding a couple of battery-operated sconces, a strand of fairy lights, or a chic lamp can have a huge impact in a small closet.

Of course, you can go all out like I did in my master closet. The showstopper of the space? A chandelier! Yep, it’s definitely not the typical choice for a closet, but that’s what makes it so special. It adds such a glam and luxurious touch, that the closet feels like my own personal boutique. Every time I step in, I can’t help but feel a little bit fancy!

4. Upgrade Your Hardware

One of the quickest ways to transform your closet is by upgrading the hardware. Swapping out those standard, boring pieces for something more custom can make your space feel so much more luxurious. Whether it’s replacing outlet covers, switch plates, drawer pulls, or door knobs, those little details can have a big impact.

If you know me, you know I love adding a touch of glamor with gold or brass fixtures! So I used gold drawer pulls and switch plates, and paired them with this Gold Scalloped Edge Mirror, to make my closet feel super high-end.

Don’t underestimate how much those small touches can transform the overall feel of your space. If you’re going for a closet makeover that feels more like a boutique, upgrading your hardware is a must!

5. Install Hooks

Don’t forget about your vertical space! Installing hooks is a great way to make the most of any empty wall space or even the back of your closet door. Not only are hooks a simple solution for hanging bags, scarves, hats, and more, but they can also double as decor.

If you’re prone to draping your clothes on a chair or using your closet floor as a bit of a dumping ground, using hooks is such a simple way to keep your closet tidy without effort since you can sling your clothes on a hook instead.

These stunning antique-style Chalice knobs from Schaub & Company work on the wall instead as hooks.

If you’re looking for more ways to use hooks as decor, I’ve got plenty of ideas in my blog post on using decorative wall hooks. You’ll be surprised how something so small can add so much style and organization to your closet makeover!

6. Upgrade Your Hangers

Continuing with the theme of turning practical storage into decor, one simple yet effective change is upgrading your hangers. Say goodbye to those mismatched plastic hangers and hello to something that not only looks stylish but also complements the overall vibe of your closet.

There are so many beautiful hangers to choose from, whether you prefer wooden, metal, or fabric-covered ones. You can even match them with your hardware for a cohesive look. It’s these little details that make your closet feel more intentional and polished.

When choosing hangers, make sure you think about the types of clothes you’ll be hanging. I personally love space-saving hangers that maximize my closet’s potential without sacrificing style.

And to keep things extra organized, it’s a good idea to invest in some hanger storage to neatly tuck away any extras when not in use.

Upgrading your hangers is a small change, but it makes a big difference in both function and aesthetics!

7. Paint the Doors

Your closet doors aren’t just there to hide your clothes—they’re valuable real estate that can add both style and storage to your space! One easy way to give them a makeover is by painting them in a color that works with both the inside of your closet and the rest of the room. Or even a fresh white so it feels clean and crisp.

But don’t stop there! Make the most of your doors by using the space efficiently. You could add a full-length mirror, which is always handy for quick outfit checks. Or, if you’re short on space, attach hooks or use an over-the-door organizer with pockets to store accessories. For an extra touch of practicality, you can even build or add simple door storage shelves to hold smaller items like beauty products and hair accessories.

8. Use Pretty Storage Solutions

Storage bins, baskets, and boxes are your best friends when it comes to keeping your closet organized—especially if they stack!

For items you need to see regularly, clear bins and wire baskets are ideal. They keep everything visible while maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. Stackable shoe boxes with hinged fronts are perfect for storing like items together—shoes, accessories, and so on.

For those bits and pieces you’d rather not have on display (we all have that one messy pile!), opt for fabric-covered boxes or woven baskets. Label them to stay organized and, if you don’t need to use them very often, place them on the top shelf to keep them out of the way.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with your organizing! For example, I used a pot rack to hold my purses and small clutches. A fun, unexpected way to keep them upright and easy to grab!

9. Add Decorative Touches

Last but definitely not least, don’t forget to add those final touches to make your closet feel really special. Artwork, ornaments, and even plants can make a huge difference to how your closet looks.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—art in a closet? But hear me out! Every space deserves a little beauty, and adding art to the walls of your closet creates an unexpected and delightful surprise. Whether it’s a framed print, a quirky ornament, or a small potted plant on a shelf, these decorative touches turn your closet from a purely functional space into one that’s a joy to be in.

So go ahead—treat your closet like any other room in your home and give it the love it deserves! Those little details will tie your whole makeover together, making it a space that feels uniquely yours.

It’s Time For Your Closet Makeover!

With a few thoughtful upgrades and creative ideas—from pretty storage baskets and artwork to lighting and hardware upgrades, you can turn your current closet into a space that feels like an extension of you. It really does only take a handful of changes to turn an ugly cupboard into a dream closet, and trust me—it’s so much fun getting ready in a closet that looks good!

So go ahead and give your closet the makeover it deserves!