There is no such thing as the best closet design. There are many different excellent closet designs but none can claim the crown of best closet design. There are dozens of different types of closets and accordingly they all need to be designed differently depending on the type of closet and the purposes served by the closet.
Furthermore, not everything needs to be stored in a closet. Good closet design and storage solutions go hand in hand but they are very different topics.
For example, people often ask my about various and assorted storage solutions. I am unable to give them any type of answer without knowing more information. Are they asking about information on play room storage solutions? Perhaps they are referring to camping storage solutions or, even differently, camping equipment storage solutions. You can easily see how each of these queries would result in different answers even though each question is about storage solutions.
Even once I have narrowed the question to the specific type of storage dilemma they are asking about I still need more information. If the client has a question about storage solutions in the playroom, I need to know further information about the ages of the children, the activities they child most often engage in and the types of toys or crafts that need to be stored in the playroom. A family with multiple children of significantly different ages or tastes will require ideas about playroom storage that are different from a single child family. As you can see, the best kids playroom storage ideas will vary depending on the composition of the family.
If I don't clearly know the specific question I can't work towards the right answer, likewise with the camping example. Is the client asking me to come up with ideas about storage solutions while camping? Or alternatively when they have questions regarding camping storage solutions are they asking me about the best ways to store camping equipment in the home.
One element that seems to transcend closet design and the realm of storage solutions is shelving. There are simply an enormous number of shelving options available on the market today. The smart implementation and use of shelves is a vital key to closet organization or effective storage in your home. The concept of shelving is simple but it certainly is not a one size fits all solution. You need to determine the overall size of the shelving, the size of the items you intend to store on shelves and the materials with which the shelves will be constructed.
The most common types are metal shelving and plastic shelving. Adjustable plastic shelves are very common. Adjustable metal shelves are available but are not common. The most durable type of shelving is metals shelves. Work room shelving is often metal. Storage shed shelving and/ or garage shelving are also most often made from metal. Sometimes called steel shelving, these units can last for decades and not show any wear or tear. Historically plastic shelving has been less durable. However, more recently plastic shelves seem to be a better quality and may now even rival their metal or steel shelving counterparts for durability.
A big advantage to plastic shelves is that they tend to be adjustable. Another excellent type of adjustable shelving is plastic coated wire shelving. This type of unit is often and effectively used as closet organizers. Modular shelving components allow you to pick and choose the right components to meet your storage needs and to assemble your own custom designed closet storage system.
Closet shelving has become a huge industry in North America. A number of huge home renovation companies have devoted entire departments to capturing a part of the closet shelving market. This has marked a huge customer driven change in the way we look at closets. Gone are the days of a closet with one hanging bar and a single shelf six feet off floor level. Customized closet shelving is on high demand. Not only are closet organizer systems fairly inexpensive and easy to install but they also greatly increase your ability to effectively use closet space to the best advantage.
Closet organizer systems can come in a number of different forms and can be made from a number of different materials. I have seen closet organizers made from wood, metal, plastic, steel, plastic covered wire or an effective use of different materials. These systems can combine closet shelves, hanging rods, plastic storage bins and a number of other different closet options. Each type of material has advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion the best closet organizer systems are made from plastic covered wire. The best plastic covered wire closet organizers are those that come with different components and that are completely adjustable. With this type of closet system you can create a perfect customized closet. It can be a customized walk in closet or a customized reach in closet. The advantages of custom closets cannot be overstated.
Built in closets can really add to the re sale value of your home. It will be the little things like a built in closet organizer or heated bathroom floors that capture the heart of potential home purchasers. With modular closet organizers, built in closets are easy and inexpensive.
As you can see, closet design is multi faceted and the best closet design depends on the type of closet you are dealing with and the nature of the items that you need to store in the closet. The best closet design for a master bedroom closet will consider factors that are much different than those factors you might consider when trying to determine the best storage solutions for a playroom. You need to carefully think about the different functions related to each individual storage solution.
My favorite storage solutions always seem to incorporate plastic storage bins. I buy most of my storage bins from Home Depot and I always tend to find the bins on sale. Large storage bins for camping equipment are an excellent idea. Smaller storage bins for the children's mitts and toques work perfectly in the front hall closet. Storage bins make for excellent storage solutions for things that might be a bit wet (kid's mitts) or dirty (camping mats) However, plastic storage bins are less useful in the master bedroom closet.
Think carefully about your goals and needs and you will be able to come up with the best closet design for you and your family.
