13 Ideas to SPEND LESS on a Custom Closet

When talking to customers about their budget for a custom closet I’ve used this example many times.

I had the exact same size closet to design for 2 prospective customers who both bought the same home design built by MI Homes (a production builder) in Columbus Ohio.

One prospect was a single guy who wanted a ‘no-frills’ design. “Just make it neater and better organized for me Mike. This current wire closet is driving me NUTS!,” he said.

The other prospect was a married woman who wanted all the ‘bells and whistles.’ She told me, “Mike, I want this closet to feel special. And I also need places for jewelry, handbags, and don’t forget I need LOTS OF SHOE STORAGE!”

One closet was priced at $4,000. The other was $8,500. And the profit margin percentages on both jobs were the same.

And if you have the budget for all the ‘bells and whistles,’ why not go for it? You work hard. You deserve it. And why leave it all behind for your heirs?

However, if you don’t have as big a budget and/or are worried how the heck you’re going to pay for uber-expensive college tuitions for your kids, I totally get it! You need a custom closet on a budget.

The challenge might be you have no idea how to keep spending under control AND still get a closet which works for you much better than the cheap wire shelving system, or the basic wood shelf and metal pole, the builder slapped up years ago. And if this is your question, then you’ve come to the right article.

I’ll explore 13 practical ideas to spend less on a custom closet. At the end let me know which of these ideas are ‘rockin’ it’ for you – and conversely if there’s any ideas you’d draw the ‘proverbial line in the sand,’ and say there’s no way you’d skimp by using that idea.

Idea #1 to spend less on a custom closet – Install drawers and/or doors at a later date (but design with them in mind today)

There are 3 basic elements in a custom closet. They are:

• 1) Hanging
• 2) Shelving
• 3) Doors and drawers

And – all things being equal – the cheapest sections are hanging, the second highest cost is shelving, and the most expensive sections include doors and drawers.

So, if you’d like to include drawers – but the budget doesn’t allow it now, a smart idea is to design the system using ‘standard widths’ (which are frequently 18”, 24”, and 30” wide) so if you decide to add drawers down the road, you’ll be able to do it cost-effectively using standard sized door fronts and drawers.

Idea #2 to spend less on a custom closet – Don’t move (or change) the ‘obstructions’ (‘er the location of outlets, or where windows, soffits, or light switches are located)

Closet design would be far simpler if there weren’t outlets, windows, soffits, slopped ceilings, access panels, or ‘bump outs’ to work around. However, this IS NOT the reality of many closet designs (and it’s also the reason ‘modular-sized,’ store-bought systems can be  a royal pain to use as well).

However, with this being said – when you move outlets, remove soffits, or move light switches you’ll need electrical or general contractors to help with this (unless you’re a contractor yourself). And they WILL NOT come cheap.

So, when possible work around the obstructions to save money. And if you’re aren’t sure how to do this get a custom 3D closet design and work with a professional who knows how to maximize space while simultaneously working around the craziness which is your closet. For more input read How to Organize Your Odd-Shaped Closet which has Outlets, Switches, and Access Panels in All the Wrong Places.

Idea #3 to spend less on a custom closet – Don’t build your closet system to the ceiling

So, you saw a wonderful image on Pinterest with a closet which went to the ceiling.

While this looks wonderful, it actually provides less effective use of space because you’ll lose storage space at the top with the trim. In addition, it’ll be more expensive because the section separators (called ‘verticals’ in the industry) will need to be taller and are more expensive).

A smarter – and more cost effective idea is to make the top shelf of your system 84” off the ground (if you have an 8’ ceiling) and 90” off the ground (if you have an 9’ ceiling). This will give you efficient storage above the top shelf AND cost less. This will put you in the ‘double bonus.’

Idea #4 to spend less on a custom closet – Use a higher mix of hanging vs. shelving or drawers. But DO NOT ‘hang vs. hang’ in the corners! 

As mentioned earlier, the least expensive section in a custom closet are hanging sections. So, when you use more hanging, costs will go down.

However – the biggest problem with most existing closets is they only have hanging and/or they have hanging clothes bumping against other hanging clothes in the corner creating what I call “The Bermuda triangle – and #1 sin – of a closet design.” It’s where good clothes go to die (and never be seen again)!

And it’s also important to know you can get more volume of clothes stacked on shelves and/or in drawers than hanging them. So – while you can ‘cut initial purchase costs’ with more hanging – you need to use this idea thoughtfully and strategically, so you won’t be ‘penny-wise and pound-foolish’ as my dad used to say.

Idea #5 to spend less on a custom closet – Use a closet designer to develop a 3D design for you

I don’t know about you – but I don’t see how it’s possible to purchase a closet – let alone a custom closet – if the ‘so-called designer’ gives you hand-drawn 2D sketches which look like THIS!

And even as a closet designer myself there are things I’ll see when I put my design concept into the 3D design program which helps me to see I need to make a section bigger, small, shorter, taller, shallower, or deeper.

So – if you want a design which ‘lives well’ for you, insist on a 3D design before buying. And if you need more reasons why 2D designs can really mess you up, read Why You Should Never Buy a Closet without a 3D Closet Design.

Idea #6 to spend less on a custom closet – Make it a laminate vs. a wood closet 

Yes, I’ll bet money Khloe Kardashian does have wood closets.

Then again Khloe’s likely working with a slightly higher budget than you and me – ha! ha!

And while wood closets can be stained or painted any color – and the color changed over time, they have a number of drawbacks vs. laminate systems. Including wood closets are more expensive, require more maintenance, and are not dimensionally stable (and that’s a fancy-schmancy way of saying they can wrap).

Most custom closet systems are laminate. They hold up well, are easy to clean, and LIGHTER on your budget. To learn more read 7 Essential Factors to Compare Wood vs. Laminate Closets.

Idea #7 to spend less on a custom closet – Use an open closet vs. a wardrobe

While wardrobes (which are closed storage systems) look elegant and can create new storage in any room (as you can see in the video below) the negative to wardrobes are they need to use deeper sections (so you can close the doors with hanging clothes inside) and require doors and drawers (which aren’t cheap).

It’s for this reason most closet storage systems use open hanging and shelving sections which cost less than wardrobes.

Idea #8 to spend less on a custom closet – Use a custom closet installation company vs. a trim carpenter

Why hire a ‘closet generalist’ when you can get a ‘closet specialist’ who designs closets every day to provide you with solutions to your closet problems?

Many people who are remodeling with a general contractor or have hired a new home builder ‘settle’ for their builder or general contractor’s trim carpenter to do their closets. However, the trim carpenter – while capable of creating closets, usually isn’t as knowledgeable about closets as a full time closet designer.

To learn more about the pros and cons of trim carpenters vs. custom closet installation companies read 9 Reasons You Shouldn’t Hire a Trim Carpenter to Design and Install Your Custom Closet (and 3 Reasons You Should).

Idea #9 to spend less on a custom closet – Skip features like crown molding

Crown molding is (literally) the ‘icing on the top’ of a custom closet. However, crown molding isn’t a functional element which is needed, it’s a fashionable element.

And if money is tight, it’s not only a simple feature to eliminate, but you’ll also get a design with useful storage above the top shelf when you don’t add crown molding.

Of course, it’s also possible to use crown molding is just one key feature element (like you’ll see in the drawer stacks in this design below) – and omit the crown in the rest of the design.

Idea #10 to spend less on a custom closet – Use lower cost lighting systems

I’ll admit a well-light closet (or wardrobe) is a thing of beauty (check out the video below).

However, closets with puck lights, or lighting inside the closet sections, also costs a pretty penny (or a bunch of ugly pennies you may not have enough of).

However, if you need lighting AND your budget isn’t big, a cost-effective way to include it (without adding outlets or using built-in lighting) is to use rechargeable motion activated lights. They only cost $30 to $60/unit and are simple to install (although they will need to be recharged every few months).

Idea #11 to spend less on a custom closet – Make your system ‘white’ or add pops of color on door and drawer fronts for impact

Patterned laminate closet systems are fun and add interest and texture to a design. However, patterned laminates do add cost vs. the popular (and most cost-effective) basic white.

So, if you want a ‘function-only’ closet at the best price keep the entire design white. And if you want to add ‘splashes’ of color for interest – varying the door and drawer fronts is a fun (and cost-effective) way to add pops of color without spending too much.

Idea #12 to spend less on a custom closet – Make part (or all) of your system wall hung vs. floor based

A wall hung closet is one which is anchored to the wall. A floor based system is one which is built down to the floor. And while it is required with deeper sections to use a floor based system for safety, for shelving and hanging wall hung closet sections (which use shorter closet separator parts) are perfectly acceptable and save money.

Learn more about the pros and cons of wall hung closets vs. floor based closets by reading How to Choose Between a Wall Hung and Floor Mounted Closet Organizer.

Idea #13 to spend less on a custom closet – Use flat shoes shelves vs. angled and raised shoe shelves

Raised shoe shelves (where shoes are angled behind what’s called a ‘shoe fence’ – see below) are elegant. However, this type of shoe shelving is costly and will fit less pairs in the same square footage as flat shelves.

Image Credits: Timeless Closets

It’s for this reason flat shoe shelves are more popular – and efficient.

Which of these 13 cost-effective custom closet ideas do you like? Do you have additional questions, or would you like a free 3D custom closet design?

So – which of these 13 cost-saving custom closet ideas makes sense for you? And which ideas would you stay away from? Please comment below.

And although there are a number of ideas here – you may find it difficult figuring out an efficient design for your closet. If so, call 614-545-6888 for a free closet design for a project in Columbus or Cleveland Ohio – or get referral to a custom closet designer in your area or request a Free 3D design consultation.

I appreciate you taking the time to learn more money saving custom closet ideas– and putting up with my humor along the way.

Mike

If you’d like more information on home organization systems, custom closets, Murphy beds, or design advice follow me on LinkedIn @MikeFotiLinkedIn.