20 Gorgeous Custom DIY Closet Ideas

August 24, 2021

TONS of beautifully organized closet makeovers and DIY design ideas.


I've got major closet organization on the brain lately! I have most of our smaller closets under control, but I didn't want to tackle anything permanent in our clothes closets until we lived with them for awhile. 

I find it helps to see how we use the spaces before doing anything too drastic. 

My husband and I are lucky to have our own closets -- neither one is HUGE, but they are plenty big for what we need! 

The key is to make the most of the spaces we have and make them super functional. I'm sharing my custom closet design and then 20 more DIY closet ideas as well. 

I shared my jewelry and shoe storage solution, and worked well: 


Not much else in there functions well, but hey...I have that at least! ;) 

I'm sure many of you won't be surprised that I used kitchen cabinets for our closet makeover at our old house: 
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They worked REALLY well! 

I wasn't sure if I would use cabinets again or not...just because the base cabinets are so deep and take up a lot of floor space. 

If I did, I wanted to install fully extending drawer slides so we could access ALL of the cabinet drawers. 

In the end I did just that using the IKEA Pax wardrobes to create my own customized closet system
DIY IKEA Pax closet redo

And I LOVE it! I incorporated storage solutions for everything -- from my shirts, to my accessories, to my belts! 

Now let's take a look at these awesome DIY closet makeovers from some very talented bloggers!

Build it from scratch

If you have the know-how, a custom closet build will give you all of the functionality and storage you're dreaming of.

Ashley built her closet from the ground up and it is a stunner
HANDMADE HAVEN

All of those drawers are what dreams are made of! :) I love that she built the cabinets right up to the ceiling for extra storage space. 

If you aren't a high level DIYer but can do the basics, this "box system" closet organization is also a brilliant idea!: 
MAKING IT IN THE MOUNTAINS

If you can build wood boxes, you can make custom shelving for your exact needs.

I love the natural wood in that closet and this one as well -- it's a coat closet but you could create the same segmented organization for hanging and folded clothes: 
HOUSE BECOMING HOME

Carrie used $75 of MDF to build a tower in the middle of her closet with shoe storage on the bottom: 
LOVELY, ETC.

This "floating" shelf version is even simpler and won't break the bank: 
TWO FEET FIRST

Oh my, look at those lovely solid shelves.  I can't wait to lose all of our wire shelves! 

Vineta shares how to create custom closet drawers with French cleats and plastic tubs
THE HANDY MAN'S DAUGHTER

You'll save a ton of money if you create built in closet units like these!

IKEA Pax closet builds

Of course no closet round up would be complete without the IKEA options! There are so many ways to customize these for your specific needs. 

This IKEA Pax closet has to be the most organized closet I've ever seen!: 
CRAZY WONDERFUL

SO awesome! Her husband's side is just as beautiful! 

LOVE CREATE CELEBRATE

Soft task lighting makes everything look better!

Heather took her time and gathered secondhand Pax units to create this beautiful closet: 
HEATHERED NEST

I love the mirrored front panels! Those would be perfect for a smaller closet where there isn't room for a full length mirror. 

Jaime used an IKEA dresser and built it in so it looked like a custom unit: 
JAIME COSTIGLIO

This is definitely an option I'm considering for my closet! 

Organized kid's closets

Even though the kid stuff is smaller, there always seems to be more of it. :) 

Jen used an IKEA unit to create a lovely closet for her daughter
RAMBLING RENOVATORS

This teen closet was built from scratch and I love the pretty gold details!: 
ANIKA'S DIY LIFE

I adore this sweet boy's closet -- how cool is that book shelf on the back of the closet door?: 
CRAVING SOME CREATIVITY

I love the blue and gold wallpaper accent as well. 😍

The husband's side of the closet 

We can't forget the spouses! 

Maria shared how they made one large closet into a "his and hers" that meets both of their needs: 
SIMPLE NATURE DECOR BLOG

Jenna Kate used closet storage that attaches to wall brackets to create this custom closet for her husband
JENNA KATE AT HOME

I love the pull out valet rod pant hangers -- brilliant. 

I'm planning to start with my closet and then I'll tackle my husband's... you know, when I work out the kinks. 

That's what I always say anyway. ;) 

Organizing the small stuff

Whenever I see a closet great makeover, the little details are always my favorite part. I love seeing how people organize the small stuff like shoes, jewelry and purses. 

Melissa's wall of small handbag and purse storage makes me happy: 
POLISHED HABITAT 

I also loved these simple hooks to hang purses
WHITE COTTAGE HOME AND LIVING

If you have extra hanging space this is a great way to keep everything out where you can see it. 

Christina's wall of DIY jewelry organizers makes my heart happy: 
THE FRUGAL HOMEMAKER

So simple but so smart! 

THIS one is brilliant! Carli used square cubby organizers to create tons of sneaker organization for her son: 
MADE BY CARLI

How smart is that! They are perfect for bigger shoes like these -- it would also make great storage for sweaters and sweatshirts.

And finally...another smart idea for shoe storage. I use these see through bins for our shoe storage as well, but it can still be difficult to see what's inside sometimes. 

These shoe photos on the front are the perfect solution: 
BIRDZ OF A FEATHER

How smart! You'll quickly be able to find exactly what you need. 

I love all of these closet organization projects! They are giving me so many ideas and inspiration for our closets...hmmmm.

Have you used any of these closet design ideas? Any you use and love?  


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