The Blueprint of Order: 5 Essential Tips for Successful Closet Planning

The Foundation of Refined Simplicity

A truly organized closet is never an accident; it is the result of intentional planning. Before you install a single shelf, you must view your closet as a high-performance engine where every component has a specific role. After helping thousands of homeowners reclaim their space, we’ve found that the best designs follow a predictable set of structural rules.

1) The Inventory Audit: Count Your "Linear Feet"

Effective design begins by looking at what you own. Don’t just guess; take a hard look at your current wardrobe.

• The Trusted Advisor Rule: Measure your "Long Hang" (dresses/coats) in linear inches. Most people over-allocate long-hang space, wasting room that could be used for double-hanging.
• The Depth Variable: Decide now if you want a system that replaces your dresser. A solid wood system with integrated drawers can reclaim 15-20 square feet of floor space in your bedroom, making the room feel larger and more serene.

2) Precise Measurements: Beyond Width and Height

While width and height are the basics, a Smart Money Investment requires looking at the "invisible" obstacles.

• Obstruction Check: Note the location of light switches, access panels, and baseboard depths.
• Door Swing: If you have a reach-in closet with sliding doors, your "center zone" is often a dead zone. Plan your drawers or towers for the sides where they are fully accessible.

3) Illuminating the Sanctuary

A dark closet is a cluttered closet. If you can’t see the back corners, you won’t use the space.

• Layered Lighting: Choose a consistent style for your labels. A classic, clean font keeps the look timeless, while a bold, modern style can give the closet a contemporary edge.

Inspired Design Tip: Lighting should illuminate your clothes, not your head. Position light sources so they cast light onto the face of your shelving, making it easier to distinguish between black and navy blue in the early morning.

4) The 84-Inch Rule: Reclaiming Vertical Volume

Most builder-grade closets stop at a single rod, leaving 30% of the room’s volume empty.

• High-Shelf Strategy: Utilize the full height of your walls. The space above 84 inches is ideal for "Deep Storage"—seasonal bins, luggage, or keepsakes.
• Double Hanging: By utilizing a double-rod system, you instantly double your capacity for shirts and slacks, embodying the quality that does not break the bank.

5) Functional Zoning: Dividing the Mini-Room

Treat your closet like a series of "Action Zones." Group items by how you use them, not just by what they are.

• The Prime Zone: The area between your waist and eye level is your most valuable real estate. Place your daily-wear items here.
• The Accessory Zone: Dedicate a specific tower or drawer set for belts, ties, and jewelry.
• Zonal Flow: By creating a logical flow from "Morning Prep" (shirts/pants) to "Finishing Touches" (shoes/accessories), you reduce the friction of getting ready.

Quality That Lasts Since 2003

John Louis Home has championed the idea that a closet should be as beautiful as it is functional. By following these planning steps, you ensure your solid wood system isn't just a place to hang clothes—it's a Tailored Design that supports your lifestyle for decades.