How we overhauled our small closets in our master bedroom with an improvised IKEA closet system rigging Billy bookcases and baskets for a perfectly organized wardrobe.
And just like that our small master bedroom his & her closets are DONE!
It definitely didn’t go according to plan, but it totally worked out. And this project was worth every single second without a doubt.
Totally worth having to take three 2-hour round-trips to IKEA.
Totally worth having to squeeze every usable inch into our plans.
And totally worth sorting through our clothes and having an honest heart-to-heart with myself about the items that truly “spark joy”.
Yep. No regrets.
If you missed the progress from last time, we had to nix our idea of using the IKEA Pax system because the math in terms of the width and depth of our closets just wasn’t going to make sense.
(Some affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.)
So we adapted 4 IKEA Billy bookcases and 1 super skinny Pax frame in the back of my tiny L-shaped closet to get the job done.
Since we couldn’t really use drawers in such a tight space, we opted for these baskets and these baskets to hold the smaller things instead, and so far, they’re working perfectly.
Okay, diving in…
Robert’s Closet:
Before:
After!
(I feel like I need to apologize for the grainy, badly lit, rainy-day photos, but my non-wide angle camera lens just wasn’t cutting it in these two tight spaces. So bare with me.)
Robert really didn’t need as much “small storage” as I did, and since we both already use dressers in our bedroom for T-shirts, underwear, and shorts, the baskets did the job.
His baskets are for dress socks (in the lower basket above his shoe shelves so they’re easily accessible), winter gear like hats and gloves, and seasonal items.
We used this pull-out rack for his ties and belts.
And hooks on the walls for his baseball caps he wears all the time.
Lauren’s Closet:
Before:
After!
In my baskets, I stored scarves, hats & gloves, purses/bags, and belts.
And in my two small Pax drawers, I stored swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, and shape-wear that I typically use on special occasions. (Spanx, baby!)
Building the bridged gap between the two bookcases as an improvised shoe cubby definitely paid off.
For my clothes, I organized each section by categories (sweaters/jackets, blouses/tops, pants, dresses), and then each category by sub-categories (sleeveless, short-sleeve, long-sleeve) and in order by gradient / ROYGBIV color (black, brown, white, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).
It’s SO much easier for me to put together outfits using that system now.
And even though we had a few comments saying we should use skinny velvet hangers instead of wooden ones, I have to say I really do love the wood hangers because they don’t get tangled up with each other as easily.
But that’s just our preference. To each their own.
Here’s the final cost breakdown:
Robert’s Closet-
- 1 – 31 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcase
- 1 – 15 3/4″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcase
- 1 – 31 1/2″ Billy extension
- 1 – 15 3/4″ Billy extension
- 8 – Skuggis hooks
- 2 – Pullout tie organizer racks
- 5 packs of Bumerang hangers
- 3 adjustable closet rods
- 1 – 1×4 MDF strip
- 3 whitewashed medium baskets
- 1 whitewashed medium rattan basket
Total for Robert’s closet: $427
Lauren’s Closet-
- 2 – 31 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcases
- 2 – 31 1/2″ Billy extensions
- 1 – 19 5/8″ x 22 7/8″ x 92 7/8″ Pax wardrobe frame
- 2 – 19 5/8″ Komplement drawers
- 2 – 19 5/8″ Komplement shelves
- 1 – Komplement pull-out multi-use hanger
- 4 – Skuggis hooks
- 4 – 1×4 MDF strips
- 4 adjustable closet rods
- 9 packs of Bumerang hangers
- 4 whitewashed medium baskets
- 6 whitewashed medium rattan baskets
Total for Lauren’s closet: $718.50
TOTAL for both closets combined: $1,145.50
I’m soooo happy this one is finally finished! And we can officially check this one off of our 2020 House Goals List. Woot!
If you missed a post previously, check out 20 Inspiring IKEA Pax Closet Makeovers, our DIY IKEA Closets Using IKEA Billy Bookcases Part 1, and The Ultimate Closet Clean-Out Cheat Sheet.
But what’s in the l-shape part of the closet! I’ve wanted to see that part the whole time. These closets are really fantastic!! Thanks for all the inspiration!
never mind – I went to fast the first time 🙂
Great closets and you two were persistent in getting it right! How stress-free when you open those closet doors!
Looks really great. Love them.
Where did you find the doors with the antique glass in them? Did you DIY the glass? If so, how did you do it ?
Loved this blog!! I’m in desperate need of going through my closet. 30+ years in the same house, things tend to get out of hand. LOL Since I’m all over the scale, it’s hard to say…but pretty sure I’ve got about 3 sizes of clothing. I’m going to take your Cheat sheet and get it cleaned out. (Sadly, not only do I have my closet but since our two kids are grown and on their own, I’ve taken over an additional closet. LOL) I’m taking charge of the closet situation once and for all. Thank you for this helpful post. Love everything you post. You are such a sweet girl with a sweet family. Hugs.
Looks amazing! organize my clothes the same way in my closet and have for years. It makes it so much easier to grab what I want to wear in the morning and when putting laundry away it only takes a few seconds longer to put it where it belongs! I have been planning a big overhaul of my clothes so thanks for the printable and the inspiration!
Just stunning! I’m still in awe of how you fit those units in there to make them work as a closet organizer. Amazing. 👏🏻
The ultimate “spring cleaning project!” Good timing to provide motivation & inspiration for spring cleaning. Looks great and being organized makes all the difference.
Lovely! And you have so much usable space now! Thanks for sharing.
I love your blog! I did not see where you bought or redid you closet mirrored doors. Can you tell me?
It’s actually just a mirrored film! That post is here: https://www.blesserhouse.com/master-bedroom-update-mirrored-french-closet-doors/ I hope that helps!
Literally amazed!! I’ve got the same wire shelving, and looking for an update for my closets. This is exactly what I was looking for! COVID has me redecorating my entire house – I think this is next 🙂
Are these the 13 3/4″ deep systems? Have you had any problems with the hanging rods being near the edge?
Hi, Christina! 🙂 I have copied the first of the list of supplies with sizes included.
SUPPLIES FOR LAUREN’S CLOSET –
2 – 31 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcases
2 – 31 1/2″ Billy extensions
1 – 19 5/8″ x 22 7/8″ x 92 7/8″ Pax wardrobe frame
2 – 19 5/8″ Komplement drawers
2 – 19 5/8″ Komplement shelves
1 – Komplement pull-out multi-use hanger
4 – Skuggis hooks