How to Make Your Closet into an Organized Dressing Room

Depending on budget and size restrictions, you can plan an elaborate closet makeover or something more modest. By definition, dressing rooms require at least enough space for you to change clothing in. Well-designed dressing areas make life easier in the morning, but you needn't include every possible feature to feel pampered. By simply getting clutter under control, you won't lose ties, earrings or wallets anymore. To shape the space into a personal dressing station, decide which organizational products will fit into the closet and use the space to showcase your sense of style as you make design decisions.

Instructions

1

Install a full-length mirror, either on the wall or freestanding in a corner. You'll need at least 3 feet of floor space to step back and view yourself, according to "This Old House" magazine. Add decorative shelving on both sides of the mirror to hold perfume, cologne or cosmetics.

2

Tuck an ottoman or chair along the wall; you'll want a movable seat to use when putting on socks, applying makeup or polishing shoes. In tight spaces, use an oblong hamper on wheels as both a bench and laundry basket. When placing seating near a window, mount blinds for privacy.

3

Install light fixtures that provide adequate illumination for getting dressed, and mount specialty lights by the mirror if you want to apply makeup in the space. Use a dimmer switch to control the main overhead fixture so that the bright light won't wake your partner.

4

Keep jewelry neatly tucked away in a jewelry armoire, and install a cabinet with a charging station to keep electronics neatly organized. If floor space won't permit a freestanding armoire, use wall-mounted jewelry cabinets instead. Keep valuable jewels in a concealed, locked safe.

5

Organize belts and ties on slide-out racks. Motorized units revolve and are designed to hold dozens of ties and belts in a compact area.

6

Create an ironing station. To avoid dealing with cumbersome ironing boards, install a built-in ironing board; its interior space offers room for a petite board, iron, spotlight and timer.

7

Install an island in the room for folding laundry and packing or unpacking suitcases. Use the cabinet space underneath to store luggage. If space doesn't permit a fixed cabinet, a folding luggage rack will work.

8

Update the shelving with lined baskets for scarves, hosiery and other accessories. Hardware stores offer complete closet systems with drawers, rods and shelves if you need a structural makeover. To save shelf space, arrange handbags on a vertical purse organizer that hangs from a closet rod. Install a shelf above hanging garments on which to place off-season clothes and accessories in labeled bins.

9

Use a tiered tree, rack or cubbyhole system for shoes. Store boots on boot stands to prevent creases and damage to them.

10

Mount a small television in an upper corner for an extra touch of opulence.