Master Closet Makeover on a Budget

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A few months ago when I made over my master bedroom I also did a makeover in the master closet. To keep with my low budget theme I repurposed things I already had and did a little DIY. The popcorn ceiling was removed and the closet was painted a fresh white. My one splurge, if you want to call it that, was to have an electrician put in a mini sconce chandelier.

Step #1 is always to declutter...

I had to remove everything from the closet to remove the popcorn ceiling and repaint anyway. My mother’s photo albums were being stored there so I had to find a new home for them. If anyone struggles with weight fluctuations you will understand how depressing it is to grab something and realize it doesn’t fit anymore. While decluttering my clothes I had to get brutally honest with myself and remove those items that were just taking up space in my master closet. (Fortunately, I have another closet where I can put my favorite pieces that I WILL get back into someday.) Don’t judge me. The struggle is real.

Step #2 Assess your needs for your master closet...

After assessing my needs for the space I came to a few conclusions:

1. 1. 1. I needed more storage space for my purses and totes.
    2. Hanging space required would be less.
    3. My painting clothes needed to be more accessible. (Other vertically challenged people, I’m sure will relate.)

I also wanted to create a boutique feel and display some sentimental items.

Begin with what you already have...

I already had an IKEA Pax tower and a Closet Maid tower. The Closet Maid tower had come with the house and I had divided it between two closets. Years ago, before I even had a Pax tower, I bought the wood drawers when they were in a super sale. Today I wouldn’t pre-buy anything I didn’t have a definite use for in the near future, and nor would I recommend anyone else do that. Don’t add clutter with your fantasy life stuff.

I had some closet rods to re-use, with some minor modification. The original little hook bars that were in the closet were kept. My shoe cubby cabinet was also modified to fit in.

Step #3 Gather supplies needed for your master closet transformation...

The supplies I needed to transform the master closet were minimal:

1. 1. An elbow closet piece for the corner, which I ordered from Amazon.
  2. A scrap piece of MDF for the top corner shelf.
  3. A crystal sconce light, which I bought at RONA.
  4. White paint.
  5. Black spray paint.

step #4 Execute your plan for your master closet makeover...

After my contractor had finished removing the popcorn ceiling I painted the whole closet white. The electrician moved and installed my new sconce chandelier light. My hubby cut the corner shelf out of the MDF and used the original shelf to make the smaller one on the other side of the PAX tower. He also cut the old closet rods to fit with the elbow piece in the corner. I also painted the little hooks black that I hang my necklaces on.

Years ago my grandmother gave me an antique camisole which I put new ribbon in and framed in a mirrored frame that I bought on clearance at Homesense.

Put clothes and accessories back in an organized way...

Some simple tips for organizing your master closet (or any closet):

Use the same hangers. Whether you have wooden, velvet or plastic, having the same type of hangers gives a more unified look.
Keep like items together – tops, bottoms, longer items like dresses, suits, etc.
Using the file method of folding for items in drawers, makes them easier to see what you have and grab what you need.
Keep regularly used items easily accessible.
Only keep clothes in your main closet that actually fit. Getting dressed will be so much quicker if everything you have in there fits and flatters you.
Designate a hook or place to hang worn clothes not ready for laundry.