There are certain components/building blocks that make up the "skeleton" of every closet no matter which construction method is chosen. The way these components are combined, will determine your closet's storage accommodations, accessibility, and overall functionality. Closet organizer components can be categorized into Hanging Systems, Shelving, Drawer Systems, Basket Systems, Footwear systems, and closet organizers with Built-in Hampers. Each category of component is designed to handle a specific type of storage.
Hanging Systems:
Hanging systems include any closet organizers with a clothes rod for hanging clothes on hangers.
Clothes rods are installed at different heights depending on the length of garments. Typical configurations include double hang, triple hang, medium hang, long hang, and low hang.
Double hang is great for maximizing your hanging space for shirts, blouses, folded pants, and other garments where stacking the hanging space makes most sense.
Long hang is for overcoats, dresses, formal, coats, robes and other garments needing length.
Medium hang is used for suits, long skirts, pants hung from the waistband or cuff, blazers, and other medium length garments.
Low hang is another configuration that holds the same length garments as double hang with the option of more shelves rather than an upper rod — often preferred in children's closets.
Triple hang is used mainly in baby closets. The short length of the clothing allows the stacking of three rods to maximize space.
Not sure what type of hanging you need? Check out our Closet Design Tips for help.
Footwear Systems:
Shoes are an essential component of every wardrobe. Most people have at least 20 pairs, and some have many more. That's why shoe storage is an important part of closet organization. Footwear can be stored on shelves, various racks, or even rotating shelving systems.
Closet shelves that are designed specifically for shoes have the option of being slanted towards the front to better view the footwear. These slanted shelves are equipped with shoe fences along the front to keep the shoes from falling off.
Hamper Systems:
There are two types of built-in hamper systems — pull-out and tilt-out. The pull-out variety works on drawer slides to move the unit in and out. The tilt-out variety includes a cabinet door that pivots forward at the top to open. There are many benefits to built-in closet hampers and the convenience makes it a favorite feature of custom closets.