Serving the Vancouver-Portland Metro Area

Your walk-in closet should act as an extension of you: reflecting your specific needs and unique personal style. But even with the best intentions, many homeowners make critical mistakes when designing their walk-in closets.

As a family-owned company that’s been a part of the Portland OR community for over 41 years, we at Portland Closet Company understand that creating the perfect walk-in closet is about making your entire daily routine a breeze.

So let’s get into what to avoid when upgrading your closet so you can create a space that truly works for your life.

12 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Your Walk-In Closet

Every inch counts in a walk-in closet. That beautiful island you’ve been dreaming about? It needs at least 30 inches of clearance on all sides. Those floor-to-ceiling shelves? They need to account for baseboards and crown molding. We can go on.

Your walk-in closet is all about storage and movement. Many homeowners focus so much on maximizing storage that they forget they need to actually move around in the space. Think about your daily routines!

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late: you need more drawer space than you think.

Drawers can be used for belts, ties, scarves, and all those small items that get lost on shelves. We recommend a mix of shallow drawers for accessories and deeper ones for bulkier items like sweaters.

Speaking of accessories, this is another thing to avoid when designing a closet: treating all storage the same. Your favorite boots need different storage than your tennis shoes. Your statement necklaces deserve better than being tangled in a drawer.

Consider specialized solutions like slanted shoe shelves that display your collection, pull-out valet rods, or felt-linked jewelry drawers.

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when designing your walk-in closet is creating a system that can’t adapt. Maybe you’ll develop a shoe obsession, or perhaps you’ll downsize your wardrobe. Your closet should be able to change with whatever changes you have.

A mirror is essential in a walk-in closet, but placement matters. Your mirror shouldn’t create traffic jams or awkward angles.

The best mirror placement depends on your closet’s layout and natural light sources. Sometimes a full-length mirror on the back of the door works perfectly. Other times, a three-way mirror in a dressing area creates that boutique closet feel.

You can’t use or appreciate a custom closet if you can’t see inside it! Poor lighting is one of the most common mistakes to avoid when designing your closet.

Natural light is wonderful, but most walk-in closets need additional lighting. So think beyond a single ceiling fixture. LED strip lighting under or over shelves reduces shadows. Motion-sensor lights save energy and add convenience.

Your walk-in closet is part of your home, not a storage unit. One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when designing your walk-in closet is focusing only on function while ignoring form.

The materials, colors, and finishes should complement your home’s style and make you happy every time you enter. Whether you prefer the warmth of natural wood, the sleekness of white melamine, or the elegance of custom finishes, your closet should feel cohesive with your bedroom.

We’ve all been there. You start with plans for a simple closet upgrade, and suddenly you’re considering knocking down walls and adding a skylight. While the ambition is great, the “while we’re at it” mentality is something to be avoided when upgrading your closet if it pushes you beyond your budget or timeline.

Maybe install the basic system now and add that custom island next year. Smart planning prevents scope creep and keeps your project on track.

Investing in quality materials means your closet will look great and function perfectly for years to come.

Cheap particle board might save money initially, but it won’t hold up over time. Quality materials resist warping, sagging, and moisture damage.

This is Portland OR-specific, but crucial: our moist climate can wreak havoc on poorly ventilated closets. Trapped moisture leads to musty odors, mildew, and even damage to your clothes.

Proper ventilation might mean adding a small fan, getting adequate space between clothes, or using moisture-absorbing materials. Some closets benefit from louvered doors that promote air flow.

One of the most overlooked opportunities in closet design is vertical space. With the right design, every inch from floor to ceiling can be functional.

• Double-hang rods maximize space for shorter items.
• High shelves store seasonal items for keepsakes.
• Pull-down rods make upper spaces accessible.
• Floating closet systems can extend to any height.

Professional Design vs. DIY Efforts

We admire the DIY spirit, but custom closets are complex systems that require expertise.

Professional designers understand factors like weight distribution. We know building codes and how to work around plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Most importantly, we see the big picture. While you might focus on immediate needs, we design for both current use and future flexibility.

Leave It to the Experts

Don’t let these common mistakes derail your dream closet. Your custom closet is an investment in your home and your daily quality of life.

Portland Closet Company’ installers have the tools and techniques to make sure everything is level, secure, and beautiful. Our 3D design process lets you visualize your closet before we build anything, preventing costly mistakes and disappointment.

The price you pay includes expert design, quality materials, custom construction, and professional installation: all backed by our unsurpassed warranty.

So schedule your free consultation today and let us show you how a professionally designed walk-in closet can transform your home and daily life. You can also visit one of our showrooms.

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