The Best DIY Closet Systems You Can Buy Right Now

This is the system I used, and while I admit it’s more functional than beautiful (the rails and wire shelves look pretty builder-basic), you can’t beat the price or ease of installation. It just took a measuring tape, a drill, a level, and a big handful of screws to get going. I also liked how the rail telescoped and how easily I was able to move the shelves and brackets around — which I did multiple times until the setup seemed right. Did I mention that I didn’t even use all the pieces that came with my kit, so I gave them to my brother so he could add some extra storage to his own apartment? It doesn’t get better than two closets for the price of one.

While this is slightly more expensive than your classic IKEA arrangement, Modular Closets are still far cheaper than the classic prebuilt storage spaces that ring up to a couple thousand dollars. This company allows you to design your own closet, but for those who aren’t quite raring to configure their own clothing storage situation, it offers design services, too. Whether you’re in search of drawers, racks, shelves, or a mix of everything, you can pull together a setup that works for you through its website.

You can’t beat the variety of options from ClosetMaid, but the Impressions line is particularly nice because of its more upscale look and multiple finishes (white, cherry, chocolate, and walnut). One kit offers plenty of shelving, plus multiple telescoping rods, optional shoe storage, and stacks of drawers.

One of The Container Store’s signature products, Elfa is arguably the gold standard of closet systems and has been since 1999. Once just basic metal shelving, the brand has expanded into luxe finishes, including wood veneer and real wood. It’s also entirely customizable with shelves, baskets, shoe organizers, and shelves galore — which may sound overwhelming, but isn’t when you use the store’s free design service. The system is also famously easy to install and durable.

While the Swedish brand’s infamous ALGOT system was discontinued, this is a worthy replacement. The components that make up IKEA’s ELVARLI System include everything from baskets and shelves to drawers and frames. Combined, its parts can build an efficient closet system that’s a useful blend of a clothing rack and traditional closet shelving. 

Add this closet system from Aheaplus to your existing closet for a setup that keeps your clothes and accessories within reach, but extremely organized. The system includes five rods, four open shelves, and three drawers. Also, the top of the shelf can even provide additional storage for items you don’t reach for as often.

This closet system from John Louis Home is wall-mounted, and it can be cut to the dimensions of your space for a perfect fit. It’s made from solid wood and comes in two colors: red mahogany and honey maple. Once it’s installed, you’ll be able to easily organize your clothes, shoes, and accessories across three closet rods and several shelves.

Available in four different colors and three configurations, the Dotted Line Grid Closet System can be tailored to suit the size closets ranging from 48 inches to 96 inches. The system comes with four garment rods and three shelves, and you can add additional pieces depending on what you need to best organize your things.

If you have a slightly smaller closet or a walk-in with an empty wall, this wall-mounted unit from Home Depot is a great choice to maximize your space and stay organized. It has six shelves and three drawers, and it comes in four finishes that include white, natural wood, gray, and espresso brown.