You Can Do These DIY Closet Updates Without Spending a Lot of Money
By making the most of your closet to gain more storage space or expand your living space, you can make your home more functional and comfortable. While updating your closet can save space, it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some wardrobe updates you can do yourself without spending a ton of money.
How to measure your closet
The most important place to start is to measure your space. If you have a square-shaped closet, you can use a tape measure to mark out the shelving from inside corner to inside corner. If you have an oddly shaped closet, use craft paper or wrapping paper laid out on the closet floor and fold in the edges to better represent the shape of the room, then cut out that template. You can use a paper template to trace the shelves and measure other parts.
Add some shelving
Adding shelving to your closet can give you more storage space at the top or can be used entirely if you don’t need space to hang clothes. Closet shelves can be expensive, but there are several affordable ways to add shelves if you install them yourself. A pack of two 24-by-15-inch shelves costs about $40, and brackets to hang them cost $3 to $5 each. You’ll need two brackets for each shelf, so the total cost will be about $60 for two shelves. You can also use a variety of custom shelves for any configuration you prefer, with most options ranging from $20 to $60 per shelf. Wire shelves are a lighter option, but are more difficult to cut to fit a custom-sized cabinet. They usually cost between $20 and $100. To hang the shelves, you’ll need a drill and screwdriver, as well as a tape measure, pencil, and level to make sure they’re level.
Convert Closet
Converting a closet into a little extra living space can be as simple as removing the door. Whether you want to add a desk, a chest of drawers, or space for a reading nook, it’s worth stocking up on the best furniture for this type of project. Once you’ve measured the inside of your closet, it’s also important to measure the height and width of the doorway to make sure any furniture you buy will fit. If you can’t find one that suits your needs, you can save money by purchasing a small desk or computer desk for $35 to $80 online. A shelf suspended above the cabinet at table height can also replace a more expensive option. Think outside the box, like using a nightstand for around $50 and a wall mirror for $30-$40 to create a small walk-in closet for under $100. You can achieve a closet makeover without spending a lot of money.
Change your doors
If you want a swing door to take up less space or simply want to change the look of your closet doors, you can save some money by hanging new doors yourself. A double door allows you to open and close a closet door, taking up about half the space required to open a standard door. This can be useful if space is limited and a standard size bifold door typically costs between $120 and $200. Another alternative door option is sliding doors , which can be mounted on an external track above the door frame, allowing the door to be opened without the need for a hinged space. Barn style sliding doors for closets are easy to DIY with a drill and level, and a door with hardware typically costs between $150 and $250. If you’re on a budget and want a cheaper alternative, you can also hang your curtain using an expandable tension rod for about $20 per rod and $25 to $50 per curtain.