Practical closet makeover on a budget
Many homes don't have dream closets in the bedroom, and for many it's a case of living with a builders-grade melamine built-ins, or an old pine closet with louvre doors - but you don't have to live with that.
17/11/2018
Not every home is fitted with a dream closet; a built-in or walk-in closet that features all the mod cons and provides all the storage you need for your clothes, accessories and shoes. For many, it's living with a builders-grade melamine built-in cupboard with boring doors, or a pine cabinet with louvre doors that has definitely seen better days.
But you don't have to live with this when there are so many affordable solutions out there that can enhance your bedroom and increase your storage.
Kelly at view along the way impressed me with her practical approach to a closet makeover that transformed her untidy closet into a completely organised space.
The first step for any closet makeover is to draw up a sketch of what you want to do with the space. Even a small cupboard or hoekie can be used to maximum if you measure up the area and transfer this onto a piece of graph paper. It's also easier to visualise how everything can be fitted into the space if you have a basic plan.
Despite the small size of this closet, Kelly managed to organise everything to fit so that she would have a space to hang clothes, have easy access to shoes and accessories, and even add a small dressing table area.
Draw up a plan
As with any project, the first step is to draw up a sketch or plan of the cupboard or room. You can do this on a piece of graph paper, or download the free version of SketchUp Make and transfer the measurements into this. I definitely recommend the latter, and use SketchUp to draw up all my projects.
Use a tape measure or laser measure to determine the length and height of walls and the total area of the space. Try to be accurate, so that you can use these measurements to order the materials needed to install shelves or cupboards.
Choose your materials
To assemble your closet you have a variety of options:
Melamine Board - Builders offer white melamine board (1830 x 2750mm) that you can have cut to size at the store, making it easy for you to simply assemble everything at home. Priced at around R400 per sheet (depending on location), you will probably only require a single sheet for all your shelves - or perhaps an extra sheet if you are replacing doors as well.
MelaWood - If you're not a fan of melamine and prefer a more upmarket finish, MelaWood is available in assorted designs that replicate the look of real wood. Priced from around R700 per sheet for a sheet size of 1830 x 2750mm, you can have this cut for shelves, doors and to make your own drawer cabinets.
SupaWood - With the exception of melamine board, SupaWood is the more affordable option for shelves, doors and cupboards. SupaWood comes in a sheet size of 1830 x 2750mm, priced from around R529 depending on location, and can be cut into specific lengths for all your closet fittings. Since SupaWood is not a finished board product, it can be left raw or painted with acrylic or water based enamel paint before installation.
Design according to your needs
Whether you need to fit everything into a small cupboard or a tiny space, with the proper planning and by determining your storage needs, you should be able to design a closet that meets your storage needs.
Make use of all the available space, from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. Hanging rails can be fitted into any available space for hanging bags and accessories. Allow space on the lower level for shelves to accommodate shoes, or look at fitting a pullout shoe rack if you have an extensive collection of shoes.
