The new year gives us a chance to reset our home. Whether you are organizing your belongings, decluttering excess from the holidays, or upgrading your space, January is the perfect time to evaluate your storage solutions and consider an upgrade. A custom closet can be the perfect way to start off the year fresh and achieve your organization goals.
But even if you’ve decided that is what your home needs, investing in a closet system is just the first step with a series of decisions to quickly follow. How you select the right finish and hardware for your closet can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be if you follow a few tried and true tips.
We tapped into the expertise of our designers to help simplify the process so you can create a custom closet you are sure to love for many years.
When selecting the finish choice for your custom closet, consider the following:
Lighting
How much (or how little) light do you have in the space? If there is no window – which is typical for most closets – keep the finish light and bright. Dark finishes absorb light and make the space feel smaller. It can also make it difficult to see the color of your clothing if the space is too dark. If your heart is set on a darker wood grain but you lack the natural light needed to make it work, consider the addition of lighting to brighten and expand the space.
Existing Space
The size of your closet is also an important consideration. For smaller closets, dark finishes will make it feel more closed in and crowded, whereas a lighter finish will make it feel more open. Also consider how your selections will look with adjacent areas such as a bedroom or bathroom. Be sure to select a finish style that works with of the rest of your home. Solid colors and high gloss finishes are typically more contemporary whereas natural wood grains are usually more traditional.
Budget
Concept II offers over 42 color choices, and our finishes include laminate, wood veneer, and MDF options. These selections vary in price, so understanding which options fit within your budget is key. Laminate selections and solid colors tend to be more cost effective than wood grains, but there are other options that help manage costs as well. Mixing finishes such as using a solid color for the base and wood grain for the doors, drawer faces, and other visible surfaces can be a nice alternative to a full wood grain, and typically fit within a smaller budget. This presents a good compromise to allow for the addition of more features and accessories as well.
When selecting hardware for your custom closet, consider the following:
Existing Hardware
Take inventory of the hardware you currently have throughout your home. Keeping the look consistent with your overall space can help the design feel more cohesive. If you prefer to have something different, select a color that complements what you already have (especially in adjoining areas such as a bedroom or bathroom). This will bring your spaces together to create consistency throughout.
Style
Consider the style of the door and drawer faces being used in the closet. If you are using a Transitional style, something with a softer detail such as our Novel or Synergy handle is a good choice. If you are using a Shaker or Flat door/drawer, hardware with harder edges work better such as our Modern or Waterfall Handle.
There is also the consideration of knobs or handles. Most clients prefer handles to be used in their closet. A tall cabinet door always works better with a handle, but knobs can often be a good choice for smaller doors. Our wide selection of closet handles and knobs ensures you find the perfect hardware to match your style.
Color
Closet hardware comes in a variety of different sheens and colors. Whether you are considering polished or brushed chrome, oil rubbed bronze, matte gold, or slate grey, consider the color and style aspects of the surrounding areas and your closet finish choice. Hold the ones you are considering against the finish sample to see how everything works together. This can be the best way to envision how it will all come together once installed.
Concept II’s talented closet designers can help you pull together all the necessary details for your custom closet. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your closet needs.
Closet hardware comes in a variety of different . Whether you are considering polished or brushed chrome, oil rubbed bronze, matte gold, or slate grey, consider the color and style aspects of the surrounding areas and your closet finish choice. Hold the ones you are considering against the finish sample to see how everything works together. This can be the best way to envision how it will all come together once installed. Concept II’s talented closet designers can help you pull together all the necessary details for your custom closet. to discuss your closet needs.