Organize Your Wardrobe with the 3 Best Closet Systems We Tested
Keeping closets organized can be a struggle. But when you find the right organization system, it can feel like magic. Whether you’re hoping to organize your clothing or simply corral your cleaning supplies in one spot, there are plenty of closet systems that can help.
We tested six options and ranked the best ones, keeping in mind their design, material, weight capacity, installation process, and overall value. We also checked in with Julie Morgenstern, author of multiple organizing and time management books including Organizing From The Inside Out, and Cara Palmer, founder, Organize Every Room, to get some expert tips on what to look for in a closet system.
From metal to wood, freestanding to wall-mounted, we found the best closet systems to suit your needs.
What We Tested
We spent over 21 hours installing six different closet systems, evaluating each according to their installation process, design, value, and more to select the best options for you. For more information on how we tested closet systems, check out our testing process below.
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Designed for a four-foot space, this system was sturdy, easy to install, and can be configured multiple ways, making it an efficient storage option.
Organizing your closet can be a daunting task all on its own, so installation should be as easy as possible. We were able to install this closet system in just two hours, making it one of the fastest options among the products we tested. Keep in mind, we did need to use online assembly instructions because the system didn’t come with a paper copy. One person can handle this on their own, though it’s easier if you have someone available to hand you tools if you’re working from a stepstool in a tight space.
The unit includes four two-foot hanging rods, six closet rod holders, and six shelves measuring 2 by 16 feet. It’s perfect for a space of about 52 inches wide and will help you maximize your storage space, especially with all the configuration options available.
We installed the system in a drop zone closet and it held cleaning supplies, outdoor gear, and other miscellaneous items beautifully. We think this 4-foot kit is a great place to start, but you can purchase custom kit pieces if you’d like to add some additional storage options, too. Or, you can custom-design your own kit using the Elfa classic line.
Compared to other metal options we tested, this kit does come at a higher price point. But overall we feel this offers a solid value for the many features.
Product Details: Dimensions: 50 x 84 x 17 in. | Material: Epoxy steel | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds per linear foot (ventilated shelf)
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When you’re in need of a simple yet sturdy storage option that won’t cause sticker shock, consider this Amazon Basics model. As a freestanding shelving unit, it was a breeze to assemble, taking just 30 minutes with one person. We used a screwdriver and drill, and the instructions were easy to follow.
The unit contains both shelves and hanging rods that can be adjusted by height. It makes for convenient hanging of small items or tall items, such as longer dresses or jackets and coats. The shelves can be moved to customize storage space even further. It also comes with adjustable foot plates so you can create a level surface on uneven flooring.
The metal construction is solid, with a total weight capacity of up to 1,299 pounds. This unit only comes in black and it’s rather utilitarian, lacking any additional customization features like drawers, so it won’t appeal to those looking for a pleasing aesthetic. However, the price combined with its features and sturdy construction earned it a spot on our list.
Product Details: Dimensions: 14 x 80 x 72 in. | Material: Alloy steel, plastic | Weight Capacity: Up to 1,299 lbs. total
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There are no rules saying that closet organization has to be strictly functional without being aesthetically pleasing. This option combines the best of practicality and looks with its combination of wood and MDF construction. Be prepared for a fairly lengthy installation process—it took us about six hours and you may even need to whip out a saw to trim up a few pieces for a better fit. You’ll also need to have a stud finder, screwdriver, and ratchet set to complete installation.
The finished product is worth the extra effort, though, with the wood trim on MDF material. Keep in mind that the MDF portions dent a bit easier, but the dents we created weren’t very obvious. It’s a sturdy pick with smooth drawer glides, so it has a quality feel. We especially liked the soft-close drawer for an upscale touch. Initially, we noticed a wood glue odor but that appeared to fade with time.
The unit includes a closet tower, extendable hanging rod, two three-foot closet shelves, one drawer kit, a tower shoe shelf, and two traditional shelves that fit in the tower. Overall, the price is worth the solid feel, handy storage compartments, high-end feel (without the accompanying price tag) and wood touches. You can also choose from Java or White to match your decor.
Product Details: Dimensions: 96 x 76 x 16 in. | Material: Wood, MDF | Weight Capacity: 25 pounds (shelves)
The Bottom Line
We selected The Container Store Elfa Classic 4′ Closet Starter Kit as the best overall choice because of its sturdy construction, easy installation, and multiple configuration options.
Our Testing Process
We performed five tests on six different closet system products and spent 21 hours installing the systems. Before installing a new system, we removed any existing shelving. We then installed the new closet system, taking note of the installation process and length of time involved. Once installed, we added in the items we planned to store in the closet, removing and replacing items throughout the testing period.
During the testing process, we also evaluated the design of each closet system. We noted whether it was easy to reach all areas, whether some items were tough to store, whether the configuration options were large enough, and how easily each system could be configured to our liking.
We observed whether the system kept things organized and how durable the system felt. We noted if any pieces were damaged during the installation process or whether any moving parts, like drawer tracks, became stuck. Finally, we took all of these observations into account to determine the overall value of the closet system in relation to its pricing.
We’ll continue to monitor our top picks over the next six months and update this article with any new findings.
Better Homes & Gardens
What to Know About Closet Systems Before Shopping
Material
The most common materials you’ll find among closet systems are metal or wood, which often tends to be medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Palmer says that wood systems offer an aesthetic appeal with durability, but the cost tends to be higher.
MDF, or engineered wood, is typically more affordable but doesn’t have as much strength as wood and may be more susceptible to moisture damage. Palmer notes that metal shelving is durable and often ideal for heavier objects when you want a closet system that will last—just know it’s usually not as aesthetically pleasing. Palmer also comments on wire units: “{They’re} budget-friendly and promote air circulation (good for humid environments), but smaller items can fall through and look less refined.”
According to Morgenstern, choosing the right material should factor in your taste as well as your budget. However, Morgenstern recommends avoiding coated wire or metal wire shelving systems for clothing because they can catch on fabric. Plus, small items often fall through the cracks and the wire prevents stacks of clothes from staying neat and organized. She adds, “Whether actual wood, MDF, or metal, the key is to make sure the surface is completely flat.”
Customization & Configuration
Choosing the right configuration ultimately comes down to what you’re planning to store on the shelving system. Morgenstern notes that in general, “a combination of carefully selected drawers, shelves, and hanging poles serve most people best.” She adds that drawers work well for small items like socks and small purses while shelves are ideal for folded tops and pants. Hanging space is especially useful for storing slacks, dresses, tops, and suits.
To get an idea of what configuration you might need, take inventory of your belongings and measure your space. You may want to group your clothing by how you plan to organize it. Morgenstern advises, “Stack your t-shirts, sweaters, and folded pants on the bed in stacks about 10-12 inches high. Count the number of stacks and measure them to get an idea of how much shelf space you’ll need.”
You can also group items you plan to stash in a drawer. Place them on a bed or other surface based on how you’d like to store them, then determine how many drawers you’ll need and how tall they should be. To plan hanging space, simply hang up the clothes on an existing hanging rod and measure the linear feet of space they take up. Finally, Morgenstern says, “Whatever space requirements you come up with, always plan on allowing some extra space to allow for breathing room in your closet.”
Generally, we preferred modular options like the Elfa unit or IKEA kits for their configuration possibilities. Both of these products also offer the option to purchase additional items to further customize closet space as needed.
Better Homes & Gardens
Weight Capacity
Palmer advises that shelving for clothes should have a weight capacity of 30-40 pounds per linear foot, at minimum. She adds, “Hanging rods should support 30+ pounds per foot for versatility with heavier items like winter coats.”
If you’re organizing a utility closet, aim for a closet system that can handle at least 50 pounds per shelf. That way, you can easily store heavier objects like tools or other household supplies, according to Palmer.
Other Closet Systems We Tested
IKEA Boaxel Wardrobe Combination
The IKEA Boaxel Wardrobe Combination was close to making our list because we liked how easy configuration (and reconfiguration) was, plus we appreciated the ability to buy additional pieces for future changes. Ultimately, the installation process is best suited for someone with experience and plenty of tools and supplies, like extra anchors and screws.
ClosetMaid SuiteSymphony Closet Organizer with Shelves
We appreciated this closet system from ClosetMaid SuiteSymphony Closet Organizer with Shelves for its combination of adjustable storage options, but it just wasn’t durable enough to make our top picks. Multiple pieces arrived with nicks and cracks.
Dotted Line Closet System
The Dotted Line Closet System also arrived with a few dings and dents, plus its installation process was quite involved with additional pieces and sawing required, and the unit was rather expensive. We would only recommend this to someone who is comfortable with more intense DIY projects.
Better Homes & Gardens
Who We Are
Brittany VanDerBill is a Better Homes & Gardens contributor who has written about several home appliances and storage solutions. To find the best closet systems, she analyzed insights from our team of testers who evaluated each system based on value, installation, design, customization, and more. Brittany also consulted Julie Morgenstern, author of multiple organizing and time management books including Organizing From The Inside Out, and Cara Palmer, founder, Organize Every Room, for additional insights.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
