Best Closet Design Companies of 2023

Photo comp of closet organizing — MyDomaine / Design by Amelia Manley

If you have closet chaos in any room of your house, a closet design company can help you create a storage system that improves the efficiency and aesthetics of your space. While you might first think of bedroom or walk-in closets for a closet organizer system, you can also use them in many other spaces, like kitchen pantries, home offices, living rooms, garages, and craft rooms.

The best closet design companies offer a variety of storage solutions that can fit small reach-in closets or large walk-in closets. Often, you’ll be able to use an online design tool to visualize how individual components will fit together. Full-service closet design companies will handle the process from design to installation, while DIY closet organizer options guide you through the design process; but you’ll be responsible for installation. Regardless of which route you choose, be prepared to make decisions on the components, finishes, and accessories that you need to organize your space.

Best Closet Design Companies of 2023

Best Overall: California Closets
Best for Customization: Closets by Design
Best for Variety Storage Systems: The Container Store
Best for Small Closets: ClosetMaid
Best for DIY: EasyClosets
Best for Walk-in Closets: Inspired Closets

Best Overall: California Closets

Why We Chose It: With nationwide availability and custom or modular closet systems available, California Closets is a popular closet design company that offers premium finishes, useful accessories, and white glove installation.

Pros

Choose from custom or modular closet systems
No-cost in-home design consultations
Wide variety of finishes available

Cons

Can be pricey

Organize your reach-in or walk-in closet with the help of California Closets. This popular closet design service has a nationwide presence and offers both full-service design and DIY closet organization solutions. Best known for creating custom closets with premium finishes and accessories, purchasing from California Closets is an investment, but its services and products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Custom closets start at around $1,000 for a 6-foot space and range up to around $41,000 for high-end installations.

For custom closet layouts, the process typically starts with a complimentary in-home design consultation. A design professional will measure your space and render a 3-D virtual walk-through for your closet solution. You’ll approve the design and make final selections. Once the closet system has been manufactured, California Closets will send a qualified installer to your home for white glove installation. The entire process takes about four to six weeks from the time of your initial consultation.

Another option is to use the modular closet system available from California Closets. Developed in collaboration with home organization guru Martha Stewart, the Everyday System is a modular closet organization system. Designed for DIYers, renters, or budget-minded shoppers, this option ships quickly and installs easily. The Everyday System modular closet starts at about $800.

Best for Customization: Closets By Design

Why We Chose It: Closets By Design specializes in custom closet systems that are designed to fit your space, taste, and budget. Choose from four collections and an abundance of finishes and accessories to create a one-of-a-kind closet system.

Pros

Four product collections to match budget and style
Free in-home consultation

Cons

No online design tool
Finish selections vary by collection

For a custom closet system, check out Closets By Design. As the name suggests, the team of nationwide designers is ready to help you design your ideal closet with an abundance of options to customize the look and functionality of your space. While there is no online design tool to help you explore product options, you can schedule a complimentary in-home consultation or visit one of CBD’s showrooms; there are more than 50 locations nationwide.

Whether you are trying to transform a reach-in closet or create a luxury walk-in space, Closets By Design is equipped to handle your wardrobe transformation. This closet design company offers four collections to start your custom closet configuration: Everyday, Classic, Regency, and Brio. Standard finishes and options vary by collection, but upgrades are available that let you incorporate must-have design details—like crown and base molding for a built-in closet look. Pricing is only available with a custom quote.

Best Variety Storage System: The Container Store

Why We Chose It: A one-stop-shop for organization essentials, The Container Store offers four different closet systems with an abundance of accessories to corral everything from shoes to craft supplies.

Pros

Flexible options for consultation: in-store, at home, or online
Four closet systems to choose from

Cons

Some systems are only available with professional installation
Accessories aren’t always interchangeable

The Container Store offers four different closet systems paired with an assortment of organization accessories, making it a clear choice for a variety storage system. Whether your closet is for clothes, office supplies, or crafting essentials, The Container Store has a solution to meet your needs.

There are four closet organization systems to choose from: Elfa Classic, Elfa Decor, Avera, and Preston. The Elfa collections are the most affordable and also offer DIY installation, while Avera and Preston incorporate premium finishes and features. If you splurge for the built-in look of an Avera or Preston closet system, take note that you’ll need professional measurements and installation. On the other hand, the Elfa closet systems use a track-and-rail system that is simple enough for a handy homeowner to install. It’s also relatively easy to move in the future, unlike a custom-designed and professionally installed built-in closet system.

No matter which closet organization systems you select, there are abundant accessories and add-ons available. Wire and solid shelves, shoe shelves, drawer units, pegboards, accessory trays, and more will help you organize items large and small. There are even desk integrations available if you’re creating a cloffice for your WFH set-up.

Best for Small Closets: ClosetMaid

Why We Chose It: The closet organizers available from ClosetMaid are easy to configure for small spaces and offer useful accessories to maximize even limited closet space.

Pros

Modular and custom organizers available
Wide variety of accessories and features

Cons

Not all collections are available for small closets
Professional design assistance costs $5 for 2 layout options

If you have a small closet, a closet organizer can enhance the usability of the space you have and maximize your storage options. Depending on your wardrobe or storage needs, garment rods, shelves, and drawers can be combined into a closet system that makes the best use of vertical space in your reach-in or small walk-in closet.

ClosetMaid is a familiar name for ready-made closet organizers and four collections offer you basic to premium closet organization. For small closets, we chose this company since you can easily control the spending and accessories. Wire shelving closet systems are affordable, with basic units starting at about $80. However, you can also splurge on your small closet with ClosetMaid’s SuiteSymphony laminate closet organizer.

Keep in mind that the dimensions of your closet may limit the product collections you can shop from. However, the site’s easy-to-use online design tool will let you know of any incompatible product choices once you input your dimensions. If you do need help to sort through the options, ClosetMaid offers professional design renderings for a $5 fee. While the charge is minimal, it’s worth noting that most other closet design companies offer free design assistance.

Best DIY: EasyClosets

Why We Chose It: You can start designing your custom closet with EasyCloset’s online tool or get free help from a closet designer. In either case, all components for your closet system ship to your house for straightforward DIY installation.

Pros

3D online design tool
Free shipping on orders over $400
Lifetime limited warranty

Cons

Limited accessory options
Installation requires skills and tools, including a hacksaw, drill, etc.

If you want to take charge of your closet design project, EasyClosets makes the process simple with a single closet system and online design tool. This DIY closet design company manufacturers components to fit your dimensions and layout then ships everything to you for self-installation. While other closet organizer companies usually include installation services, be prepared with the power tools and know-how necessary to install this closet system yourself.

An online design tool is a big asset if you’re planning your system on your own. Input your closet dimensions (or use sample measurements to get started), arrange components, and choose finishes and options from the menu. The price calculator updates as you make your selections, giving you instant insight into the total cost of your custom closet. It’s also worth mentioning that orders over $400 ship for free. Since reach-in closet designs start around $500 and walk-in closets start at about $700, meeting the order minimum for free shipping is easy to do.

Best for Walk-in Closets: Inspired Closets

Why We Chose It: The design assistance offered in-home, virtually, or at a showroom makes it practical and straightforward to plan a walk-in closet that is simple or stunning, depending on your preferences and budget. Consultations are free and your designer will create a plan that includes design, preparation, and installation.

Pros

Complimentary design appointment
Preview samples and hardware in person

Cons

No online design tool available
Requires professional installation

For a wow-worthy walk-in closet, make a free design appointment with Inspired Closets. This high-end closet design company specializes in creating custom organization solutions for any room in the house, but the portfolio of walk-in closet transformations speaks for itself with regard to the company’s specialty. Walk-in closet configurations start at about $2,000, while boutique-like closets—complete with integrated lighting, wardrobe mirrors, an island, and more—are in the range of $10,000 or more. It’s a big spend for sure, but your custom-designed closet will feel like a private, high-end dressing room when you’re done.

Taking a custom approach to closet design, the process starts with an in-home or virtual design consultation. You can also meet a designer in one of Inspired Closets’ 59 showrooms. Aside from providing you with a layout for your walk-in closet, we appreciate that your designer will show you samples of finishes and hardware to help you make the right choices. Inspired Closets is full-service, so there’s no DIY installation option.

Final Verdict

Custom solutions and modular organization systems are both effective solutions for making the most of your closet storage space. California Closets stands out as the top option for a closet design company since it offers both types of systems. In addition, it has a nationwide presence with more than 100 showrooms in North America. You can customize the storage solutions you choose and California Closets backs their products with a limited lifetime warranty.

How to Choose the Best Closet Design Companies

There are many options if you’re looking for a solution to transform your closet. When choosing between closet design companies, there are a number of factors to keep in mind:

Design Assistance: Is there an online design tool that can help you choose the right closet system? Some closet design companies also provide professional assistance; it’s usually (but not always) complimentary.

Materials and Finishes: Most closet organizers are constructed using particleboard or plywood with a laminated finish, available in many different colors or wood-like finishes. Keep in mind that some finishes may be part of a premium line or incur an upcharge.

Accessories: Check out the accessory options if you want to customize your closet with dedicated storage for things like shoes, jewelry, belts, and more.

Installation: Some closet design services include installation, while others leave the cutting, drilling, and hanging of components up to you.

Warranty: Closet organizer systems can be an investment and some companies back their products with a limited lifetime warranty while other warranty periods may be as short as one to three years.

Closet Design Companies vs. Doing-It-Yourself (DIY)

If you’re considering whether to revamp your closets as part of a DIY project or wondering if it’s a project best left to the professionals, the decision largely depends on how involved you want to be in the process. You can save some money with DIY closet design, largely due to foregoing professional installation. For handy homeowners, this may not pose a problem. But if you’re not comfortable with measuring, drilling, and cutting materials, you’ll have to hire a handyman for the job.

Many closet design companies offer online tools that allow you to build your own closet configuration, giving you the ability to try various options before settling on the layout that suits your needs. Some companies also offer free professional design assistance, giving you the ability to partner with a designer to create the best layout for your space and identify any issues or receive additional recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Spaces Can I Use Closet Design Companies For?

Bedroom closets, including reach-in and walk-in varieties, are the most common spaces a closet design company will assist with. However, there are plenty of other closets and storage spaces in your home that can be organized with a closet system. Kitchen pantries, living room storage and entertainment centers, laundry room and mudroom storage, as well as garage organization can all benefit from the services of closet organizer companies.

Are Closet Design Companies DIY-Friendly?

While full-service closet design companies are best suited for homeowners that want a design consultant to guide them through every step of the process and arrange for installation, other closet design companies are DIY-friendly. Many modular solutions are an easy choice for someone looking to design and install a closet on their own. These closet organizer systems are typically wall-mounted and don’t feature built-in fixtures.

How Much Do Closet Design Companies Cost?

The cost of using a closet design company varies depending on how large or small your closet system is and whether you choose a full-service or DIY company. In general, reach-in closet systems may cost between $200 and $500 for DIY systems and about $1000 or more for full-service design and installation. Walk-in closets are typically more expensive due to their increased square footage. A walk-in closet may cost around $500 to $1,000 for basic self-installed components but around $2,000 or more for a custom-designed and installed closet set-up.

Features like built-in fixtures, integrated closet lighting, and accessories for jewelry, purses, shoes, and more will add to the cost of your system. In addition, most closet design companies charge for upgraded finishes and hardware. Your design selections will impact the overall cost of your closet system.

Methodology

To recommend options for closet storage solutions, we evaluated popular online and in-store closet design companies. In total, we considered 15 different companies—including both full-service and DIY closet design services.

Closet design companies were evaluated based on the type of systems available, the options, accessories, finishes to choose from, and the cost. In addition, we took note of whether the company offers an online design tool to explore closet configurations if design assistance is complimentary, and whether or not you can self-install the system. Since a closet system also represents an investment, we also checked for a warranty period with each closet design company.

After compiling information on the product lines, using the online tools of various closet design companies to build and price a system, and taking into account user reviews, we established the six best closet design companies, depending on your needs and budget. Only companies that are available nationwide are included on our list, making an organized closet within your reach no matter where you live.