Closet Cases

Closets are the repositories of things we’d rather not face—–skeletons and monsters being just two items on an overflowing list. Piles of mismatched shoes, corners crammed with forgotten frocks, and awkward shelves that are just out of reach all contend for the other reasons why we’d rather keep our closet doors shut.

Fortunately, there are people and products standing at the ready to help even the most disastrous closets (and their owners). The secret to success, says professional organizer Standolyn Robertson, is to let your habits dictate what kind of closet system you’ll use, rather than allowing a product to force you into an unnatural—–and ultimately unsustainable—–sorting style. If you are a visual learner, use transparent baskets and labels; if you always put your keys on a hook, set up your closet so you can put your bathrobe on a hook, too.

Even with the best advice, choosing a closet system is harder than it may seem. The near-infinite number of results from mixing and matching parts, accessories, and finishes can make reaching a decision overwhelming and comparing prices, apple-to-apple style, close to impossible. Here, with Robertson’s expert help, we walk you through five systems from across the spectrum to highlight what to look for depending on your space situation.

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  Ubik

  • Made by: Poliform

  To best appreciate the sleek look of the Ubik system, whose aesthetic we admire (but whose cost causes consternation), proper lighting is a must—–especially if you choose to turn the system into a freestanding wardrobe with doors. Ubik would surely tame a pile of pumps or litter of linens, but without a background in apparel retail, we’re not sure who has the gumption to keep their shirts in each mailbox slot–like cubby.

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  Elfa

  • Made by: The Container Store

  Though seeing what’s in your wardrobe will prevent you from forgetting about the sweater your mother-in-law knitted you, your collection of clothes will probably look little like the color-coordinated images shown in advertisements. We’d prefer solid drawers to Elfa’s mesh-and-wire baskets, but the large number of other accessories and the walk-in, reach-in, and freestanding options demonstrate the Elfa range is anything but elfin.

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  Selectives

  • Made by: ClosetMaid

  Nothing comes for free: The financial savings of purchasing this system mean putting in a little elbow grease, as installation requires an enthusiastic DIYer equip­ped with a drill, hammer, and screwdriver. You can pay a small fee for the company to send you a custom layout, or play designer using ClosetMaid’s free online planning program­—–either way, you’re a weekend away from being closet-made

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  Gliss 5th

  • Made by: Molteni & C

  If you value your sock drawer over all else, Gliss 5th is the system for you. It can overwhelm a small space, although the angled end sections and doors that open 165 degrees do help it blend in and let you get to those hard-to-reach corner spots. The large number of color and finish choices mean you can coordinate this system with your existing decor or, should your pocketbook permit, outfit the rest of the room with matching tables and chests of drawers.

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  Stolmen

  • Designed by: Ehlén Johansson
  • Made by: Ikea
  • Price: $720

  If your ceilings are within the usable range—–between 6'10.5" and 10'9"—–the mounting system increases Stolmen’s versatility, letting you assemble its modular sections next to glass or brick walls, behind the doors of a closet, or out in the open as shelves or housing for an entertainment system. This is a great choice for cost-conscious consumers—–we just wish it came with as many finish options as it does screw caps.