A small IKEA closet can be made more functional with a thoughtful mix of shelves, hanging space and baskets. In this shared master bedroom, two compact closets were reorganized using adapted Billy bookcases and a narrow Pax frame, with storage planned around each person’s wardrobe and the available space.
Planning a small IKEA closet around limited space
The original plan was to use the IKEA Pax system in both closets, but the available width and depth did not work with the proposed layout. Instead, the design combined four Billy bookcases with one narrow Pax frame in the back of the L-shaped closet. Baskets took the place of drawers in areas where space was too tight for them.
Before choosing furniture for a small closet, measure its width and depth, including any awkward corners, and consider how doors and drawers will open. A layout that looks suitable on paper still needs enough room for everyday access.
The project required three round trips to IKEA, careful use of every available inch, and a wardrobe sort to decide what to keep. Reducing the number of items stored made it easier to plan the layout around the clothes and accessories used most often.
Robert’s closet: Before and after
Before
After
The finished closet uses shelves, adjustable rods and baskets. Because Robert already stores T-shirts, underwear and shorts in bedroom dressers, the closet baskets could be reserved for smaller categories and seasonal items.
One basket sits below the shoe shelves for dress socks, keeping them easy to reach. Other baskets hold winter accessories such as hats and gloves, along with seasonal items. A pull-out rack keeps ties and belts together, while wall hooks provide a handy place for frequently worn baseball caps.
For a similar setup, group small accessories by type and place the items used most often at an accessible height. Hooks can also make use of otherwise unused wall space.
Lauren’s closet: Before and after
Before
After
The baskets in Lauren’s closet hold scarves, hats and gloves, purses and bags, and belts. Two small Pax drawers provide separate storage for swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups and shapewear used for special occasions.
A bridged section between the two bookcases creates a shoe cubby, making use of a gap that might otherwise have gone unused. When adapting furniture, check that the finished arrangement is stable and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing pieces where needed.
Clothing organization and hangers
Clothes are grouped first by category—sweaters and jackets, blouses and tops, pants, and dresses. Each category is then divided by sleeve length where relevant, such as sleeveless, short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops. Within those groups, clothes are arranged by color in a gradient: black, brown, white, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
This system makes it easier to see what is available and put outfits together. Wooden hangers were chosen for this closet because they were less likely to tangle with one another; hanger choice is personal, so the best option is the one that suits the space and routine.
Small IKEA closet cost breakdown
Robert’s closet
- 1 – 31 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcase
- 1 – 15 3/4″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcase
- 1 – 31 1/2″ Billy extension
- 1 – 15 3/4″ Billy extension
- 8 – Skuggis hooks
- 2 – pullout tie organizer racks
- 5 packs of Bumerang hangers
- 3 adjustable closet rods
- 1 – 1×4 MDF strip
- 3 whitewashed medium baskets
- 1 whitewashed medium rattan basket
Total for Robert’s closet: $427
Lauren’s closet
- 2 – 31 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcases
- 2 – 31 1/2″ Billy extensions
- 1 – 19 5/8″ x 22 7/8″ x 92 7/8″ Pax wardrobe frame
- 2 – 19 5/8″ Komplement drawers
- 2 – 19 5/8″ Komplement shelves
- 1 – Komplement pull-out multi-use hanger
- 4 – Skuggis hooks
- 4 – 1×4 MDF strips
- 4 adjustable closet rods
- 9 packs of Bumerang hangers
- 4 whitewashed medium baskets
- 6 whitewashed medium rattan baskets
Total for Lauren’s closet: $718.50
Total for both closets combined: $1,145.50
These figures reflect the listed project costs; prices and availability can change over time. For a useful estimate of your own project, measure first and make a complete list of shelves, rods, baskets and hardware before shopping.
Final thoughts on this small IKEA closet
This small IKEA closet makeover shows how bookcases, a narrow wardrobe frame, baskets and carefully planned hanging areas can help organize two compact spaces. The key is to measure accurately, assign storage by category and use the available height and corners wisely. With the full project cost listed above, the layout also offers a practical starting point for planning a closet that fits your own room and storage needs.
