A Restful Closet
It’s possible to turn any closet into a restful space. One in which you can pull or slide open the door and find yourself immersed in airy lightness and soothing beauty. Whether you have a standard single-rod closet, a large walk-in or a tall armoire, here are some tips to make your wardrobe easier of the eyes.
You’ll instantly know if the space feels restful by the quality and warmth of your lighting. If you have a walk-in or standard closet, a dainty fixture with soft lighting will calibrate the mood. Take care to select a light bulb tone that won’t feel overpowering when you turn it on when dark. If you can install a dimmer, you’ll have the luxury of adjusting the lighting to your preference.
Ultimately, the real beauty of your closet rests on the clothing you own and how it’s presented. I strongly believe in buying beautiful matching hangers. They come in many styles and textures, ranging from wood to delicate velvet. Choosing between pale, bright or darker shades is a matter of personal aesthetic. No matter the style of hanger you opt for, place only one item of clothing on each one, ideally leaving a couple of inches between each hanger. It will be much easier to see what you have in your closet this way.
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Organizing your clothes according to season is key. If you have a standard closet, hang in-season items in the middle and place everything else in storage containers or to the extreme ends of either side, working your way in. In a walk-in, hang all the clothes you need for the current season on one side, and place all other pieces on another rod, on the opposite side of your closet.
While it isn’t necessary to keep similar colours together, I recommend separating neutrals. We generally know when we feel like wearing white, black, cream, grey or another neutral, we just don’t always know which exact piece. Keeping the neutrals separate but together makes it easier to find what we need.
Clothes need to breathe to create both that sense of airy lightness and freshness. Have no qualms about leaving your closet door ajar when you’re not home. It will allow air to permeate through your clothing. It’s also just as important to make a habit of closing the closet door when you’re in your room: a closed door is more restful on the eyes.
Give yourself permission to gently touch some of your garments whenever you peek inside your closet. This creates a more intimate connection with your clothing. Occasionally, try a few items on to see if you still enjoy the feel of the fabric against your skin and that everything still fits right. Buy a small steamer if you can, to occasionally press wrinkles away. Adoring your clothes induces joyful relaxation when you slide open the door, offering at once a feeling of appeasement and excitement.
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In terms of placement, keep similar fabrics together and place lighter and softer fabrics, like linen, silk and light-weight cotton towards the middle, and items made of heavier materials, such as denim, velvet or corduroy further to the side. This grounds and anchors your wardrobe space.
If you find your closet is overflowing with clothing and you really can’t part with any of it, try storing some items in woven baskets or collapsible bins. These are great for tank tops, leggings and other workout gear. Wool and cashmere sweaters should always be folded to retain their shape and definitely laid in a dresser.
Lastly, do not to keep too many shoes in your closet unless you have reserved shelf space. Otherwise, leave only the shoes you rarely wear, in their boxes, and keep the shoes your use regularly in a separate storage space outside your bedroom, perhaps in an entrance closet or mudroom.
A closet cared for with loving and thoughtful attention and filled with only the clothes you adore is not only pleasurable but also visually appealing, while nurturing peace and harmony in your bedroom.
TEXT BY FATIMA RIZZO