From the book 'Dream Home': Setting up a Closet

Decorator and designer Zhenya Zhdanova knows how to perfect any interior. We took a look into her new book in the section «Dream Closet» to learn the secret of the perfect storage system.

Zhenya Zhdanova is an expert. Designer and decorator, author of the book «Dream Home» about how to create a perfect interior

Where to start? Make sure nothing interferes with your plans

Want to hide engineering systems in the closet area? Note that inspection hatches that open downward should not be placed in the corners of the room. Otherwise, you won't be able to build wardrobes all the way to the ceiling.

Prepare the floor

Choose any flooring you like. If it's tile, consider underfloor heating or a carpet.

Design: Zhenya Zhdanova

Selecting the Type of Closet

Modular constructions

Assembled from wooden and metal elements, they look more elegant and lightweight. They can be quickly assembled, shelves adjusted in height, and additional elements added.

Custom-built wardrobes

Ready-made carpentry structures with built-in wardrobes, shelves, and drawers. Elements in such wardrobes cannot be rearranged.

Open and Closed

Doors can be solid, glass, or mirror. An impressive solution is doors made from brass mesh.

Design: Zhenya Zhdanova

What about shelves?

Height

I always make glass shelves placed above 170 cm. It's easier to see what is on them.

Depth

The total depth of closet systems is 56–60 cm. This is convenient if clothes hang from hangers, but inconvenient for wardrobes with shelves. The optimal depth for a shelf is 35–40 cm, so items can be stored in a single row.

Don't skimp on mechanisms and hardware. These bear a large load, so all parts must be strong and of high quality.

Design: Zhenya Zhdanova

Lighting

Provide ceiling lights with adjustable light direction, as well as built-in internal lighting in wardrobes. Modern manufacturers also offer innovative lighting systems installed in vertical rails and posts.

How to store clothes?

You should be able to easily access clothes you wear regularly. Comfortable storage height is between 90 and 210 cm. Items not needed daily can be stored higher or lower.

At what height to place clothes?

• Blouses, shirts, and skirts need a height of 70–90 cm.
  
• Pants and jeans — 60–80 cm.
  
• Long dresses and coats — optimal height is 120–140 cm.
  
• Full-length pants and jeans — 100–120 cm.
  

Make a double-level structure — it's convenient. Place the top rail at 200–220 cm — perfect for storing blouses and shirts. Then subtract 80 cm from this height and arrange the lower rail for skirts, pants, and jeans.

Design: Zhenya Zhdanova

What about shoes?

There are special slanted shelves with heel fixators — your shoes will always be visible and neatly arranged. But don't forget about regular shelves — here you can store shoes in boxes.

Why are sliding drawers useful?

Besides undergarments, t-shirts, and pajamas, I like to store tie and belt organizers in drawers. Just don't install them higher than 140 cm — it will be inconvenient to look into them.

Storing items in compartments is much more convenient. For ties, use 10×10 cm compartments with a depth of 10 cm. For belts, use 10×10 cm with a depth of 7 cm. For women's undergarments, use 15×15 cm with a depth of 10 cm.

Design: Zhenya Zhdanova

There's always space for a mirror

If there is no room for a standalone mirror, stick a mirrored panel to the inside of the entrance door.

Design: Zhenya Zhdanova

+ 4 more useful tips

Install a pantograph to use the full height of the wardrobe. Place the lower level at 145 cm, and the upper one at 240 cm.

Place the hanger and shelves no higher than 210 cm — that way, you can reach them with your hands without a ladder or stool. This height is optimal for people 165 cm tall.

Store daily items at a low height. If shelf height exceeds eye level, you won't be able to see what's on them. The optimal height is between 125 and 200 cm.

If you need a ladder, plan storage space for it in advance. For shelves placed at 210 cm, a ladder 65 cm high is sufficient.

From the editorial team: For those who want to learn how to create a perfect interior in other parts of their home, look for Zhenya Zhdanova's book «Dream Home» in bookstores across Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.

On the cover: Design project by Zhenya Zhdanova