I recently moved into an apartment with 1 tiny closet. We installed a shelf and a rod to hang clothes. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to hide it? Please excuse the mess, I'm still unpacking and putting things away! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!! Thanks!
Have you already maximized the space in the existing small, built-in closet with double rods, shelving or an inexpensive closet system?
Because you're in an apartment, I wouldn't waste either time or money building in your shelving solution. Instead, I would look into inexpensive, free-standing closets at Ikea, HD or Lowes or other h/w stores. An armoire's another possibility. That way, you can (hopefully) take your closet along with you to your next home.
Another alternative would be to discuss the situation with your landlord. If you either hire a professional or do exceptional carpentry work yourself, perhaps the landlord would reimburse you for materials and supplies (if DIY) or the pro's charges. If this option works, I suggest having the landlord approve the job at the completion of each and every phase from planning to completion.
Can only see a corner of your existing closet in the photo. Would it be possible to build a matching closet?
What a great temporary solution. Ikea sells cabinets with doors that you can utilize now and take with you if you move to another apartment or house.
Drapery (draped fabric) comes to mind if you intend to keep this set up. Folding screens are nice and decorative but they can be cumbersome to move often.
Good luck with your new move and I hope you can make a cozy nest in your apartment!
Posts: 8505 | Location: East Space Coast, Florida zone 9B | Registered: Feb 11, 2003
I'm going to suggest given the nature of your situation that drapery will be the best solution and if chosen correctly, will help you advance the decor for this room too.
Mount a battery powered lamp with a pull string to the ceiling in the area before you hang the curtains so you can get light in the "closet" area once curtains are hung. Select mid-tone in color so they hide what is behind rather than white, use a mid-weight fabric like twill rather than something too sheer or too heavy. You can get tab top IKEA curtains and tie them onto the drop hooks that come with this kind of system and they have the advantage of being long and coming with iron on hem tape. You will definitely want to have them reach the floor.
One other success element is to purchase enough panels to have 2 x the actual width so they hang nicely and have enough fullness. If you have 2x width, you don't need to sew them together, they will hang closed and you will have several entry points, or you can sweep them all to one side. For the end panel, you'll set a double width panel that might as well be stationary. They have t bar connections for the top so you can make a neat corner instead of a hospital type curve.
This can come out / down just like the closet when you leave or leave the hardware and take the curtains!
How about making a folding screen with shutters? That way you would be able to take it with you. There's always something you would like to hide. My son uses one to hide his exercise machine.
Or....buy the handsome, fabric zippered garment bags to conceal clothing on the rod. Colorful boxes, baskets or bins can hide shoes and accessories on top. ALL can go with you when you move.
Though the hospital rod and curtains is doable and effective it's a costly investment unless you plan on staying in this apartment for a lengthy period.
Personally I would have invested in a wardrobe cabinet or two, but offered the garment bags idea since the rod is already installed.
Posts: 16757 | Location: Right here, duh! ;) | Registered: Nov 03, 2005
