Expert: Jamie Novak - 9/5/2008

Question
My family and I are moving into a new rental, its a victorian house that has been updated a bit on the inside. However, in the Master bedroom the closet has a slanted roof, higher at the door and slopes down towards the back. I haven't measured exactly but its about 5' deep and 4' wide. The slant in the ceiling covers most of the length of the closet, the shortest side (towards the back) having about 3' of vertical wall. There are no rods, fixtures or anything in the closet for which to hang our clothes. We could put a tension rod in across...but then we would lose a lot of space in the the back, or have to crawl through our clothes to get to the back. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how to mount a rod somehow going from the front to the back on both sides. Also any other suggestions in setting this closet up for my husband and I to use, without spending too much money would be very helpful. Thank you!!

Answer
Thank you for taking the time to send over your question. It is so common to have an odd shaped closet and I think it is great that you are looking for ways to make the most of the space.

There are a few online closet designer options like easycloset.com where you can plug in the measurements and get ideas. You may or may not choose to buy product from these places, but you can always use the design feature.

I'm not sure where you live, but Container Stores and IKEAS have great design help.

My first question is do you need a hang bar? Sometimes we just assume we do, but we might not. Sometimes shelves or cubbies make more sense.

If you do want a bar can you 1. place it x number is inches from the floor so even the longest item will not drag, but do not put it too high up so you can place shelves above it? 2. can you place the front to back instead of the traditional side to side? I see you mention this and it should be doable. Tension bars can only hold so much, so you may have to screw it in.

Rolling carts might make sense. The carts with the drawers, label the drawers and roll to the front the one you use most often.

Some people forgo the more expensive rolling carts and simply use laundry baskets along the floor, summer shoes in one winter in the other and pull forward the correct one.

Also what type of door do you have? Using the back of the door makes a lot of sense if it is the swing out type, you can put hooks there and hang lots of stuff.

Lighting will be important, a good stick up light will help keep it bright and make it easy to find things.

Sometimes with odd shaped closets it is easier to use the back portion for storage and opt of an inexpensive armoire for clothing, this is not always an option but if you have space it might make sense.

Also in the closet you may be able to put short bookshelves or taller ones (measure and build inside the closet) but these can give you lots of shelf space you can take with you or use in other rooms, unlike shelving that attaches to the wall.

I hope some of these ideas are helpful or at least sparking other thoughts. If I can help out further let me know. Good luck organizing! -Jamie