Dressing Room Closet Must-Haves

Planning an elegant dressing room closet? See six essential features these have in common.

High end closets have expanded way beyond walk-ins. I think of them as dressing room closets because they are, indeed, rooms of their own and places to get dressed rather than merely for clothing storage. The current concept behind a dressing room closet is specialized feature ideas borrowed from high end boutiques. That means everything’s on display and closets are luxurious, with at least six key features.

1. Ample Shoe Shelves. See those stilettos lined up with the heels facing out? [top] Those are supermodel Gisèle Bundchen’s Louboutins displayed so the busy and glamorous Mom can put her hand on exactly the pair she needs. Flats are on the floor for easier access.

2. Accessory Drawers. Gisèle’s closet nails the must-haves, especially in the marble-topped island with slim accessory drawers. Note that the fronts of the top two tiers of drawers have see-through panels, which is a help if accessories are organized by color. The very bottom row in the island is actually pull out shelves which is a smart way to store things like smaller purses.

3. Upholstered Seating. An ottoman is a popular fixture of a dressing room closet because it offers a place to sit down and do anything from think about what to wear to slip on a pair of shoes. Plus, it’s in a handy spot — usually the center of the closet — to throw things down. On all sides of this Hays Round Tufted ottoman are handsome modular gray Sarah shelving units, all from Ballard Designs. In addition to closet furniture that offers double-hanging opportunities there are pieces designed for shoes and boots, shallow jewelry storage drawers, and sweater shelves.

4. Fancy Light Fixtures. Pendants and chandys are popular ways to glam up a closet. This pair of barrel-shade pendants, with pretty lucite finials that hold the reflectors in place, offer soft lighting and heaps of style in a closet with wall to wall carpeting as well.

5. Mirrored Doors. This same Long Island closet belongs to designer Louise Brooks who used  mirrored doors to help visually expand a narrow space. Mirrors are a must in a dressing room, of course. The presence of a window, dressed with elegant draperies, also offers the opportunity to let fresh air into what very often is an interior room without natural light. And, taking a page from boutiques, this closet has bar hooks mounted near hanging areas where clothes can hang out.

6. Handbag Storage. No matter how much I edit the handbags, they never seem to have enough space. Designer Ashley Astleford faced the issue head on in this dressing room with ample handbag storage above the double-hung bays. I also like the way a hutch area is used as a jewelry counter. My only issue with having my jewelry stored on stands in that I tend to knock them over. But for those who don’t it’s a great strategy, straight from your favorite store!

(Source: AD, Ballard Designs, Trad Home, Astleford Interiors)

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