Downsides Of Open Closet Designs (And How To Do Them Right)

Who wouldn't want a stunning closet that's organized? Well, that is the promise of an open closet design. It turns your wardrobe into a neat, stylish display, like a fabulous boutique. But is it too good to be true? In an exclusive House Digest interview, we spoke to Maria Baer, the founder of The Baer Minimalist, to get her expert insight on how practical an open closet really is. She shared, "As beautiful as an open concept closet can be if executed well, there are some downsides to consider from visual clutter, to dust accumulation to the simple fact that everything is left out in the open."

Open closets vary in design and work for every room. You can even create an open closet in a super small bedroom. It can be a simple clothing rack with your seasonal attire, a traditional wardrobe with the doors removed, or a built-in system with floating shelves and railings. "In rooms without a traditional closet, the open concept allows you to create an airy vibe and maximize every square inch, and frankly, your clothing becomes your décor," Baer explained. "The open concept closet is also great for people who are highly visual." However, it might not be the best choice for those in shared spaces or who want a low-maintenance storage option.

With open closets, there is an idea that making your closet more visible reduces clutter because it encourages better organization. However, Maria Baer exclusively told House Digest, "Just like a traditional closet, if left unchecked an open concept closet can become messy — quickly." You have to be intentional about organizing your wardrobe. That means neatly lining up your shoes and folding your T-shirts right. If you don't have the time for daily maintenance that open closets require, they become cluttered, making the entire room look disorganized.

Furthermore, even if you're tidy, it's not the most practical design. "Without doors to shield your wardrobe, dust may settle in for the long haul," Baer said. Pet fur and hair strands are also free to lounge on your clothes. You can compensate for the lack of dust-protecting doors by storing your clothing in garment bags, but that takes away the aesthetic appeal of open closets. "You might also find that pets and littles think of your open concept closet as their personal playground," she added. We all enjoyed squeezing through clothing racks as kids, so we can't blame them.

"Finally, there is no privacy with an open concept closet," Baer explained. "Sometimes things belong in a dresser or behind closed doors and you just don't have that luxury with this style of closet." So prepare for your unmentionables to be mentioned. Otherwise, you'll need to invest in bins and baskets.

Despite the downsides, an open wardrobe might just be the perfect closet design for your style. Congratulations on being super tidy and having nothing to hide! Professional organizer Maria Baer gave us some exclusive tips to master the art of an open closet. Firstly, you want to nail the visual appeal of this design and allow your wardrobe to become a focal point. "Invest in matching hangers, group items by color and/or category, and corral less photogenic items (hello, gym socks) in woven baskets," she said. That will really showcase your garments like a high-end retailer would. Adding LED lights is another functional yet stylish way Baer recommends enhancing your open closet. The stunning design creates an airy ambiance in the room that a traditional closet can't.

Also, "Consider rotating your closet seasonally, so that only the current items you are wearing are on display," Baer suggested. "This will keep your open concept closet clutter-free and keep the display visually appealing." Then, you'll be able to enjoy the minimalist look, easy access, and aesthetically pleasing design of open closets.