9 Clever Ways To Use Bookshelves To Create Extra Closet Storage

Does your hall closet door work overtime to hold in a pile of linen? Is your bedroom closet in need of a serious makeover? Whether it's in a tiny laundry closet or a grand walk-in closet, shelving is an easy way to take advantage of vertical space and create extra storage. That said, not every closet has the capacity for mounting shelves. And if you're renting your home, you may not have permission to drill into the wall. Thankfully, there's a clever workaround for adding shelves inside a closet that's gone viral on social media: using bookshelves.

When it comes to maximizing closet space, every inch of empty space counts. Experts suggest well-placed shelving areas with adjustable and pull-out shelves. With bookshelves, you can do just that, creating a DIY closet shelving system that works for you. Since bookshelves are available in a variety of sizes and adjustable features, this closet bookshelf hack works for almost any closet space. 

Best of all, this viral social media trend is both renter- and budget-friendly. You'll see many TikTok users buying a couple of low-cost bookshelves, like this Furinno Jaya five-shelf bookcase on Amazon for around $60, and then adjusting the shelves and customizing the units with rods, drawers, and more. Ready to try the closet bookshelf hack for yourself? Here are nine clever ways you can use bookshelves to create the extra closet space you need.

Open shelving definitely has its perks. No more rummaging through crammed drawers or awkwardly reaching behind doors for hidden items. With open bookshelves, everything is visible and easily accessible. For example, you can dedicate a shelf to your shoe collection and another to clothes and accessories. You can even include decorative elements, like a mirror and plants, to personalize the look. Open shelving works in a small linen closet, too, where you can stack folded towels on one shelf and extra blankets on another. With everything in plain sight, you'll always know exactly where to find what you need.

Tired of your neatly folded clothes or linen stacks toppling over? Shelf dividers are your secret weapon to keeping them nice and neat. These simple yet smart additions turn your bookshelves into organized zones. Use clear shelf dividers, like the Aolloa closet shelf dividers from Amazon, to categorize your clothing and linen with ease, all while creating a visually appealing and clutter-free closet. You can even create seasonal sections, such as separating winter gear from summer items. Shelf dividers not only keep your clothes neatly separated but also are easy to move around to customize shelf sections as you see fit.

Storage bins are like mini-drawers that add a touch of style to your wardrobe. Sometimes, you need containers for all those smaller items that tend to get lost in the shuffle. Socks, underwear, scarves, and other accessories will all have a designated home in these handy cubes. Plus, they're great for keeping things neatly tucked away and out of sight, creating a more polished look for your closet. The best part is, you can stack and arrange fabric storage bins as you see fit, making it super easy to find what you need.

Imagine opening your closet door to soft, dimmed lighting that highlights everything inside. Shelf lighting is a game-changer. LED strip lights, for example, can easily turn a basic box shelf into a glowing statement piece. Unlike a ceiling light, shelf lighting illuminates each shelf, helping you create a well-lit closet that's also visually appealing. No more squinting or pulling everything out just to find one specific item. Plus, this clever lighting solution doesn't take up any valuable shelf space. Instead, it highlights your belongings without making them feel cluttered and eliminates the need for ceiling installations.

You don't have to limit your closet to just shelves. Since most bookshelves are customizable, you can swap out a shelf or two with a sturdy hang rod. There are even handy hang rod kits available, like this Supforce stepless adjustable closet rod from Amazon, which is quite simple to install on the outside of your existing bookshelf. This takes your closet storage to another level. Now you can hang clothes or belts between the shelves, maximizing every inch of vertical space. It's a great way to customize your storage and keep your belongings easily accessible and wrinkle-free.

Put that ol' label maker to good use, and use it for your closet too. Labeling shelves can make it easier to keep pantry, linen, and bathroom closet items in order (and hold everyone accountable for putting things back in their designated places). Also, everyone in your household will know exactly where to find specific items. Use labels to quickly locate what you need without rummaging through piles of clothes and toiletries, and even to help your kids put away their clothes and toys correctly. Take it a step further by adding custom labels on your fabric storage bins, too.

Decorative baskets are a stylish storage solution you can use on bookshelves in your closet as well as throughout your home. Simply toss those piles of jewelry, phone chargers, and other knickknacks into a pretty basket to keep them from getting lost in the sauce. Need a dedicated place for the soft blankets and pillows? A basket is the perfect solution. And let's not forget about those awkward cleaning supplies. Keep them neatly contained and out of sight in a designated basket, creating a more organized and visually appealing closet.

When it comes to maximizing closet space, don't forget to look up. The top of your bookshelf is prime real estate for storing those less-frequently used items. Think suitcases, seasonal decorations, a safe, or even your out-of-season clothing. With a bookshelf, you can take advantage of this vertical space to free up valuable shelf and floor space below. Whereas a floating shelf would be harder to mount that high, the height and sturdiness of a bookshelf structure will take care of it. Just place a collapsible step stool next to it to access those high-up shelves.

Under-shelf hooks are another brilliant way to utilize every inch of your closet space and customize the look. These handy little attachments, like the EigPluy hanging hook rack from Amazon, affix to the underside of your shelves, creating instant hanging storage. Use them in a bedroom closet to hang and organize belts, ties, hats, and other accessories. Under-shelf hooks are simple yet extremely versatile, an effective way to add extra storage in your closet without taking up valuable shelf space.