How we transformed our small master closets using an improvised IKEA system with Billy bookcases and baskets for a neat, organized wardrobe
And just like that, our tiny his-and-hers master bedroom closets are finished.
It didn’t go exactly as planned, but the end result exceeded our expectations. This closet makeover was absolutely worth the time and effort.
We made multiple trips to IKEA, squeezed every inch of space for maximum storage, and took a long, honest closet purge to keep only what we use — and it paid off.
If you followed our earlier progress, we abandoned the plan to use the IKEA PAX system because the closet dimensions wouldn’t accommodate it. Instead, we adapted four IKEA Billy bookcases and one narrow PAX frame to fit the L-shaped layout of our small master closets.
Because drawers wouldn’t fit comfortably in the tighter areas, we chose woven baskets and open shelving to store small items. The baskets work well for accessibility, ventilation, and visual organization.
Below is a room-by-room breakdown of how we organized each closet and what we used to maximize storage and accessibility.
Robert’s Closet:
Before:
After!
(Photos were taken on a rainy day with a non-wide-angle lens, so apologies for the lighting — the space is small and tricky to photograph.)
For Robert, we prioritized hanging space for shirts and jackets and used baskets for the smaller items. Since dressers handle most folded basics like T-shirts, underwear, and shorts, the closet needed only targeted storage solutions.
We placed baskets for dress socks near the shoe shelves for quick access, and used other baskets for winter accessories and seasonal items. A pull-out rack stores ties and belts, and wall hooks keep frequently worn baseball caps organized and visible.
We also added a pull-out tie organizer and strategically placed hooks to keep smaller accessories tidy and easy to grab.
Lauren’s Closet:
Before:
After!
My side uses baskets for scarves, hats, gloves, purses, and belts. Two small PAX drawers hold swimsuits, cover-ups, and occasional shapewear. The open baskets keep seasonal items tidy and visible without taking up precious hanging space.
Bridging the gap between two bookcases created a handy shoe cubby. For clothing, I grouped items by category — sweaters and jackets, blouses and tops, pants, dresses — then organized within those categories by sleeve length and color gradient (a loose ROYGBIV order). That arrangement makes outfit selection faster and keeps everything visually pleasing.
We debated hanger types and ultimately kept wooden hangers because they don’t tangle as easily and give a uniform look, but velvet or slim hangers are fine if you need to maximize space. Choose what works for your wardrobe and budget.
Final cost breakdown
Robert’s Closet
- 31 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcase
- 15 3/4″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcase
- 31 1/2″ Billy extension
- 15 3/4″ Billy extension
- Skuggis hooks (bamboo)
- Pull-out tie organizer racks
- Multiple Bumerang wooden hangers
- Adjustable closet rods
- 1×4 MDF strip for reinforcement
- Whitewashed medium baskets and a rattan basket
Total for Robert’s closet: $427
Lauren’s Closet
- Two 31 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ Billy bookcases
- Two 31 1/2″ Billy extensions
- Narrow PAX wardrobe frame (19 5/8″ x 22 7/8″ x 92 7/8″)
- Two Komplement drawers and shelves
- Komplement pull-out multi-use hanger
- Skuggis hooks and additional 1×4 MDF strips
- Adjustable closet rods
- Multiple packs of Bumerang hangers
- Several whitewashed medium and rattan baskets
Total for Lauren’s closet: $718.50
TOTAL for both closets combined: $1,145.50
I’m thrilled this project is complete — it’s a big win for small-space closet organization and a satisfying checkmark on our home improvement list. The final photos show how much more functional and orderly the master closets are now.
If you want inspiration for closet layouts or IKEA-based systems, look for PAX and Billy closet makeovers and closet clean-out guides to help plan your own small master closet transformation.
