How much thought do you give to your closet? You probably spend a fair amount of time thinking about your wardrobe; you need to switch clothing seasonally, and you need to update it from time to time with new items while getting rid of things that no longer fit or flatter. But what about the closet itself?
The fact is, your closet is an extension of your master bedroom, and it should, ideally, be finished in a way that complements your style! When you have your custom closet
installed, your professional designer will ask you to choose a finish. Here are a few things to consider when making this decision:
If you like the material and color of your furniture, then chances are that you will enjoy a
similar finish in your closet. If you have mahogany dressers, for example, consider a dark wood finish. If you enjoy your white wicker furniture, you might prefer a decorative linen melanine or a natural light wood. On the other hand, if you don’t like your current furniture, you might want to go the opposite way and choose something substantially lighter or darker than what you have now.
You may be able to have your closet built with eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo or natural veneers. If you are very environmentally conscious, be sure to ask your custom closet designer what types of finishes are recommended so that you can adhere to what’s important to you.
Classic finishes include walnut, oak, maple and mahogany. If you would like something traditional and understated, you might consider a plain painted finish. Options for those who prefer the modern look might include a brushed aluminum or black diamond finish.
Unless you are changing the flooring of your closet, you will want to work with what you have already. Your closet designer will be able to take a look at your flooring colors and textures and make a suggestion as to what will -- and won’t -- complement your carpeting, hardwood, tile or laminate flooring.
A closet with a large window or a big, bright overhead light will be able to tolerate darker colors than one with only a small light fixture. Of course, you can always change the lighting to better complement your closet finish, but if the space is naturally dark or bright, this might be a consideration.
Since your custom closet is an investment in your home, it makes sense that it should complement what you already have. Also, the goal is to make your closet a place in your home that you will be spending some time in each day, choosing clothing, putting clothes away, and maybe even getting dressed. Go over the closet finish options with your closet professional so that you can make the choice that you will appreciate for years to come.