How to Build Multi-Functional Closet Shelves

Learning how to build multi-functional closet shelves takes a little planning. Instead of building the closet shelves to fit a single distance, width and function, vary them. Make some extra-wide, some far apart, some near, some with a closet rod option and some without.

In fact, there's no difference between learning how to build multi-functional closet shelves and basic shelves. It's just a question of combining a few building methods into a single closet. The following steps and tips will show you how to build multi-functional closet shelves and how to arrange them so your closet will serve your changing needs over time.

Step #1: How to Build the Top Multi-Functional Closet Shelf

Begin building your multi-functional closet shelves at the top of the closet, following these tips:

Tip 1. Build the top closet shelf using a plank of lumber that's at least 2 x 5.5 inches and long enough to fit your closet's full length.

Tip 2. The top closet shelf will be used to store out-of-season garments. Therefore build the closet shelf no lower than 3 feet from the closet ceiling. You'll probably need a step-ladder to reach the top closet shelf as the seasons change, but the clothes you don't need daily will remain out of the way.

Step #2. How to Choose the Mounting Hardware for the Top Closet Shelf

Mount your top closet shelf following these tips:

Tip 1. Build the top closet shelf on shelf support brackets with a built-in closet rod support.

Tip 2. You can run a rod all along the top shelf, even if some of the areas will become blocked off as you build more closet shelves. This way, you can always choose to remove lower shelves temporarily, to better access the top shelf closet rod.

Step #3. How to Build the Middle Multi-Functional Closet Shelves

Build as many multi-functional shelves as will fit in your closet space, but do not over-crowd them. Here are the tips to follow:

Tip 1. Build the middle closet shelves at various distances from each other to give you flexible stacking options.

Tip 2. Make the shelves deep enough to support folded shirts, sweaters and pants, but not too deep to make it difficult for you to reach the far ends and grab things.

Tip 3. Build some of the middle closet shelves from one end of the closet to the other. Build others only half way down the closet and rest them atop the shelf below using a piece of 2x4 inch lumber (see picture). This will save you money on hardware and create sections in your closet where your shelves will have double the distance between them (where you build a closet shelf that goes halfway only).

Step #4. How to Choose the Mounting Hardware for the Middle Closet Shelves

To save money and choose the best mounting hardware for building your middle multi-functional shelves, follow these tips:

Tip 1. In general, build closet shelves that run from end to end using 2x4 lumber supports, as this will save you money.

Tip 2. Add metal shelf support brackets under the multi-functional shelves, wherever there are beams in the wall (find the beams using a laser guide).

Tip 3. Only choose metal shelf support brackets with the built-in closet rod support where you know you might wish to hang clothes in future (as these are more expensive than plain shelf brackets).

Tip 4. Like building half shelves, you can build half rods that offer a hanging option along a portion of the closet only.

Step #5. How to Build the Bottom Multi-Functional Closet Shelf (Shoe Rack)

You can build multi-functional closet shelves to accommodate your shoes too. Here are the tips for turning the bottom shelf into a shoe-rack.

Tip 1. Choose a plank of lumber that's at least 2 x 5.5 inches and runs the full length of your closet.

Tip 2. Build the closet shelf four inches from the floor, mounting it on 2x4 blocks of lumber.

Tip 3. Rest the heels of the first tier of shoes on the edge of the shelf, with the shoe soles on the floor, and fill the shelf with the 2^nd tier of shoes.

Tip 4. You can build a multi-functional closet shelf to serve as a three-tiered shoe rack if you build the first closet shelf to be twice as wide, then build a second closet shelf over it repeating the tips above.

Note: If you want a free-standing shoe rack, check out my easy-to-build 2-tier shoe rack.

More DIY Closet Solutions

1. Practical Ways to Organize a Small Closet

Learn how to organize your small closet by separating winter and summer clothes, hanging often-used items in wearable combinations and folding by color groups. Your small closet will stay organized once and for all. Read this article.

2. Organize Your Closet with Hanging Closet Organizers

There's no need to build shelves to get your closet organized. Discover the many ways in which hanging closet organizers can simplify your life. Read this article.

3. Cheap & Easy Closet Organization with Closet Rods

Closet rods offer you the easiest and cheapest closet organization solution. Here are three ways in which closet rods together with closet rod shelves can give you a custom closet in a matter of minutes. Read this article.