Closet space is one of the most under utilized but totally upgradeable spaces in our homes—particularly linen and hall closets. In the houses I’ve worked in during my career, it seems that whether they’re new builds or old-time fixer-uppers, the closets are either painfully devoid of shelf space or packed with some wood and stick contraption a previous owner slapped together in the dark. So, while there are numerous and complex systems geared for creating a “clos-Mahal,” sometimes what you really need are basic shelves, or what comedian George Carlin called “a place for your stuff.” Here’s how to lay out and build basic closet shelves that optimize vertical space, look great and carry everything you need to store.
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