Create a Stunning Color Coordinated Closet in Just 5 Simple Steps
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This blog post is about creating a color coordinated closet you love using a 5-step system.
Want a closet that’s both beautiful and easy to use? A color coordinated closet can make getting dressed quicker, help you find clothes faster, and create a space that feels calm and organized.
Professional organizers love the color coordinated closet method because it creates functional, visually appealing spaces that are easy to maintain.
I started color coding my closet a few years ago, and it’s completely transformed my routine. It brings me mental clarity every morning, saves me time when putting outfits together, and makes it easier to see exactly what I own.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through a simple 5-step system for creating a color coordinated closet that is beautiful, functional, organized, and easy to maintain.
Step 1: Declutter Your Closet
If it’s been a while since your last closet cleanout, now is the perfect time to declutter. Especially if your closet is stuffed to the brim. If you need more help getting started, check out my guide on how to declutter your closet before moving to the next step.
Go through your wardrobe piece by piece, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and anything stored in bins or baskets. If you haven’t worn or used something in months or even years, it may be time to let it go.
Set up three bags labeled, keep, donate, and trash to make the process quick and efficient. Then start decluttering your closet like crazy, removing anything you no longer wear or use. The goal is to create a clean, spacious space before you begin organizing your closet by color.
After all, a color-coordinated closet works best when it’s filled with clothes you actually wear and love. Looking for even more ways to organize your bedroom? Check out my guide on how to organize your bedroom for additional storage and organization ideas.
Step 2: Determine Your Categorization Style
Before you start organizing your closet by color, you’ll want to decide how to sort your clothes. Choosing a categorization style creates a system that’s easier to maintain and helps you find outfits more quickly.
The two common ways to categorize a color coordinated closet are as follows.
Categorize by Color
Arrange all of your clothing by color, regardless of clothing type. This method creates that classic rainbow closet look and makes it easy to find the color you’re looking for.
If you’re aiming for the classic rainbow color coordinated closet look, organizing by color is a great option.
Categorize by Clothing Type and Color
First group your clothing by category, then organize each category by color. For example, place all your sweaters together and arrange them from white to black before moving on to jeans, jackets, dresses, and pants.
In my current closet, I organize everything by color, so all my white sweaters, tanks, and blouses are grouped together. But when I finally have my dream walk-in closet, I’ll definitely take it up a notch and organize by both color and clothing type.
Step 3: Choose One Color Coordinated Closet Strategy Below
There’s no one right way to create a color coordinated closet. Not everyone’s wardrobe is a full-on rainbow. The best method depends on your wardrobe, what colors you wear, and how you like to get dressed each day.
Below are three different ways to organize a color coordinated closet, so you can choose the system that works best for you.
The Classic Rainbow Method
The Rainbow method creates the classic rainbow color coordinated closet that’s often seen in professionally organized closets. If you’ve always dreamed of opening your closet and seeing every color beautifully arranged, this is the perfect method for you.
How It Works:
Arrange your color coordinated clothes in rainbow order: White → Beige → Pink → Red → Orange → Yellow → Green → Blue → Indigo → Purple → Brown → Gray → Black.
Side Note: You don’t have to follow this exact color order. Feel free to arrange your clothes in the order that makes the most sense for your wardrobe. You’ll still create a beautiful color coordinated closet, even if you don’t wear every color of the rainbow.
Best For:
- People who wear a wide variety of colors
- Anyone who loves the look of a classic rainbow color coordinated closet
- Those who want a bold, organized closet that’s easy to shop from
Benefits:
- Makes it easy to find exactly what you are looking for
- Creates a beautiful rainbow color coordinated closet
- Makes putting outfits together easier
- Gives your closet a clean, organized appearance
The Favorite Color Method
This Favorite Color Method is a simple way to create a color coordinated closet that reflects your personal style. Instead of treating every color equally, this method puts the colors you wear and love most front and center.
How It Works:
Place the colors you wear most often (your favorites!) front and center in your closet. Keep the colors you wear less frequently toward the back or in another less used section. This is a great way to organize your closet by color while making your favorite outfits the easiest to reach.
Best For:
- Anyone who doesn’t wear every color of the rainbow.
- People who love neutral or earth-tone wardorbes
- Anyone with a smaller or more limited color palette
- Those who want a personalized approach to closet color organization.
Benefits:
- Keeps your favorite color coordinated clothes front and center
- Makes getting dressed faster and easier
- Help highlight the pieces you wear and love the most
- Creates a closet personalized to your style
- Makes color coding your closet easier to maintain over time
The Gradient Method
The Gradient Method is a beautiful way to create a color coordinated closet by arranging your clothes from light to dark (dark to light) within each color group. It creates a smooth, natural flow between colors for a calm, organized look.
How it Works:
Start by grouping your clothes into basic color categories such as whites, beiges, blues, and greens. Then, within each color group, organize your clothes by color from lightest to darkest.
For Example:
Best For:
- People with wardrobes made up of similar colors and color families
- Anyone who wants a soft, calming, color coordinated closet
- Those who prefer a more subtle approach to color coding their closet
- Anyone who wants a calming, cohesive closet aesthetic
Benefits:
- Creates a clean, organized look without feeling too bold
- Makes it easier to find different shades within the same color family
- Gives your closet a calm, cohesive appearance
- Works especially well for neutral wardrobes
- Helps organize clothes by color without the bold rainbow effect
Step 4: Organize Your Closet by Color
Now it’s time for the fun part, bringing your color coordinated closet to life. Using the method you chose, start organizing your closet one clothing category at a time.
Start with One Clothing Category
Begin with one clothing category such as tops, sweaters, pants, dresses, or jackets. Then move on to the next category once you’ve finished. Working on one category at a time can make a closet organization project more manageable and help you stay organized.
Follow Your Chosen Color Method
Which color coding method did you choose? Whether it was the Rainbow Method, Favorite Color Method, or Gradient Method, use that same system throughout your entire closet. Keeping your organization consistent will create a clean, cohesive look that’s easy to maintain.
Step Back and Make Adjustments
Once everything is in your closet, take a step back and look at your color coordinated closet. Does anything look out of place or need to be adjusted? Keep moving things around until you’re happy with the overall look and it works for your everyday routine.
Repeat Throughout Your Closet
Repeat these steps for each clothing category until your entire closet is organized using the same color method. Once you’re finished, give yourself a pat on the back! You now have a beautiful, color coordinated closet that’s easier to keep organized and makes finding your clothes a breeze.
💡Quick Tips
Step 5: Maintain Your Color Coordinated Closet
You’ve put in all the hard work creating your color coordinated closet. Now let’s make sure it stays that way. Here are a few simple habits to help keep your color coordinated closet looking its best.
- Take a photo once your closet is organized by color. Use it as a visual reference whenever you’re putting your clothes away.
- Put clothes back in their proper place right after doing laundry or trying on outfits. A few extra seconds now will save you time later.
- Be mindful when adding new clothing or accessories to your closet. Place each new item in the correct color section to keep your system consistent.
- Do a monthly closet reset. Spend a few minutes straightening up, putting misplaced items back, and removing anything you no longer wear.
My Favorite Products for a Color Coordinated Closet
As with any home organizational project, having the right products can make creating and maintaining a color coordinated closet much easier. Especially if you are organizing a small closet. Here are some of my favorites.
If Your Closet Has Limited Clothing Space
If Your Shelves Always Get Messy
If Your Shoes Are Taking Over Your Closet
Looking for more ways to organize your shoes? You’ll love these 42 Best Shoe Storage Ideas for Closets to Maximize Space and Style.
If You Need More Storage Space
If you’re short on storage, don’t stop with your closet. Check out my guide on 36 Small Bedroom Storage Ideas That Instantly Double Your Space for even more space-saving ideas.
Color Coordinated Closet FAQs
What is the best color order for a color coordinated closet?
There isn’t one right way to organize your closet by color. While the classic rainbow method typically follows the order of white, beige, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, gray, and black, you can create your own color order to better fit your wardrobe. The best system is the one that’s easy for you to maintain.
Should I organize my closet by color or clothing type?
Both methods work really well, and the best choice depends on the size of your closet. If you have a smaller closet or wardrobe, organize everything by color. For larger closets, group your clothes by clothing type first, then organize each category by color. This works especially well if your closet has multiple hanging sections, shelves, or drawers.
What should I do with clothes that are multiple colors?
For clothing with multiple patterns or designs, organize it by the most dominant color. If you have a lot of patterned pieces, you can also create a separate section just for prints.
Should folded clothes, shoes, and accessories also be organized by color?
Yes! If possible, use the same color organization system throughout your entire closet. Organizing folded clothes, shoes, purses, hats, and other accessories by color creates a more cohesive look and makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Can you create a color coordinated closet in a small closet?
Absolutely! In fact, color coordinating can make a small closet feel more organized because it’s easier to see everything you own. If space is limited, consider using slim velvet hangers, shelf dividers, and storage bins to maximize every inch of your closet.
Conclusion
Color coordinating your closet is completely worth every minute you put into it. When you see your closet transformed into a beautifully organized, eye-catching space, you’ll wonder how you lived without it for so long.
Pick the method that feels right for you and enjoy all the fun of color coding.
If you loved this post, drop a comment below and be sure to check out my other posts on everything organization.
Continue Organizing Your Space
- How to Declutter Your Closet and Make Space for What You Wear
- 25 Small Bedroom Closet Ideas That Free Up Space Fast
- How to Organize Your Bedroom: 30 Ways to Transform Your Space
- 36 Small Bedroom Storage Ideas That Instantly Double Your Space
- 42 Best Shoe Storage Ideas for Closets to Maximize Space and Style
- The Ultimate Room-by-Room Decluttering Printable Checklist
