There’s something about celebrity closets that makes people stop and stare. Maybe it’s the endless rows of shoes or the way everything looks picture-perfect, like it belongs in a magazine. For many of us, the dream of having a glamorous walk-in closet seems far away, something only stars can afford. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a Hollywood pay cheque to get that look.
With a little creativity and the right plan, you can create a space that feels just as stylish and personal.
Why Celebrities Love Walk-In Closets
Let’s be honest, there’s something magical about opening a pair of double doors and seeing rows of neatly arranged shoes, colour-coded clothing, and soft lighting that makes everything look a little more expensive. Celebrities aren’t just showing off when they post those dreamy closet photos. For them, the walk-in wardrobe isn’t just a storage space; it’s a personal showroom.
Stars love walk-in closets because they reflect their lifestyle. It’s where they plan to look for events, shoot selfies, and sometimes even film interviews. For some, it’s a space to relax. Mariah Carey has a wardrobe the size of most apartments, and it’s filled with golden lighting, glass doors, and enough heels to fill a department store. But you don’t need a pop diva’s budget to create something just as stylish.
How Celebs Design Their Dream Closets
When celebrities work with designers to build their closets, they don’t just throw up a few shelves and call it a day. There’s a system behind the glam. The layout matches how they get dressed. Shoes are at eye level. Accessories are easy to grab. Outfits are grouped by type, colour, or even mood.
Khloé Kardashian, for example, has her fitness gear in one section, all perfectly folded. Her handbags are lined up on lit shelves like they’re in a boutique.
The trick? Make the space work for how you get dressed. If you wear jeans every day, they deserve prime shelf space. If scarves are your thing, hang them where you’ll see them. Don’t build a closet for someone else’s life; build it for yours.
Start with a Smart Layout
You don’t need a massive room to get that walk-in feel. Even a spare corner or small guest room can work if you plan it right.
First, measure. Then decide where hanging space should go; long dresses need more height than shirts. Next, think about shelves. Stackable ones are perfect for sweaters and denim. Add drawers for undergarments, jewellery, or that collection of sunglasses you didn’t realise was so big.
If you’re working with an awkward shape, think vertical. Use the walls. Floating shelves or hooks can save tonnes of space.
DIY Materials & Budget Alternatives
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking everything has to be custom-built or painfully expensive. If you’re hunting for that celebrity closet makeover feel without the price tag, it’s totally doable.
Start with flat-pack furniture. IKEA, Wayfair, and even local carpenters can help. A cube shelf unit makes a great shoe wall. Curtain rods can double as bag hangers. Stackable bins keep things neat. Pegboards? They’re not just for tools; you can hang jewellery, sunglasses, or hats on them.
Want a pro tip? Try secondhand. Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, or auctions often have high-end furniture pieces that people just want out of their house. A vintage dresser, once cleaned up, adds instant charm.
Paint goes a long way, too. A soft white or blush pink can make the space feel bigger. Or go bold, emerald green, matte black, deep navy. Celebs love mood lighting and statement shades.
Celebrity-Level Lighting
This is one area where you shouldn’t cut corners. Lighting makes or breaks your closet. You want it to feel like a fitting room in a luxury store, flattering, warm, and bright enough to see what you’re picking out.
LED strips under shelves? Yes. Motion sensor lights in drawers? Even better. Add a floor lamp or a small chandelier to the centre of the room (or ceiling). It’ll take your space from storage to showroom in one step.
You can also stick battery-operated puck lights inside cabinets. They’re cheap, easy to install, and make everything look ten times fancier.
Add Luxe Vibes on a Budget
Even if your closet isn’t massive, it can still feel rich. It’s all about the small touches.
Get matching hangers; they pull the whole look together. Velvet ones are great for grip and style. Display your favourite shoes like they’re on sale at Bergdorf’s. Keep jewellery in clear trays or hanging organisers.
Mirrors are a must. A full-length mirror not only helps you see your outfit; it makes the space look bigger. Frame it with string lights or a nice rug underneath, and you’re in business.
One of my clients used gold spray paint on the handles of an old dresser, and suddenly it looked like something out of a West Hollywood penthouse. Don’t be afraid to get crafty.
Turn Your Closet into a Photo Spot
Celebs love showing off their outfits, and let’s be real, we all take the occasional mirror pic. So why not make your closet selfie-worthy?
Add a stool or pouffe in the middle, it’s practical and adds a touch of class. Hang a small piece of art. Add a plant (even a fake one). A signature scent, maybe a lavender sachet or a scented candle nearby, completes the feel.
When your closet looks this good, getting dressed becomes part of your daily joy, not just a chore.
Your Star-Worthy Walk-In Closet Plan
Here’s a quick step-by-step if you’re ready to get started on a DIY walking closet today:
- Map Your Space – Measure everything, including ceiling height.
- List What You Own – Count your shoes, bags, coats, etc. Build your layout around them.
- Choose Materials – Decide on racks, shelves, bins, or drawers based on budget.
- Pick a Style – Minimal? Glam? Earthy? Choose your vibe.
- Install Lighting – Get that glow right. Avoid harsh white bulbs.
- Add Details – Hang art, add mirrors, use matching baskets or hangers.
- Keep It Tidy – Reassess every few months. Donate what you’re not using.
- Use Labels – Especially for drawers or boxes. It’ll save you time later.
- Style It – It’s not just storage; it’s your space. Make it fun.
- Snap a Pic – Because you’re going to want to show it off.
A Final Thought
You don’t need a movie deal or a mansion in Beverly Hills to create a closet that makes you feel like a star. You just need a little planning, some creative thinking, and the willingness to give your clothes the home they deserve.
So whether you’re going for a full celebrity closet makeover or just learning how to organise a walk-in wardrobe in a new way, remember: It’s all about making a space that makes you feel good. Even a luxury closet on a budget can spark a little joy every morning.
And honestly, isn’t that what it’s all about?
