5 Outdated Closet Features You Should Never Add to Your Home, According to Designers

Interior designers are constantly aware of what types of home decor features are in vogue and which are seen as dated—and as it pertains to closets, they have lots to say about looks that are no longer on trend.

Here, pros speak to five closet elements that you will want to be sure to avoid in order to keep your closet looking as contemporary as possible. Pay close attention to storage capabilities, lighting, color, and more to ensure that your closet is looking as stylish as it possibly can.

A Single Rod and Shelf

Many traditional closets solely contain a single rod for hanging clothes as well as an upper shelf, but this configuration is now considered outdated and doesn’t meet today’s storage needs, Dallen Russell, a remodeling advisor at InSite Builders & Remodeling, explains.

“This setup is basic, offers limited organization, and doesn’t maximize vertical space,” he says.

People today own more clothing items than they did in the past and often appreciate having upper hanging rods for shirts and blazers as well as lower ones for skirts and pants. But that’s not all. Today’s closets may even include built-in jewelry trays and laundry baskets to take storage to the next level, Kelly Fitzgerald, a project manager at TriVistaUSA Design + Build, shares. Moreover, people today appreciate a mix of both open and enclosed storage, she adds.

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Open Wire Shelving and Wire Hangers

If you have ever lived in a home that featured a closet with open wire shelving, you’re certainly not alone. That said, this look, which became popular because it’s affordable and easy to install, is seen as dated, Russell shares.

“It now feels flimsy and unfinished next to more modern designs,” he says.

Marnie Oursler, the owner and president of Marnie Custom Homes, agrees that wire shelving is a no-go in today’s day and age.

“It lacks the durability, aesthetic appeal, and customization today’s homeowners are looking for,” she says.

As such, Oursler always relies on wooden shelving, which she says offers a more polished, sturdy, and tailored look.

In addition to skipping the wire shelving, you’ll be wise to avoid wire hangers as well, Oursler adds, explaining that wire can actually damage clothing over time.

Carpeted Floors

No one wants to have to worry about vacuuming the inside of their closet. Carpeted closet floors, a fixture of decades past, are no longer in vogue today due to trapping dust and wearing quickly, according to Russell.

Poor Lighting

Today’s closets have sophisticated lighting schemes designed to make it easy to locate everything you need and admire your outfit, no matter the time of day. Oursler emphasizes how lighting is a key part of the closet design.

So skip the fluorescent or yellow-toned overhead lighting, Russell advises.

“It casts a harsh glow and lacks the warmth and clarity of today’s more sophisticated lighting options,” he says.

Instead, try a layered approach. Both under-shelf lighting and motion sensor lights are majorly on trend these days, Oursler explains, noting, basic overhead lighting is no longer enough. Instead, go big and go decorative while you’re at it.

“Overhead lighting is also an opportunity to showcase a statement chandelier, flush mounts, or decorative sconces that elevate the overall design,” Oursler says.

Neutral Colors

If it isn’t already clear, today’s closets are certainly not viewed as afterthoughts, and as a result, this means avoiding neutral colors and instead embracing fun hues in this space.

“A significant trend in closets right now is the use of bold colors, taking inspiration from the blue and green shades popular in kitchens,” Fitzgerald says.

But that’s not the only way in which closets are taking a cue from cooking spaces. Two-toned closets are also having a moment, Fitzgerald shares, explaining that this look is similar to the contrasting perimeter and island colors seen in kitchens.