What Is Closets By Design and What Should You Know Before Using It?
Closets By Design is a national closet design and installation company that operates as a franchise system with locations across North America. If you're exploring custom closet solutions, understanding how this company works—and what factors matter when evaluating it against other options—can help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right fit for your needs.
How Closets By Design Operates 🚪
Closets By Design functions as a design-build-install service, meaning it handles the entire process from initial consultation through installation of your custom closet system. Unlike big-box retailers where you buy components off-the-shelf, this model emphasizes personalized design based on your space and lifestyle.
The typical workflow involves:
- In-home consultation: A designer visits your space to assess your closet dimensions, storage needs, and preferences.
- Custom design: The company creates a tailored layout using its modular system components.
- Installation: Trained installers assemble and mount the system in your home.
The company operates through a franchise model, which means individual locations are independently owned but operate under the Closets By Design brand. This structure affects consistency, customer service quality, and pricing—since each franchise sets its own rates within brand guidelines.
What Types of Closet Systems They Offer
Closets By Design typically provides modular shelving and storage systems built from materials like wood or wood-composite materials. The systems are customizable in terms of:
- Shelf spacing and configuration
- Cabinet options (open shelving vs. enclosed storage)
- Hanging rod placement and quantity
- Specialty components (tie racks, jewelry drawers, pull-out baskets)
- Finish colors and styles
The modular nature means you're not getting a built-in cabinetry system that's permanently affixed to studs; instead, you're installing a system that can be adjusted or reconfigured to some degree—though this varies by product line and installation method.
Key Factors That Influence Your Experience
Several variables shape whether Closets By Design is a good choice for your situation:
Your Budget Range 💰
Custom closet systems are a premium offering compared to DIY approaches or standard shelving units from retailers. The total cost depends on:
- Closet size (linear footage of space you're outfitting)
- Material quality and finish selections
- Complexity of design (heavily customized layouts cost more than straightforward installations)
- Your geographic location (franchises in different markets have different pricing structures)
Because each franchise sets its own pricing, the cost for the same-sized closet can vary meaningfully between locations. Get multiple quotes if you're comparing; don't assume the price at one location matches another.
Your Installation Preferences
Some people want a fully managed, hands-off experience—the company handles everything. Others prefer a semi-DIY approach or want to understand the installation process deeply. Closets By Design's model is primarily turnkey installation, which appeals to homeowners who value convenience but means you're paying for labor as part of the service.
Your Closet's Physical Constraints
Custom design works best when your closet has:
- Standard dimensions (square or rectangular spaces are easier to design for)
- Accessible walls and ceilings (sloped ceilings, irregular shapes, or structural obstacles complicate design)
- Adequate depth (very shallow closets limit what modular systems can achieve)
If your closet is oddly shaped or has structural quirks, discuss this in your initial consultation—some challenges require creative solutions, while others may make custom systems less practical.
How You Use Your Closet
The value of a custom system depends heavily on your actual storage needs:
- Heavy hangers (suits, coats, formal wear) benefit from well-designed hanging rod configurations.
- Folded clothing requires appropriate shelf spacing and depth.
- Accessories and shoes need dedicated components (drawers, hooks, cubbies).
- Seasonal storage rotation matters—if you swap wardrobes quarterly, your design needs differ from someone with year-round, stable clothing quantities.
The design consultation should dig into these specifics. The quality of that conversation often determines whether the final system actually works for your life.
How Closets By Design Compares to Other Approaches
| Approach | Typical Cost Range | Customization Level | Installation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closets By Design | Premium (varies by location & size) | High—fully customizable modular system | Professional installation included | Homeowners wanting turnkey custom solutions without DIY work |
| DIY shelving (big-box retail) | Low to moderate | Low—limited by available products | You install | Budget-conscious people comfortable with installation |
| Other custom closet franchises | Premium (varies) | High | Professional installation included | Varies by brand; comparison shopping recommended |
| Local custom cabinet makers | Premium (often highest) | Highest—true built-ins | Professional installation included | People wanting fully built-in cabinetry or unique designs |
| Professional organizers + existing storage | Low to moderate | Medium—working within what you have | Varies | People seeking behavioral solutions alongside physical organization |
Questions to Ask Before Committing
Before moving forward with Closets By Design (or any custom closet company), clarify:
About the Product:
- What material are the components made from, and what's the expected lifespan?
- Can the system be adjusted, reconfigured, or expanded later?
- Are there warranty or durability guarantees, and what do they cover?
- How does the design process work, and how many revisions are included?
About Pricing:
- Is the quote all-inclusive (design, materials, labor, installation)?
- Are there additional costs for customization, delivery, or unforeseen structural issues?
- What's the payment schedule—deposit, milestone payments, final upon completion?
About Installation:
- How long does the project take?
- Will installation require you to empty your closet beforehand, and for how long?
- Who handles wall prep or repairs if your walls aren't perfectly flat?
About the Franchise:
- How long has this specific location been in business?
- Can you speak with or read reviews from recent customers?
- What's the process if something goes wrong or you're unsatisfied post-installation?
What Works Well and What Doesn't
Closets By Design typically delivers strong results when:
- You want a professional design that maximizes your specific space without doing the work yourself.
- Your closet has standard dimensions and no structural complications.
- You can articulate your storage needs clearly (or work with a designer to figure them out).
- You have a realistic budget for a premium service.
You might look elsewhere if:
- Your closet has significant structural issues or irregular shapes.
- Your primary constraint is cost and you're comfortable with a DIY or basic retail solution.
- You want true built-in cabinetry rather than a modular system.
- You're extremely particular about design details and want to work with a designer you can meet with repeatedly in person.
The Bottom Line
Closets By Design is one option within the custom closet market—not the only one, and not universally the best for every situation. It works well for homeowners who value convenience, prefer professional design and installation, and have budgets that accommodate premium services. The franchise model means your actual experience depends significantly on your local location.
Your decision should hinge on your specific closet dimensions, storage needs, budget, and preference for hands-on involvement. Get multiple consultations and quotes before deciding, and don't hesitate to compare against other custom closet companies, local cabinet makers, or even a hybrid approach (professional organizer + retail storage solutions) if that better matches your goals and constraints.