A custom accessory storage system in your walk-in means you’ll always be able to find the perfect scarf or pair of earrings. Here are a few of our favorite display options.

When I was young, I remember watching my mother get dressed up to go out. She loved her accessories, or “finishing pieces” as she called them, and I learned from a very young age that accessories really are a girl’s best friend. They elevate your outfit and polish your look—and they always fit, even if you put on a few pounds.

My friend Jennifer recently purchased a new condo in Arlington and had us install a custom walk-in closet. Jennifer and I have a lot in common, so during the design phase of her project, I wasn’t surprised when she insisted on adding an appropriate amount of storage for her own finishing pieces. She has a theory that accessories exist to be pretty—even when they’re not in use. So we created a custom closet design to highlight all of her favorite pieces.

Velvet Lined Drawers and Jewelry Trays

We started with velvet lined jewelry trays—an essential regardless of the size of your collection. Velvet absorbs light and creates a museum-quality display that makes any piece of jewelry seem more glamorous. We added divided spaces for earrings, bracelets, and rings, and Jennifer was excited to realize that the black fabric allowed her to keep track of easily lost items (like earring backs).

Jennifer had the choice of a single or double-level tray.  As you can probably guess, she opted for the two-level design to avoid overcrowding.

Custom Shelving for Purses

Jennifer’s purse collection is swoon-worthy, so we added divided shelving that gave each purse its own space, with enough depth and height to display them to advantage.

Having one shelf per handbag might seem extravagant, but it’s a crucial step toward maintaining your accessories and staying organized. Jamming them too tightly together is a quick way for creases to set in. Now, every time Jennifer walks into her closet, she can stop and admire her collection, and it’s easy to select the right purse for each outfit.

If you’re dealing with a small closet and simply can’t afford to have your handbags take up all that prime shelving, I’d suggest purse hooks instead. Since these can fit virtually anywhere, they’re a really effective way to maximize closet space without damaging your handbags.

Custom Accessory Storage from Closet America

The details of Jennifer’s closet might seem minor, but we’d like to think that these features have contributed to her actually getting to work on time—fully accessorized. She can now see all of her earrings at once and doesn’t have to spend time untangling purse straps and necklace chains.

Think your own closet is too much of a mess for a system like this? Think again! Get in touch with us for a free design consultation, and we’ll help you find a way to showcase your own prized possessions.