Give IKEA KOMPLEMENT Drawers A Floating Attachment For Better Closet Storage

Finding enough storage space can seem challenging in any-size closet, but for those with small closets, the struggle is especially real. Placing a small storage unit in your closet can help with organization, but it will take up valuable floor space. If you're familiar with the struggles of tiny closet living, you know that floor space is not something that can be compromised on. 

There is a way, though, that you can keep your closet floor free for shoes and other floor-appropriate items while also getting the benefits of a storage unit. Like many other small-space storage hacks, this one comes straight to you from IKEA. Install braces on the walls of your closet that will support KOMPLEMENT mesh storage baskets from IKEA. The end result will be a floating multi-level slide-out unit with additional storage space underneath.

This IKEA closet storage hack is straightforward, but there is some cutting and power tool use involved. However, the end result is worth the effort. A great thing about this hack is that it's customizable and can be implemented at any height. In addition to the baskets, all you need for this project is KOMPLEMENT pull-out rails, some wood studs, molding pieces, a drill, screws, and a screw driver. If you want to cut the lumber yourself, you will need a saw. Otherwise, places like Home Depot and Lowe's will do it for you. The number of lumber pieces you will need depends on how many IKEA baskets you plan to use.

First, determine the number of baskets you want, and start marking measurements on your closet walls, ensuring that your markings align on both sides of the closet. Each basket is 6¼ inches tall, so consider that measurement and the height of the items you'll be keeping in the baskets when you mark your lines. Also think about how far clothes hang down and how much storage space you want below the bottom basket. 

When you're ready, pre-drill holes that are slightly smaller than your screws. Then screw the stud boards into the wall. Now, fasten the KOMPLEMENT rails to the molding pieces, and attach the units to the studs with screws. Finally, slide your baskets onto the rails.

Before starting this project, measure the width of your closet. The IKEA KOMPLEMENT baskets come in three sizes that have a suitable depth for a small closet, and since there is no standard "small closet size," the thickness of the studs and molding pieces is going to vary by project. The idea is that the studs will attach to the wall, the molding to the studs, and the tracks to the molding, and then the baskets will slide onto the tracks. For a closet that is 35½ inches wide, you would get the baskets that are 29½ inches wide, studs that are 2 inches thick, and molding that is 1 inch thick.

There's no need to use this IKEA closet decluttering solution in one specific way. You can install the rails below your hanging clothes and above your shoes, place rails and baskets all the way down to the floor, or even remove the clothes rod and install basket tracks up closer to the closet shelf. Not only is this hack great for small closets, but it can also help you get organized elsewhere. If you've got a bathroom or hallway closet with absent or inadequate shelving, simply install the lumber, insert the baskets, and voilà! This idea could also work well for organizing kitchen cabinets.

If you like this concept but don't appreciate having certain belongings exposed in a mesh container, there are ways to make this more discreet. You can create a no-sew basket liner by cutting fabric pieces to line the baskets. Then, wrap them under the front and back basket lips, and attach them with superglue. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you could also sew basket liners. This would be done by sewing the side pieces of fabric together and then attaching the bottom. Then serge the sides and bottom, and fold, iron, and stitch the top for a polished look. 

Another option is using an IKEA STUK storage case. This item almost perfectly matches the depth and height of the baskets, letting you keep some items out of sight while leaving room for others.