His and Her Closets: A Shared Space That Reflects Your Unique Styles

You + your partner share many things — from date nights and family time to your favorite sofa and even kitchen counter space when you’re making dinner. But we can probably all agree that the closet is one area where it wouldn’t hurt to have your own space *wink*. 

If you feel like you’re competing for shelf space or bickering over the last hanger, his and her closets could be the answer. With separate yet connected closets, you’ll each have a dedicated spot for every last sneaker, handbag + tie, perfectly curated to suit each of your design preferences.

At Elegant Simplicity Interiors, we love this design trend for any couple looking to bring more joy to their daily routines. This blog will help you strike a balance between “yours” + “mine,” all while maintaining a shared aesthetic, getting organized, and keeping the peace in your primary suite *wink*. 

Designing Dual Spaces

Even if you don’t have enough room for two entirely separate closets, you can create distinct “his and hers” sections for stress-free daily routines. Here are some initial steps to take if you’re thinking of divvying up your closet space. 

Assess Individual Needs

One person’s shoe collection is another’s source of grumbling, right *wink*? From jewelry and accessories to boots, blazers, and everything in between, each of you has a unique wardrobe — which means you’ll have different storage requirements. 

Organizational preferences vary, too. Some people dig open shelving, while others prefer storage bins for a clutter-free look, for example. 

So, start with an inventory! Now is the perfect time to go through your belongings and decide what storage solutions will work best for each of you. While you’re at it, you can determine which items to keep, donate, or sell, helping you thin out your closet before getting organized. According to one report, we only need between 74 and 85 garments in our wardrobes to create several different outfits — looks like we’ve got some downsizing to do *wink*! 

Maximize Space

When your closet is bursting at the seams, look up *wink*. You’d be surprised how much you can make use of vertical space! Floor-to-ceiling drawers or shelves and double hanging rods are just the beginning. Customized drawer inserts and over-the-door hanging solutions are other great options for maximizing every square inch.

In a walk-in closet, consider adding a central island for extra storage and a touch of posh, not to mention fabulous fodder for your Instagram stories *wink*. Whether you choose to DIY it or go with a custom closet system, the goal is to create the foundation for perfectly organized his and her closets.

Create Zones

Once you’ve decided what stays and what goes, it’s time to create purposeful “zones” for each of you. 

• Zone 1: Think everyday essentials — current-season items should stay easily accessible in drawers, on shelves, and in hanging space.

• Zone 2: Items you don’t need regularly can go up higher or in deeper sections of the closet.

• Zone 3: Rarely worn or seasonal pieces can go in your nose-bleed sections of the closet *wink*, such as out-of-reach shelves.

Consider any specialized storage solutions you need, such as jewelry organizers, tie racks, extra vertical space for dresses and coats, or pull-out shoe shelves. With a place for everything, it’ll be that much easier to keep everything in its place *wink*.

Designing Personal Sanctuaries

With his and her closets, each of you gets a chance to infuse your dressing area with personalized style. To create a cohesive space that feels like a haven for each of you, focus on the following key design areas.

Color and Material Choices

Thoughtful choices in colors and materials can help you differentiate your closet space from your partner’s, even in a shared space. Using complementary colors, unique textures, and a mixture of patterns can help you create contrast and visual interest. 

For example, one side of the closet might be drenched in rich shades of brown, while the other features neutrals and brighter shades. 

Lighting and Ambiance

Great lighting isn’t just for well-trafficked areas like the kitchen but also for tucked-away places like your closet. A beautifully lit space lets you see your wardrobe in all its glory and makes it easier to assemble outfits (because nobody wants to discover a mismatched shoe after leaving the house *wink*).

Go for a balance of accent lighting, task lighting, and natural light (if available). 

• Try LED strips under shelves, pendant lights over an island, and lots of dimmers for just the right ambiance. 

• How about smart lighting controls that automatically adjust to the time of day or the presence of people? Now that’s brilliant *wink*!

Personal Touches

Framed photos and artwork, vintage posters, decorative accessories, an aromatherapy diffuser — these are the little details that make a closet feel uniquely yours. Perhaps it’s your favorite wedding photo or a souvenir from your family vacation. Each of you should have a say in making your closet special.

Maintaining Harmony

We’re all for individualizing your area of the closet, but you probably don’t want your shared closet to look like two completely different spaces. Here’s how to keep your space balanced without losing your personal style.

Unifying Designs

One of the simplest ways to tie a space together is by using a unifying color palette or repeating design choices throughout the closet. For instance, choose coordinating finishes or matching storage systems. A neutral wall color throughout the closet can give you a blank canvas to add pops of your favorite colors, while a shared rug can help tie the space together.

Mirrored Elements

Mirrors can make your space appear instantly larger, reflecting light and adding brightness to the space. A full-length floor mirror, mirrored closet doors + accent mirrors will open up the space — and make it much easier to see your outfits *wink*! 

Shared Features

Your his and her closets might have separate zones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create opportunities for shared connections. Consider a shared vanity with dual seating, a seating area with a couple of comfy chairs, even a central island with an electric kettle and a basket of tea. Your shared closet can be a secret spot where you prep for the morning and wind down in the evening while enjoying one another’s company.

Our Closet, Our Home

A his and her closet is a wonderful goal if you’re looking to create a space that works for both of you. With the right design touches, you can reimagine your closet as not simply a spot to get dressed and store your laundry basket but also a place to get in sync with your partner, morning and night.

That’s a wrap for now, friend. But if you’re ready to build the closet of your dreams, let’s chat. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revamping your existing space, Elegant Simplicity Interiors is here to help, every step of the way.

P.S. If you loved this article, then you simply must check out 4 Days to a More Beautiful + Functional Home.