We used CA Closets and were very happy. We used them through Costco so got a discount. Still expensive but so worth it because every inch was well utilized.

Personally I would look online at closet systems for ideas and then have the trim carpenter build something to replicate it.

The elfa sale is 30% off at Container Store starting after Christmas. I have used it in closets from 3' to 9' wide for great storage.

Containr Store (which bought elfa a few years ago) also now has their own line called TCS and it is gorgeous. But it's more like a room system, like if you have a big walkin or want it instead of a closet.

Thanks, bp! Sooner and cheaper is better!

Thanks everyone! I saw elfa at container store last year and it was nice but a little more modern looking than what I prefer. I don't think we have a CA closet distributor nearby us to look at those. I think it's likely we will have trim carpenter build it to save money. Now I have to figure out what to tell him to build...!!!

While the wire Elfa system isn't very nice looking it's very sturdy and easy to modify yourself if your needs change. I don't like how a lot of other closet systems look great at first but eventually look beat up because so much of it is just made of fancy looking particle board. You'll be pulling stuff of those shelves and banging the drawers open and closed everyday. If you wouldn't want a particle board kitchen why would you want a particle board closet?

I used EasyClosets.com to design ours and had the carpenter build. Was able to provide him with a picture and exact dimensions. Happy with the results! (Though he hated the shoebox and cubbies--HEAVY.)

I think it really depends on what fits your needs. If the space is small, it may be a huge advantage to customize a solution that optimizes that.

I have Elfa in my home office because it was a starting point. Two 10' wall completely covered in shelves. I didn't know what I needed at the time and it has let me customize it until it works for that need. I also have it in an extra bedroom closet that is used for storage. Same advantage in that I can keep changing it to fit the need. FYI, Elfa doesn't do inside corners well!

It has held up well and still looks new after 10 years.

When I finish my remodel I wouldn't even consider using it for my Master Bedroom walk in closet as I will custom build something myself. Some of that design will be because I had the Elfa and could play with it, teaching me a lot.

If you know what you want and can design it, I would let a good finish carpenter build it. The ready made systems are mostly pretty poor quality. They cost a lot because they have to market them.

I agree about the particle board and there will be none in my house when I'm done.

My current house has a beautiful custom closet built of solid wood including a built-in dresser. I miss my Elfa closet because everything in this one is fixed. When I want to adjust something because my needs have changed I can't. My builder totally disagrees with me but when we finally build our new home I wish to have an Elfa closet.

Our future house will have a laundry room located at the bottom of the stairs perfect for washing a family of 5's clothing. When my kids have flown the nest and my mother-in-law isn't around anymore. Since the laundry room won't be close to the master bedroom a friend suggested plumbing my closet so that we can move the w/d into the closet once it's just the two of us. Having a flexible closet system will make that possible without wasting any space in the meantime.

Thanks everyone! I've explored easy closet and love the online designer. I'm leaning towards having the trim carpenter build them though, as I'm assuming this will save me some money and get better quality. But I am concerned about the flexibility piece you mention tcufrog and am going to discuss that with him tomorrow. I know pretty well what we need over time and we do still have a few dressers since the closet itself is pretty small, it's really just for hanging, shoes, and a few folded things on shelves I change out with seasons (sweaters and light dresses).

I just went through this. TCS--is very expensive. I looked into Elfa. I didn't want a wire system. I decided to get a closet system by a local company. They make everything in house. Easy closets was cheaper but no install. I also needed shelves to 120 inches. The highest easy closets went to was 96. I didn't have my carpenter build for a couple reasons. one I wanted it to be adjustable. By the time, I had the closets painted....it was the same price. I am very happy with all of my designs.

For those who chose to not go with Elfa, were the solid shelves not acceptable to you? I haven't been to the container store to look at them. I prefer wire shelves for better ventilation in the closets, but I was planning solid shelves for our office.

I did not like the mechanics of Elfa. I do not like the way the brackets hook into the standard strip. Not sure if I am explaining it properly.

I just redid our closets. reconfigured hanging bars so I would have only 3' bar for long garments and the rest were uppers and lowers for shirts and slacks, respectively. Creating upper/lower bars and reducing "long" gave us lots more hanging space. We bought sweater/lingerie chests (tall and skinny) to store the stuff that can't be hung nicely and found a spot for it in the closet. Very high up, wood shelves along the 3 walls for storing shoes (in indiv boxes), purses, travel bags, etc. The metal shelves would have provided more of an open feel but I went for reusing the wood shelves I had. I painted all white b/c my closets have no windows and it helped a lot. removed carpet only b/c I preferred tile extended from the bathroom, rather than having diff. flooring side by side. However I might get a throw rug b/c my feet get cold. If you are into displaying jewelry, accessories, shoes, my configuration might not suit your needs. For example my neighbor has lots of open shelving with rope lights to highlight her shoes and purses. looks very nice, reminds me of a boutique, totally diff than what I have.

personally i do not like wire shelving because the clothing rod and clothes underneath get very dusty. a solid shelf reduces a lot of dust that lands on clothing, imho.

That's interesting. maybe there's more chance of dust in walk in closets where one may dress inside--do you have a walk in? I've never noticed much dust in my reach in closets, but I live in a climate where moisture is a bigger issue. I have thought the wire shelving helps prevent stale/musty smell in textiles. I might be wrong.

I live in Houston area so humidity is the issue. I don't see a diff between walk-in vs reach-in closets but I do notice a diff between closets that are within inside walls and closets that are built by outside walls. I use Damprid and that seems to be sufficient

I got some great ideas from the Easy Closets online planner for my future home -- their prices are too high for the materials the things are made out of, but I now know I have more options than I'd thought!!! (And that technically two of my closets are walk-ins (4 feet deep) so I can magnify the utilization of space on their sides! -- I'll use the sides to add shelves).

My current closets are so old that I'd never even thought about upper and lower bars for clothing that isn't long. Or effectively adding a dresser into the closet.

We used John Louis Home closet system. Solid wood, adjustable, nice looking, lots of options.

Weedy - I haven't heard of them will check it out, thanks! I liked easy closets for the design tool but right now am going to have the trim carpenter build them I think.

benjesbride - yes, we have a walk in closet but don't usually dress in there, typically bring the clothes into the bedroom to change. we also have humidity issues.

I've done countless closets with the Elfa stuff as mentioned. Of late since similar systems have shown up from Closetmaid and the like at the home centers, I've used those and I can't really notice a whole lot of difference. Most of our closets as well as the storage in the garage uses these things.

Nice thing is it's infinitely reconfigurable. The only thing relatively permanent is the top track.

We used Closets and More. Very happy with the product, but pricey. $4200 including install. Could have had our cabinet maker do it for less, and it would have been furniture quality.

benjesbride said "For those who chose to not go with Elfa, were the solid shelves not
acceptable to you? I haven't been to the container store to look at
them. I prefer wire shelves for better ventilation in the closets, but I
was planning solid shelves for our office."

Yes, that is it. The wire shelves are excellent quality. The wood ones are particle board covered with thin veneer and edging. They won't hold up to any kind of hard use. Some people are very careful with things and they will hold up longer.

I guess it depends on what you want. Some people see the details and find most production closets and even kitchen cabinets as junk that won't hold up and some people just figure they will change them out when they get shabby in a few years. To me it is that the metal ones ARE what they are supposed to be and the "wood" ones are NOT.