For maximum use and flexibility, I would use the ClosetMaid Shelftrack or Rubbermaid FastTrack wire system. You put one rail across the top, then hang two standards from that, and then a series of shelves on brackets attached to the standards. It is not the cheapest way to do this, but once you have the top rail and the standards up, you can adjust how many shelves you have and where you place them.

I would keep the closet interior white. I buy the ClosetMaid shelftrack at Home Depot.

graywings123,

Thanks for trying to help me. I'm trying to research ClosetMaid Shelftrack to see whether it can help me, as you kindly suggested. I did not know of it until you mentioned it.

My original idea was to have 3 standard brackets like these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ClosetMaid-ShelfTrack-84-in-x-1-in-White-Standard-Bracket-2812/100194576

One bracket would be on the left edge of the closet back wall, the other in the middle, and the third on the right edge. My reasoning was that 3 brackets would prevent whatever shelving I used from sagging.

I would then get shelf holders or whatever they are called.

What I was not sure is what options I had for shelves: wood, metal or some other material (definitely not interested in particle board).

Agree on the white. And on adjustable wiring shelving. You never know when you might want to rearrange!

Personally, I loathe wire shelving. Is there a reason you specifically need it? Not sure what's wrong with particleboard, since it doesn't sound like you're storing items that are wet (I'm assuming the shoes would be on the floor?). I have veneered particleboard shelving that's over 50 yrs old, been through three major moves and countless room shuffling-shoving around, that's still in perfect condition.

Personnally, I would use The Container Stores Elfa system. It is wonderful.

What are you planning to keep in it? I'd decide that, then figure out shelving.

BostonOak, I built and "shelved" a similar closet; mine is a bit wider, but not much.

I used the Closet Maid shelf system because I needed "adjustable" for all the various items I wanted to store there, one of the most important being the vacuum. Just as important, I needed sturdy, flat storage for two dining table leaves. So the top 22" of the closet has two wooden shelves with 1x2 brackets supporting them. The wire shelving is attached just below the lower shelf.

In most of the photo you can see only the lower wood shelf, but the top shelf and that table leaf is easily accessed and taken down. I do have to use a step stool for it, but I seldom need the second leaf.

Here's a link to the posting I made about the closet. Maybe you can glean some ideas from my trials and errors. It's long and wordy, and describes the process from the mess we "inherited" when we bought the house, to it's near completion now. The closet is complete; I'm still tweaking the tiny breakfast area.

I am thankful, grateful, and tickled pink every time I open my "broom" closet!

I like all my closets to be white; a good strong, "kitchen and cabinet" glossy white. But then, all my closets are shallow, with no lights.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3537075/talley-sue-nyc-inspired-my-coat-boom-etc-closet?n=24

A long process.

I don't know if you're still looking to organize your closet, but my husband has ordered some stuff recently from The Shelving Store for our house. They actually have an entire closet section with things like rail and door storage, they've helped me a lot: https://www.theshelvingstore.com/Closet-Shelving-s/556.htm

I'm chiming in way late, but....

You might consider installing those slotted standards that go in bookcases, putting them in the sides of the closet.

I did this in an alcove, and it's been great! I can adjust the shelves to within 1/2 inch.

I will say that I discovered I needed to fudge the shape of the shelves--the space isn't literally rectangular, so I started w/ a rectangle and then shaved pieces off until I got something that would fit.

http://www.rockler.com/hardware/storage-and-organization/shelving?organization_style=2374