This 'invisible' addition is always seen in the most expensive closets – and it's a time saver for outfit planning

Take control of closet clutter and you'll get dressed quicker, refine your personal style, and make your mornings calmer

Closet organization ideas with closet and compartments
(Image credit: Smallbone)

Storage and style don’t always go hand in hand, but a well-organized closet can streamline the morning routine and make putting clothing away at night all the more simple.

‘A closet isn’t only storage; it’s a transforming object that evolves and adapts to become an integral part of our life,’ says Steve Leung of Steve Leung Design Group. With so many closet organizers on offer, investing in new and innovative features will make even the most basic design look rich and expensive.

If I wanted to curate a bedroom that looks expensive I knew I had to sort my closet first, so I did some research and came across 'valet rods' – and I must say, I was impressed that I had never noticed this little detail before.

It's a small but mighty closet organizer idea that I think you need to know about, so I bit the bullet and bought one myself.

What is a valet rod?

A valet rod is a pull-out fixture that can act as a temporary spot to hang your garments while you're dressing, organizing your closet, or even steam-ironing a shirt. If you ever find yourself with your hands full when trying to pick out an outfit, or when hanging up clothes, it's a simple, but so useful addition as a closet organizer.

Since they're intended for temporary use, valet rods are usually retractable or can fold away when not in use so they aren't taking up unnecessary space.

If you want to invest in the best valet rods, a brand like Hafele, which is available on Amazon, is the way to go. It's a trusted name, so you know you'll get a smooth, easy-to-use mechanism that can hold up to robust usage. You will also find them at Walmart, Lowe's, and Target – as well as specialist hardware retailers.

valet rod in closet

(Image credit: Getty Images / RASimon)

Valet rods are great closet-organizing accessories but you can also use them in other areas of your home. They’re quite often used in laundry rooms to hang clothes and some people even install one in the garage. When you’re unloading the car and have dry cleaning, it’s nice to have an extra helping hand.

Jennifer Ebert
Editor

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.