Nursery Closet Makeover: Custom Elfa Décor

Marin’s closet makeover was a project we did at the end of 2020 with Container Store and I am really excited to share it as their annual Elfa Sale is going on now through February 23. If you’ve seen photos of Marin’s nursery you can probably tell it’s pretty small. She has one closet and the space was not being utilized well. My temporary solution was some open shelving we had that we weren’t using. But it was not practical and not great for the storage needs in her bedroom. I had been researching Elfa Décor as an option for Marin’s bedroom closet and after seeing it in other children’s bedrooms I knew it would be the perfect solution.

The closet in Jess Kirby's spare room before it was made into a nursery. — Nursery Before

Jess Ann Kirby keeps decor and furniture simple in her new gender neutral nursery. — Nursery Before

The Container Store Custom Closets has a solution for anyone no matter the size, style, or budget.

Designing the space is easy and you can use their online design tool, Virtual In-Home Design service, meet with a designer in-store, or in your home. I worked with a Virtual In-Home Designer and it was a great experience. We had a video call and I gave her measurements of both spaces (the nursery and my office). I ended up deciding to do the Elfa system in my office while we were working on this collaboration because it was such an easy process (will share that space later this year).

While this closet is actually quite small, as you can see the designer helped me use every square inch of it. Since there was no existing hanging space I wanted to make sure there was enough room to hang things. But I also didn’t want to waste space so we used half the height and I can adjust later on as needed. We decided on four drawers so I can store Marin’s cloth diapers, blankets, towels, crib sheets, and changing pad covers. I picked additional baskets to keep toys, skincare products and other miscellaneous items that didn’t have a place.

Installation was incredibly efficient.

It took about 3 hours and our installer (who came through Container Store) wore a mask the entire time. He also took down the existing shelves which was really helpful. I had him install the office system at the same time so we got it all done in one visit. (Excited to show you that space in the spring when I get it organized.)

I love how this space turned out and that it will be something that can evolve and change as Marin gets older. It was truly the perfect small space solution and the whole process was a great experience.

Some additional details

Total cost for the closet WITH installation was $1288.20 (that’s with the current promotional discount). To DIY (install yourself) the cost of the project was $949.20. This price includes all parts, shipping, hangers and baskets.

Custom closets are currently available in 34 states. You can go HERE to see if there is a Container Store near you. I have a Container Store about 45 minutes away, however I did all of the closet design through their virtual design process.

Container Store provided the product and installation for this project. All opinions expressed are my own.

5 responses

Sara

I recently assembled my own Elsa system in my master closet. I didn’t time myself but it was one of the easiest things I have assembled for those readers who don’t want to pay the assembly fee.

January 6, 2021

Lauren

I’m interested in putting in an Elfa closet and would have appreciated some more details in this post. What other layouts were you considering? How do you get stuff up to the very top shelf (it looks like it comes out close to the front wall of the closet)? How much would this exact system cost? Who installs it? Do you have to live near a container store? Thanks!

January 7, 2021

Jess

Hi Lauren,

Apologies for the delay here I pulled together this info for you. I’ve updated the post with the total cost (with and without the installation). The installer came through Container Store, this is something they can help with when you work with them. I’ve also update the post and linked to the page on their website where you can see if this is available near you (currently in 34 states). As for the top shelf, it’s a bit of an optical illusion but there’s 6+ inches between the end of the shelf and the wall so plenty of room to put things up there. Let me know if you have any other questions!

January 24, 2021

Reply

Robin

“The furniture seems to be from IKEA, but as I understand it, this is a different company. How do you feel about IKEA furniture? I’m more interested in why the cabinet has no doors. Is this a special idea or is it like a mini wardrobe? But even the dressing room has doors. Why did you open these shelves? I try to cover all surfaces and make them as invisible as possible when we are talking about cabinets. I like it when the closet or dressing room seems to be hidden behind secret doors. I saw such an idea from one of the Contractorfinder. If I could, I would make wardrobes and wardrobes in the walls so that the rooms are larger and the walls are even without unnecessary protrusions. Thanks for your post, you have a very cozy home!”

April 8, 2021

Robin

The furniture seems to be from IKEA, but as I understand it, this is a different company. How do you feel about IKEA furniture? I’m more interested in why the cabinet has no doors. Is this a special idea or is it like a mini wardrobe? But even the dressing room has doors. Why did you open these shelves? I try to cover all surfaces and make them as invisible as possible when we are talking about cabinets. I like it when the closet or dressing room seems to be hidden behind secret doors. I saw such an idea from one of the Contractorfinder. If I could, I would make wardrobes and wardrobes in the walls so that the rooms are larger and the walls are even without unnecessary protrusions. Thanks for your post, you have a very cozy home!

April 8, 2021