Designing a custom closet can feel exciting, but choosing the right finish is what completes the look. From creating a cohesive style to ensuring durability, this is what ties everything together. If you’re unfamiliar with finishes, we’re here to help! Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to choose the perfect finish for your custom closet.
What Is a Custom Closet Finish?
A finish is the final coating or layer applied to a custom closet’s surface, and it determines how the closet looks, feels, and handles everyday wear. Whether you prefer a satin sheen or a semigloss, the finish ensures the closet suits your style while protecting against scratches, stains, and moisture.
For instance, a semigloss finish on a pantry closet makes spills easy to wipe away, while a satin finish in a bedroom closet offers a softer look that complements cozy decor. Beyond aesthetics, the finish also fills minor imperfections in materials like wood, MDF, or laminate, resulting in a smooth, polished finish.
Step 1: Identify the Purpose of Your Closet
The purpose of your custom closet dictates the type of finish you need. This is because a finish serves as a protective layer, enhancing durability and functionality. Different spaces and uses call for finishes tailored to their environments.
For everyday closets, durability is essential. Entryway closets, for instance, face constant opening and closing and need finishes like satin or semigloss that resist scuffs and scratches. On the other hand, a guest room closet that you rarely open may allow more freedom to choose based on design rather than durability.
Closets in high-moisture zones, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, present their own challenges. These areas experience humidity, which can lead to warping and stains if you use the wrong finish. Semigloss finishes work especially well here because their slick surface resists moisture and prevents water damage.
Consider the Purpose of Each Closet
Think about the specific function of the closet. A pantry for dry goods would benefit from a satin or semigloss finish that enables quick cleanup if something spills. A bedroom closet, however, might lean on satin finishes for a softer, less reflective appearance.
Step 2: Choose the Finish Type Based on Durability and Practicality
Satin and semigloss finishes are popular choices, each offering unique benefits. However, choosing the perfect finish for your custom closet means balancing style with functionality to suit your needs. Let’s explore the finishes in detail to help you make the best choice for your space.
Satin Finishes
Satin finishes deliver a soft shine that enhances visual appeal without being overwhelming. They excel in spaces where a slight sheen can hide imperfections, such as small scratches or fingerprints.
For example, a primary bedroom closet with darker colors can benefit from a satin finish that disguises smudges while looking elegant. However, satin finishes may require occasional touch-ups, especially in high-use areas, as they are slightly less resistant to wear than semigloss.
Semigloss Finishes
Semigloss finishes provide a brighter sheen and excel when durability matters. They hold up reliably in high-traffic closets, such as kids’ storage units. You can wipe spills, sticky fingers, or even accidental crayon marks effortlessly from a semigloss surface.
Another advantage is their resistance to moisture, making them the best choices for a kitchen or bathroom closet. While semigloss performs beautifully in practical settings, its high reflectivity can draw attention to surface flaws.
Other Finish Options
While satin and semigloss are common recommendations for closets, you can explore other options, too. Here are some finishes to consider:
- Matte: A matte finish offers a flat, nonreflective surface that creates a modern, understated look. It works well in low-traffic areas because it’s less durable and harder to clean.
- High-gloss: High-gloss provides a sleek, reflective surface that adds a luxurious, contemporary feel. It’s durable and easy to clean, but it can highlight imperfections on the surface, so proper preparation is essential.
- Eggshell: Eggshell finishes fall between matte and satin, offering a soft sheen with slightly more durability than matte. It’s a versatile option for closets that don’t face heavy wear.
- Textured: Textured finishes include specialty finishes like distressed, brushed, or faux wood grain. These add character and can complement specific design styles, though they may require more maintenance.
Step 3: Match the Finish to Your Home’s Overall Aesthetic
Choosing a finish for your custom closet goes beyond durability and sheen. It’s also about ensuring your closet complements the overall look of your home. Whether your home has a modern, rustic, or industrial vibe, finishes can either enhance or clash with your style.
Pay attention to the finishes present in your home for consistency. If your walls sport satin paint, extending that finish to your closets ensures a cohesive and intentional look. Alternatively, semigloss finishes work well with high-shine trim or cabinetry, giving the space a balanced feel.
The texture and sheen of a finish can also elevate the colors in your closet design. A semigloss finish amplifies darker hues and works well in homes with bold, dramatic color schemes. On the other hand, satin finishes soften lighter colors, creating an understated, welcoming vibe.
Use Finishes to Define Design Styles
Finishes can influence the overall aesthetic of your closet and home. For a rustic ambiance, consider wood-finished closets with satin or matte coatings that emphasize natural textures. These finishes evoke warmth and authenticity.
Industrial homes often feature high-gloss or semigloss finishes on darker colors, such as charcoal or black, to mimic the sleekness of metal or glass. Minimalist spaces thrive with satin or matte finishes in neutral tones like white or sand, offering a clean look without drawing too much attention.
Step 4: Test and Evaluate Samples
Lighting can alter the appearance of a finish. A satin finish may appear subtle and calming under natural daylight, but it can seem dull in low artificial lighting. Similarly, semigloss finishes shine under bright lights but may create glare in overly lit areas.
To test the finish effectively, apply it to multiple sections, and observe the results at different times of the day. Run a real-world test to determine its durability by rubbing the surface with a damp cloth to see how well it cleans without smudging or peeling.
Got the Finish but Not the Custom Closet?
Sometimes, choosing the perfect finish spurs another realization—you might need an entirely new closet. If your current setup doesn’t suit your needs, adding a finish could leave you with more frustration than satisfaction.
At Wood Closet Design, we believe in closets that work as beautifully as they look. That’s why our closet builder tool makes it easy to design a custom solution tailored to you. Whether it’s adjusting shelving or maximizing corner storage, experience the difference designing from scratch can make on your space.