Looking for a stylish, durable closet system without spending thousands on a custom install? We installed the Allen Roth closet kits from Lowe’s over 7 years ago, and they’ve held up beautifully! Today, after daily use, two kids, and plenty of clothing chaos, I can honestly say we still love them! Post contains affiliate links.
In this post, I’m sharing a look at our DIY walk-in closet makeover, why we chose this modular closet system, and how we made it feel luxurious and custom without a contractor or a fancy closet company!
Shop the Allen + Roth Closet Kit from Lowe’s
(Ours is 7 years old and still going strong!)
Why We Chose the Allen Roth Hartford Closet System
When we renovated our home and combined two reach-in closets into one walk-in, I started by getting a quote from a closet company. I didn’t ask for anything elaborate, just a basic white system with a few drawers and shelves. The estimate still came in at well over $4,000. In our previous house, we had installed a small open-shelving system, and even that simple setup had cost more than $2,000. It felt like custom closets were out of reach.
That’s when I found the Allen and Roth closet systems at Lowe’s. Not only were they made of real wood, but the trim, finishes, and customizable layout gave them the look of high-end systems for a fraction of the cost.
I read every review I could find, studied the specs, and we finally decided to order two kits in the color antique white to create our own DIY walk-in design. Shipping was free, which was amazing because the boxes are heavy! Just lugging them up the stairs, we could tell the quality was on par with much more expensive options.
These closet systems are modular, customizable, and solidly built, and we were able to add special touches like a built-in vanity, extra drawers, accessories, and wood furniture feet, all without needing woodworking skills. It comes in three color finishes, including white and java.
How We Customized the Allen Roth Closet Kits for Our Walk-In Closet
We used two Allen + Roth closet kits to complete our walk-in. Each kit includes a closet tower shelf with a drawer unit, a shoe cubby, and a shelving section. One of the best parts of the system is how easy it is to customize the layout.
On one side, we chose to stack two shoe cubbies with a drawer in the center to have a designated shoe area with space for socks and tights. On the other, we rearranged the drawer placement with shelves on top to suit our everyday needs. The modular design made it easy to tweak everything as we assembled it. All the shelves are adjustable.
Since our walk-in closet was created as part of a master bathroom renovation, the space includes an awkwardly placed window. To make the most of it, we added a built-in vanity with shelves on the side of the one closet tower, the perfect solution where hanging space wouldn’t work.
Assembly was straightforward, much like putting together sturdy furniture. We’re not advanced DIYers by any means, but we had the entire closet installed in a day. We used a stud finder to ensure the mounting rails hit wall studs for stability, and an impact driver made securing them quick and easy.
Based on reviewer tips, we also added wood glue to the dowels during assembly. It’s not required, but it helped the structure feel extra solid once everything was in place.
👀 Want a closer look at our closet layout?I got a comment asking for more views of our custom Allen Roth system, so I shared a video walk-through! It shows how we laid out the drawers, shelving, and even fit in a small vanity! I added the short video below!
@joyfullytreasured Reply to @jo.sstyle 🥰 Here is a close up of the Allen Roth Closet Kits! They are so budget friendly! #diyclosetsystem #diyclosetmakeover #diywalkincloset #closetinspo #closetideas #floraldecor #cottagechic #dreamcloset #budgetdecor #budgethomediy #diycloset #closettour #closetmakeover #closetgoals ♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) – 山口夕依
Our Closet 7 Years Later — How It’s Holding Up
It’s been seven years since we installed the Allen and Roth wood closet system in our walk-in, and it’s held up beautifully.
- No sagging shelves or drawers
- Drawers still glide smoothly
- The finish still looks elegant and clean
- The wood has aged well and is easy to maintain
- We haven’t had to make a single repair
It’s honestly exceeded all our expectations, especially for the price!
We were so happy with the quality that we later installed the same system in bright white in our boys’ shared room. That closet has also held up wonderfully (and that’s saying something, with my rowdy boys!).
We’ve also used Allen + Roth ventilated closet shelving in our laundry room and cleaning closet. After years of use, I can confidently say these closet products are a tremendous value. The real wood construction and timeless design make them a long-lasting, budget-friendly solution that I truly recommend.
Final Thoughts: A Budget-Friendly Closet That Lasts
After seven years, we’re still incredibly happy with our decision. The Allen Roth system gave us the elevated look and lasting quality we hoped for, without the custom closet price tag.
From the solid wood construction to the thoughtful design, it’s been a smart investment for multiple spaces in our home.
If you’re dreaming of a more functional, beautiful closet and want something durable that you can truly install yourself, this system is absolutely worth considering. It’s one of the best budget upgrades we’ve made, and it’s held up to everything life (and kids!) have thrown at it!
Have you created a DIY closet that you love on a budget? I always enjoy hearing how others make the most of their space! Feel free to share below!
Love this project? Save it for later and grab everything you need to build your own custom closet right here.
Still exploring all the options? See how Allen Roth stacks up to the other modular closet brands in this post on the best DIY Closet Systems at Lowe’s!
If you love budget friendly closet organization ideas, you may also enjoy this post on Dollar Tree closet organization finds!
FAQ: Installing and Using the Allen Roth Closet System
Looking for Allen Roth closet ideas before you commit to a system? Or maybe you’ve already purchased it and want help with the layout? This FAQ covers common questions about installation, customization, and how it’s held up over time.
Is the Allen Roth closet system hard to install? Not at all! It’s similar to assembling furniture — no woodworking skills required. If you can handle a screwdriver and follow an instruction manual, you can do this. We had ours fully installed in one day.
Does the whole closet kit need to be mounted to the wall? No, the system includes a wood mounting brace that gets attached securely to the wall studs. A stud finder with laser level makes this easy! Once that’s in place, the closet towers simply slide into the brace, making installation much easier and more secure than you’d expect.
Do I need special tools? A basic tool set will work fine, but we recommend using a stud finder and an impact driver to make the job quicker and easier. We also chose to add a little wood glue to the dowels for a tighter fit, which worked really well for long-term durability.
Can the system be customized? Yes! That’s one of the best parts. You can mix and match shelving, drawers, shoe cubbies, and even add a built-in vanity like we did. The modular design makes it easy to tailor to your space.
Is this really solid wood? Yes, and it shows! Even years later, our system has held up beautifully with no sagging or damage. It’s a much more durable and elegant option than the particleboard systems we looked at.
