The Closets State of the Industry 2025 report reveals the industry is experiencing growth and evolving to meet modern demands and experimenting with the latest technology. This survey by Closets & Organized Storage magazine captures the pulse of this multi-billion-dollar market and gives insight into where it’s headed. Following is a summary of consumer demand for accessories, materials, and technology upgrades.

In 2024, homeowners focused heavily on enhancing the functionality of their homes. The most popular renovation projects were specialty rooms and mudrooms (75%), home offices (73%), laundry rooms (71%) and pantries (70%).  While not topping the list in overall popularity, the areas that saw the most growth in 2024 were outdoor spaces (53%), kitchens and baths (40%), and closet systems (39%), suggesting an increasing interest in expanding living areas.

Popular upgrades: Closets
Survey participants were asked to rank their top five requested closet and storage project upgrades in 2024. Accent lighting, decorative hardware, and glass doors were popular, while items like chairs, wood doors, and Murphy beds were less prioritized. 

The following accessories were the most requested upgrades across the five ranked positions:
1.    Accent lighting: Most popular, especially in the #1 position (31%).
2.    Decorative hardware: High preference in the #1 (11%) and #2 (9%) positions.
3.    Glass doors: Popular in the #2 position (13%) and with consistent interest across other ranks.
4.    Hampers/Sliding baskets: Highest popularity at the #3 position (12%).
5.    Jewelry tray inserts: Moderate popularity, especially in the #4 position (11%).

Popular upgrades: Garages
In 2024, the most popular upgrade requested by customers for garage organization projects is cabinetry, with 53% of respondents choosing this option as their top priority. Following cabinets, countertops were the second most requested upgrade, selected by 10% of respondents as their first choice. Epoxy-coated flooring ranks third, with 9% listing it as their preferred upgrade. Shelves and workbenches are equally popular, each chosen by 8% of respondents as their top upgrade. 

Materials
Decorative laminates continue to the most popular material of choice for survey respondents, with an average of 64% used in projects for 2024, followed by solid wood/veneer at 39%, specialty finishes and accents (mirrors, leather, glass, metal, etc.) at 17% and wire at 14%.

White still ranks as the top requested component finish, followed by light woodgrain, solid colors, dark woodgrain, textured/patterns, and leather.

Technology upgrades
When survey respondents were asked about integrating various technologies, in 2024, tools like 3D design software (69%) and project management solutions (50%) were widely embraced, focusing on established workflows. However, the data points towards a significant shift in 2025. AI-driven design tools are poised for a dramatic surge in popularity, with planned integration jumping from 25% in 2024 to 75% in 2025.

Source: 2025 Closets & Organized Storage State of the Industry Report. For information visit closets-storage.com. More at tinyurl.com/COS2025study.