When it comes to custom closet design and installation, two big names stand out: Closet World and California Closets. Both companies have been around for decades, serving homeowners across North America with customized closet systems to fit any space.
If you’re looking to optimize your closet storage and can’t decide between Closet World and California Closets, this comprehensive comparison will break down the key factors including quality, cost, services, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Closet World | California Closets |
| Overview | 75+ locations in US and Canada, founded in 1978 | 100+ locations in US and Canada, founded in 1982 |
| Average Cost | $3,500+ | $6,500+ |
| Materials | Solid woods, engineered wood cabinets | Premium hardwoods, composite cabinets |
| Design Services | Free in-home, 3D rendering, proprietary software | Free in-home, 3D rendering, proprietary software |
| Installation | 1-2 days, experienced crews, full cleanup | 1 day, trained crews, full cleanup |
| Warranties | Limited lifetime materials/workmanship, lifetime labor | Limited lifetime materials/workmanship, limited labor |
| Products Offered | Closets, garage, laundry, pantries | Closets, kitchen, bath, built-ins, wine storage |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 stars out of 5 | 4.5 stars out of 5 |
Overview Of Closet World
Founded in 1978, Closet World started out as a local closet company in Chicago. Today, they have grown to over 75 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Closet World sets themselves apart by offering custom-designed solutions for any closet, from reach-in closets to walk-in closets, laundries, pantries, garages, and even murphy beds.
Their mission is to “create organized space for an organized life.”
Some key facts about Closet World:
- Locations in 30 states and 8 Canadian provinces
- Free in-home design consultations
- Custom closets designed and installed by local crews
- Huge selection of storage and organizational accessories
- Warranties include limited lifetime on materials/workmanship
Overview Of California Closets
Founded in 1982, California Closets paved the way for the custom closet industry. This pioneering closet company has led the way in creative closet designs, premium materials, and expert installation.
Today, California Closets has over 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Some key facts about California Closets:
- Locations in over 35 states and 9 Canadian provinces
- Free in-home design consultations
- Custom closets designed and installed by local crews
- Extensive selection of storage solutions and accessories
- Warranties include limited lifetime on materials/workmanship
Both Closet World and California Closets offer custom-designed closet systems backed by warranties. Keep reading to see how they compare in terms of quality, cost, services, and more.
Closet World And California Closets: In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features
Quality and Materials
When it comes to quality craftsmanship and materials, Closet World and California Closets are quite comparable. Here is an overview of what each company offers:
Closet World
- Solid wood hang rods and shelving
- Sturdy cabinet boxes made from CARB compliant particleboard
- Wide selection of storage accessories from top brands
- Soft-closing drawers and doors
- Variety of custom door styles from traditional to modern
- Durable, low-VOC finishes and stains
California Closets
- High-end wood materials including oak, maple, and alder
- Cabinetry made from strong composite wood
- Premium storage accessories from name brands
- Soft-close hinges and glides on all doors/drawers
- Extensive closet door styles from shaker to slab
- Low-VOC finishes and stains for a clean environment
When comparing the quality and materials right down to the cabinet boxes, hang rods, and door hinges – Closet World and California Closets are quite evenly matched. Both companies offer excellent craftsmanship and durability.
California Closets may have a slight edge for using more solid hardwood materials, while Closet World focuses on strong engineered woods. But overall, buyers can expect to get a high-quality, customized closet from either company.
Cost and Pricing
One of the biggest factors homeowners consider when shopping for custom closets is cost. Pricing can vary greatly based on your location, closet size, materials selected, and accessories included. Here is an overview of costs:
Closet World
- Average cost: $3,500+
- Simple reach-in closet: $1,500+
- Large walk-in closet: $5,000+
- Budget-friendly laminates and inset doors
- Frequent sales around 15% off
California Closets
- Average cost: $6,500+
- Simple reach-in closet: $3,000+
- Large walk-in closet: $10,000+
- Premium hardwoods and custom doors
- Occasional sales around 25% off
In general, Closet World comes in at a lower average price point compared to California Closets. Closet World offers more budget-friendly options like laminates, while California tends to use higher-end woods that increase costs.
California also has a reputation for premium pricing since they first launched the category.
However, both companies provide in-home estimates for free, so the only way to compare accurate pricing is to book consultations. Be sure to get quotes from both Closet World and California Closets before deciding.
Also Read: Comparison Between Living Spaces And Wayfair.
Design Services
The design process plays a critical role in custom closet installations. Both Closet World and California Closets offer the following design services:
- Free at-home consultation and 3D imaging
- Proprietary closet design software
- Expert closet designers to guide you
- Design process focused on your needs
- Exact measurements for a perfect fit
- Multiple revisions until final design is approved
- Handles permits and city regulations
The design experience with both companies is very convenient and customer-focused. Their experts measure your space and assess your needs to create a personalized design suited to your lifestyle. You can go through multiple revisions to get the perfect layout and options. Overall, Closet World and California Closets are equally matched when it comes to design services.
Also watch this review of California Closets!
Installation Process
Once you approve the final closet design, the installation process begins. Here is an overview of the installation services:
Closet World
- Experienced installers at each location
- Crews undergo background checks
- Installation in as little as 1-2 days
- Process includes cleanup and haul away
- Lifetime warranty on labor
California Closets
- Trained installation crews at each location
- Crew members complete a background check
- Installation in as little as 1 day
- Full cleanup and disposal after install
- Limited lifetime warranty on labor
Again, Closet World and California Closets offer professional installation including quick turnaround times, trained installers, and cleanup. The main difference is the lifetime labor warranty offered by Closet World whereas California Closets has limitations on their labor warranty. Overall, buyers can expect an efficient, quality installation from both companies.
Customer Reviews
Looking at customer reviews is one of the best ways to evaluate the real-world experience with these closet companies. Here are some key details:
Closet World
- 4.6 out of 5 star average rating
- Positive reviews praise expert design, quality, and service
- Some complaints about delays or damage during install
- Majority describe it as a great overall experience
California Closets
- 4.5 out of 5 star average rating
- Positive feedback on the finished product and design
- Some complaints about high price and pushy designers
- Most mention great quality and customer service
Based on thousands of customer reviews, Closet World and California Closets both receive high marks for their products and service. Closet World gets slightly better ratings for quality versus price, while some customers say California Closets pushes higher prices. Overall, both companies deliver great custom closet experiences for most homeowners.
Additional Products and Services
Aside from closets, Closet World and California Closets both offer other storage solutions including:
- Garage cabinets and flooring
- Laundry rooms
- Pantry cabinets
- Home office storage
- Wall beds/murphy beds
- Hobby rooms and custom shelving
California Closets offers a few additional options like:
- Kitchen cabinets
- Bathroom storage
- Built-ins and wall units
- Entertainment centers
- Wine storage
So when it comes to extra storage beyond your closets, California Closets has a slight edge in products offered. But Closet World covers all the core storage spaces as well.
Warranties and Guarantees
The warranties and guarantees provide peace of mind on your investment. Here’s an overview:
Closet World
- Limited lifetime – materials and workmanship
- 1 year – electronics and accessories
- Lifetime – labor
California Closets
- Limited lifetime – materials and workmanship
- 5 years – electronics
- Limited lifetime – labor
Closet World clearly stands out with their lifetime labor warranty. California Closets only offers limited lifetime coverage on labor (and 5 years on electronics). Overall, Closet World provides better assurance for the long-term.
Also Read: Comparison Between Container Store And California Closets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Closet World is considered one of California Closets’ top competitors. As two of the largest custom closet companies in North America, they compete directly in offerings, quality, services, and pricing.
Both Closet World and California Closets are excellent choices for closets. They offer professional design services, quality materials, and skilled installation. Closet World may have an edge for their lifetime labor warranty and more budget options. California Closets offers premium woods and more high-end features.
Yes, California Closets is a much more expensive option compared to Container Store. As an installer of custom closets, California Closets has an average cost around $6,500+ whereas Container Store sells DIY closet systems and components for under $2,000 on average.
Closet Factory competes with other custom closet companies like California Closets and Closet World. As a chain with 70+ locations, Closet Factory offers computer-designed and installed closets. They are a mid-range cost competitor to California Closets and Closet World.
Also Read: Comparison Between Conn’s And Aaron’s.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Closet World and California Closets, you really can’t go wrong with either company for your custom closet project. They both offer excellent design services, high-quality materials, professional installation, and great warranties.
Closet World wins when it comes to pricing with more budget-friendly options compared to the premium costs of California Closets. There are slight differences in products offered and labor warranties as well.
But for most homeowners, the decision will come down to cost along with the style and material options that best match your vision. Be sure to get quotes from both Closet World and California Closets to compare pricing.
Overall both companies have decades of experience, great reviews, and they deliver beautiful, functional custom closet storage systems that will organize your home for years to come.