If you’re looking to organize your closet, ClosetMaid’s Brightwood and Selectives systems are two great options to consider. But with different features and price points, how do you decide which is better for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare and contrast ClosetMaid’s Brightwood and Selectives closet organizing systems. We’ll cover the key differences, pros and cons, and help you determine which system is the best fit for your closet and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Brightwood | Selectives |
| Materials | Powder coated steel, polished chrome | Epoxy coated wire shelves, chrome accents |
| Quality | Very durable, premium materials | Durable but more prone to scratches over time |
| Appearance | Luxurious, upscale look | Simple all-white finish |
| Assembly | Tight fit and finish between components | Basic DIY assembly with included instructions |
| Storage Capacity | Fully customizable configurations | Fully customizable configurations |
| Price | $600+ for starter kit, $2000+ for full system | $300-400 for starter kit, $500-$1000+ for full system |
| Best For | Large closets, budget not an issue, heavy use | Smaller closets, those on a budget, medium to light use |
Overview of ClosetMaid Brightwood and Selectives
ClosetMaid is one of the leading brands of closet organization systems. They offer a wide range of products to help maximize your closet space.
The Brightwood and Selectives systems are two of ClosetMaid’s premium offerings. Both provide complete, customizable closet solutions that can be configured to your closet’s dimensions and needs.
ClosetMaid Brightwood
The Brightwood system features powder coated steel rods and polished chrome hardware for an upscale look.
The framework comes in a satin white finish that gives closets a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Brightwood uses modular components that can be arranged in multiple configurations.
The core elements include:
- Hanging rod units with adjustable shelf heights
- Drawers, shoe shelves, and other accessory components
- Matching valet rods, tie and belt racks, jewelry trays, and more
The finish and materials give Brightwood a luxurious, custom closet look and feel. But behind the upscale appearance, the system is still easy to install with basic DIY skills.
ClosetMaid Selectives
Selectives is ClosetMaid’s standard modular closet system. The core framework utilizes epoxy-coated steel in a white finish with chrome accents.
Like Brightwood, Selectives uses an adjustable design that can be customized to your space. The key pieces include:
- Hanging rod units with adjustable shelves
- Drawers, baskets, and shoe racks
- Matching accessories like shelves, valet rods, and hampers
The all-white finish gives Selectives a clean, neutral look. The epoxy coating provides durability and resistance to chips and scratches. Overall, Selectives delivers ClosetMaid’s quality and customization at an affordable price point.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each system, let’s compare them across some key factors:
Comparison of Features and Benefits
While Brightwood and Selectives share core functionality, there are some important differences that set them apart:
- Quality of Materials
The most noticeable difference is the materials used.
Brightwood features powder coated steel and polished chrome, while Selectives uses epoxy-coated wire shelving.
This gives Brightwood a more upscale, high-end look and feel.
The powder coated steel is also more durable and scratch-resistant than the epoxy coating on Selectives.
However, the Selectives materials are still reliable and able to handle regular use and wear-and-tear. So both systems are built to last, with Brightwood using heavier-duty materials.
- Ease of Assembly
Both systems are designed for DIY assembly and use ClosetMaid’s patented slide-in-place hanging rod units. This makes installation straightforward, without needing special tools or skills.
Most customers report Brightwood and Selectives can be assembled in a few hours. The pieces fit together neatly and the instructions walk you through each step.
Overall, ease of assembly is comparable between both systems. But some users say the polish and precision of Brightwood’s components allow the units to fit together slightly tighter.
- Design and Appearance
If your priority is a closet system that looks upscale and elegant, Brightwood stands out. The powder coated steel and chrome give Brightwood a more expensive, custom feel versus Selectives’ basic epoxy wire shelves.
However, some users may prefer the neutral, all-white look of Selectives. It blends in seamlessly with any décor. So form and function both systems offer choices.
- Storage Capacity
Both organizing systems are highly customizable and can be configured to maximize your available space.
The core hanging rod units come in various lengths, and the height of shelves and rods can be adjusted as needed. Accessory components like drawers, shoe racks, and trays also help make full use of every inch.
When it comes to storage capacity, Brightwood and Selectives offer comparable customizable solutions. Total layout and configuration will determine how much each system can hold.
- Price and Budget
A significant difference between these two ClosetMaid systems comes down to price.
Brightwood is positioned as a premium system, and its MSRP prices reflect that. Expect to pay $600+ for a basic starter kit up to $2,000+ for a large configuration.
Selectives delivers similar function at about half the cost. A basic starter kit retails for $300-400, with full system prices ranging from $500 to $1,000+.
So Selectives provides an excellent mid-range option if you want ClosetMaid quality at a more affordable budget. Brightwood is the choice if budget is not an issue and you prefer the upscale styling.
Pros and Cons of ClosetMaid Brightwood and Selectives
To summarize the key points, here are the main pros and cons of each system:
ClosetMaid Brightwood
Pros:
- High-end styling with powder coated steel and chrome
- Very durable and scratch-resistant
- Tighter fit and finish between components
- Easy DIY installation
- Fully customizable configurations
Cons:
- More expensive price point
- Limited color options (satin white only)
ClosetMaid Selectives
Pros:
- More budget-friendly price
- Neutral all-white finish
- Easy to adjust and customize
- Compatible with other ClosetMaid products
- DIY installation with common tools
Cons:
- Not as high-end in materials/feel
- Epoxy coating not as durable as Brightwood
- More prone to visible scratches over time
As you can see, there are tradeoffs with each system. Brightwood excels in quality and appearance, while Selectives offers similar function for less.
Which pros matter most will depend on your specific closet needs and budget. Keep this comparison in mind as we move into deciding which system is ultimately the better choice.
ClosetMaid Brightwood Or Selectives: Which Should You Choose?
When deciding between ClosetMaid Brightwood and Selectives, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Budget
The most obvious consideration is your budget.
Brightwood costs approximately twice as much as Selectives for the same layout.
If you want premium materials and styling with money being no object, Brightwood is likely the better investment.
But Selectives provides reliable quality at a more affordable price point.
- Style Preferences
These two systems also differ aesthetically.
So personal style comes into play.
Brightwood only comes in satin white but has a truly high-end look. Selectives offers an all-white neutral palette that blends in anywhere.
- Closet Size
The overall size and layout of your closet can also impact your decision.
For more compact spaces, Selectives’ narrower hanging rods and shelves may be a better fit. The fixed white finish helps small closets seem brighter and bigger.
Those with large walk-in closets can take full advantage of Brightwood’s expansive storage capacity and upscale style.
- Usage and Durability Needs
Brightwood’s powder coated steel is more resistant to scratches and everyday wear-and-tear. If your closet gets very heavy use, Brightwood is the more durable choice.
For guest bedrooms or other areas used less frequently, Selectives will hold up just fine. Its epoxy coating provides solid longevity for the price.
- DIY Assembly
Both systems can be installed DIY-style with the included instructions. But Brightwood’s tighter tolerances allow for a sturdier, more secure fit.
If you want the most straightforward assembly, Brightwood may have a slight edge over Selectives’ basic components.
- Expandability
An advantage of both systems is their modularity and ability to expand over time. Any ClosetMaid components and accessories that fit one system are compatible with the other.
This makes it easy to start small and add more pieces down the road. You can mix and match Brightwood and Selectives if desired.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
For most people, Selectives provides the best balance of price and performance. You get ClosetMaid’s quality and customization at an affordable cost. Brightwood offers upgraded materials and styling for about twice the price.
Most customers prefer ClosetMaid over Rubbermaid when it comes to closet organization. ClosetMaid is known for higher quality materials, sturdier construction, and easier installation. Their systems also tend to have more configuration options.
ClosetMaid’s biggest competitors in closet organization solutions include The Container Store, IKEA, and EasyClosets. Like ClosetMaid, these brands offer modular DIY closet systems with customizable layouts and accessories.
ClosetMaid products do not contain added urea-formaldehyde. Their components use CARB compliant composite wood and other materials that meet emissions standards. So ClosetMaid is considered a safe, non-toxic brand per most healthy home guidelines.
Final Thoughts
ClosetMaid Brightwood and Selectives both offer customizable, quality closet organization. Brightwood stands out with its luxury styling and premium components that come at a higher price.
For beautiful appearance on a budget, Selectives provides a complete solution under $1000.
Assess your specific needs and closet layout. But for most homeowners, Selectives gives you the core functionality of Brightwood for half the investment. This makes it the best value choice in ClosetMaid’s lineup.
With either system, you can transform clutter into a customized closet that makes the most of your space.