When it comes to organizing your closet, ClosetMaid is one of the most well-known and trusted brands on the market. ClosetMaid offers two main modular closet systems to choose from – Selectives and Style Plus. But which one is right for your needs and budget?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare and contrast Selectives and Style Plus, looking at key factors like customization, ease of installation, quality, and cost. We’ll also provide pros and cons for each system to help you determine which is the best fit for your closet.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Selectives | Style Plus |
| Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Customization | Moderate | High |
| Ease of Installation | Moderate | Very Easy |
| Finish | White epoxy | Satin nickel |
| Weight Capacity | <100 lbs | >100 lbs |
| Components | Shelves, rods, drawers | Shelves, curved rods, glass shelves, drawers |
| Availability | Home improvement stores | Exclusive to ClosetMaid |
Key Takeaways:
- Selectives is the more affordable, entry-level system good for basic utility and storage. Style Plus is the high-end customizable system with premium materials and features.
- Style Plus allows for greater customization and its HangTrack installation is easier than Selectives’ connector brackets.
- Selectives offers satisfactory durability at a reasonable price point while Style Plus is built with higher quality materials and can hold more weight.
- Completing a closet system with Selectives costs a few hundred dollars while Style Plus systems can cost over $2000.
- There is no outright “best” system – choose based on your budget and how much customization you need. Both deliver excellent modular storage solutions.
Overview of ClosetMaid Selectives and Style Plus
ClosetMaid Selectives and Style Plus are both modular closet organizers that can be configured and customized to fit your space. The components integrate together to create a custom closet storage solution.
- ClosetMaid Selectives
Selectives is ClosetMaid’s original modular system that has been around for decades.
It features a simple, versatile design with components like shelves, drawers, rods, and accessories.
Selectives components have a white epoxy finish that resists scratching and staining.
The Selectives system uses an adjustable hanging rod and shelving system to maximize closet space.
Components fasten together with nickel-plated steel connector brackets for sturdy assembly. Selectives is ClosetMaid’s entry-level system and is affordably priced.
- ClosetMaid Style Plus
Style Plus is ClosetMaid’s newer premium modular system. The components feature a sleek satin nickel finish for a modern upscale look. In addition to traditional wood shelves and drawers, Style Plus also offers glass shelving, curved rods, and accessories like jewelry trays.
Style Plus uses an “HangTrack” system with fixed brackets to hang the closet rods and shelves. Components slide and lock into place within the track so no tools are required for assembly.
The HangTrack allows for greater weight capacity than Selectives. Style Plus is the higher-end, more customizable system.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go into more detail on how Selectives and Style Plus compare.
Customization and Ease of Installation
One of the key factors when shopping for a modular closet system is determining how much you want to customize it. ClosetMaid Selectives and Style Plus offer different levels of customization.
- Selectives
The Selectives system is quite versatile – you can combine components like shelves, rods, drawers, and accessories in numerous configurations to create customized storage. However, you are limited to what’s available in the Selectives line when mixing and matching.
Assembly of Selectives requires using included connector brackets to join the components. The adjustable rods and shelves allow you to set heights and widths to fit your space. Installation takes some time and may require drilling holes for the connectors.
You’ll need basic DIY skills and tools like a drill. Assembly can be tricky if you want an intricate design.
- Style Plus
Style Plus offers a higher level of customization with more component options like curved rods and glass shelves. The HangTrack rail allows for flexible positioning of accessories exactly where you need them within the closet.
Style Plus can be configured to fit unique closet layouts and work around obstructions.
Additionally, Style Plus installs very easily thanks to the HangTrack system. No tools are needed – just hang the track, slide in the components, and lock into place. Adjustments are easy to make down the road.
Overall, Style Plus delivers more convenient installation combined with high customizability.
Quality and Durability
The quality of the materials used in a modular system will affect its long-term durability and functionality. Let’s examine how sturdy Selectives and Style Plus are built.
- Selectives
Selectives uses good quality laminated particle board for its shelves, drawers, and storage components. The white epoxy finish resists common closet damage like scuffs and stains while providing an attractive look.
Metal connector brackets join the components snugly while allowing for adjustability. The chrome hanging rods feel solid and dependable. Overall construction is pretty sturdy, although heavy items could cause sagging over time. But for the reasonable price, Selectives delivers satisfactory durability.
- Style Plus
Style Plus features thicker premium laminated wood panels and stronger metal alloys for increased sturdiness.
The satin nickel finish maintains its luster for years. Hanging rods have a weight capacity over 100 lbs.
Glass shelving and premium drawer glides add luxury.
Since components lock tightly into the HangTrack, the system feels very secure and robust once installed.
The high-end materials and construction allow Style Plus to withstand heavy use while looking great.
If durability is important, Style Plus is the winner.
Cost Comparison
Of course, cost often plays a significant role when choosing a new closet system. Let’s look at how pricing shakes out between Selectives and Style Plus.
- Selectives
As ClosetMaid’s entry-level system, Selectives is the more budget-friendly choice. The simple design focuses on functionality over flair. Selectives retails at big box stores for very reasonable prices.
A starter kit for a reach-in closet runs between $120-$200. Adding more components like drawers, shelves, and rods will cost around $20-$60 each. Basic custom closet systems can be assembled for $300 to $700, keeping Selectives very wallet-friendly.
- Style Plus
As the premium system, Style Plus retails for higher prices than Selectives. The starter kits alone retail for $250-$400 given the more elaborate track and rod design. Additional components like curved rods, drawers, and glass shelves cost between $50-$300 each.
Completely outfitting a large walk-in closet with Style Plus can end up costing over $2,000 after adding up all the components. While pricey, you’re paying for quality materials and customization. The cost reflects the fancy features and durability.
Pros and Cons of Selectives and Style Plus
To summarize the key differences, here is an overview of the main pros and cons of each system:
Selectives Pros
- More affordable price point
- Simple versatile design
- Easy to find at major retailers
- Tool-free assembly possible
Selectives Cons
- Less durable than Style Plus
- Limited customization options
- Basic white epoxy finish shows wear
- Rod weight capacity under 100 lbs
Style Plus Pros
- Highly customizable configurations
- Premium quality and durability
- Elegant satin nickel finish
- Easy slide-and-lock HangTrack installation
- Higher rod weight capacity
Style Plus Cons
- Much more expensive overall
- Less value for basic closets
- Components only available through ClosetMaid
- Hanging rods have fixed spacing
Looking at these pros and cons, Selectives excels for budget-friendly utility while Style Plus is ideal for upscale customization. Consider which factors are most important for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive “best” system – it depends on your needs. Selectives is best for basic storage on a budget. Style Plus is best for premium quality and customization. Assess whether low cost or high customization is more important.
Most consumers agree ClosetMaid components are made of higher quality materials and feel more sturdy than Rubbermaid. ClosetMaid offers better customization, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal. The quality warrants slightly higher prices for ClosetMaid.
Technically Selectives and Style Plus components are not designed to be mixed. However, the fixed brackets used for Style Plus HangTrack can be inserted into Selectives components to combine the systems. Just be aware Load Capacity limits still apply.
The main competitors are Rubbermaid Configurations, EZ Shelf, and Easy Track. Each offers similar DIY modular closet systems. Compared to these, ClosetMaid comes out ahead for quality, customization, ease of installation, and brand reputation. ClosetMaid remains a top choice.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, ClosetMaid Selectives and Style Plus both offer great solutions for customizing your closet storage needs. Selectives provides versatile and affordable utility while Style Plus delivers premium luxury and customization.
Consider how much storage and design flexibility you want, along with your budget, to decide between these two excellent modular system options. ClosetMaid makes it easy to create the perfect closet organization system for maximizing your space.