When it comes to customized closet design and storage solutions for your home, two big names stand out: Inspired Closets and California Closets. Both companies have been around for decades, have installed countless dream closets across North America, and offer plenty of design options to optimize your space.
But when it comes down to making a choice between Inspired Closets vs. California Closets, you’ll notice some key differences. Keep reading as we compare the pros and cons of these two industry leaders.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Inspired Closets | California Closets |
| History | Founded in Minnesota in 1998 | Originated in California in 1982 |
| Design Services | Remote video/phone design consultations with 3D renderings | In-home design consultations available |
| Products & Materials | Eco-friendly wood composites, melamine, wire shelving | Luxury hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry. Premium storage accessories |
| Installation | Franchise model provides personalized service | Corporate structure ensures consistency |
| Pricing | Affordable, prices from $1,000-$8,000 | Expensive, from $3,000 to $50,000+ |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited plus unique RADIANT & 1 year style guarantees | Lifetime limited on materials and workmanship |
| Green Practices | Renewable and recycled materials, Eco Premier product line | Ethical lumber sourcing but not highly vocalized |
| Showrooms | Display areas in 150+ locations | Almost 100 company owned showrooms nationwide |
Differences Between Inspired Closets And California Closets
- Custom Design Services
Both California Closets and Inspired Closets offer custom closet design services.
A professional designer will come measure your space, understand your storage needs, and create 3D renderings to bring your dream system to life.
This custom design process aims to maximize every inch of space so you can stay organized. Their systems incorporate specialized features like:
- Drawers, shelves and rods positioned for easy access
- Adjustable shelves and smart storage accessories
- Custom cabinets and built-ins for awkward areas
- Clever solutions for footwear, jewelry, belts and all your stuff!
One difference is that California Closets offers the option of an in-home design consultation. An expert designer will analyze your space onsite and talk through layout options in person.
Meanwhile, Inspired Closets conducts consultations remotely via phone, chat or video, then provides virtual 3D design visualizations. This saves time and keeps costs low.
Both offer professional design expertise to optimize your unique space, just through slightly different approaches.
- Products & Materials
When it comes to materials and product selection available for your new closet or storage area, there are some clear distinctions between the two brands.
California Closets uses high-quality wood, like oak, maple or cherry in many of their cabinet boxes and drawer fronts. Wire shelving is optional. They also offer specialty storage items like jewelry drawers, belt racks, shoe shelves and more to organize every last item with purpose. Brand name hardware comes standard.
Inspired Closets, on the other hand, takes a more budget-friendly, eco-conscious approach. Their cabinet boxes are sturdy but made from recycled wood composites and melamine instead of pure hardwoods.
Wire shelving is included in most installations as an affordable and adjustable shelving solution. The focus is providing customizable function at a reasonable price point.
There’s no denying that California Closets offers luxury touches. But Inspired Closets aims to provide serious storage solutions of nearly the same caliber at a fraction of the investment.
- Installation Process
The installation process is where things get really interesting between these closet industry heavyweights.
This comparison point highlights a major difference in their underlying business models.
California Closets leverages an army of hundreds of employees across almost 100 locations to handle projects of any scope.
Designers, installers and technicians all work together for a smooth customer experience, project management and quality control.
That in-house team means your project receives seamless attention from start to finish. But operating at such large scale with abundant staffing contributes majorly to their premium pricing.
Inspired Closets, as a franchise, takes a different approach. Local owners self-manage their tight-knit crews. Each franchise location contributes to their brand power, but operate almost like independent small businesses focused intently on their regional customer base.
This decentralized model lacks the corporate structure of California Closets. But it allows Inspired Closets to offer exceptional service and quality for reasonable rates in your area. Geographic focus lets them cater pricing to local markets rather than standard national price structures.
So while California Closets wins on consistency, Inspired Closets competes by leveraging small business service dynamics – that personal touch at every location.
- Pricing Differences
Pricing is where Inspired Closets and California Closets differ most significantly.
Given the differences in materials, business model and scale, it’s no surprise that California Closets commands premium pricing while Inspired Closets offers more affordable packages.
The cost of California Closets installation projects frequently hit five figures, ranging from $3,000 on the very low end to over $50,000 for an entirely custom master suite closet and storage transformation. Their name brand recognition lets them charge a premium.
Inspired Closets also offers completely custom projects, but most jobs fall somewhere between $1,000-$8,000 depending on size and customization extent. Rather than markup fancy features, they focus on storage function.
Offering exceptional basics allows Inspired Closets to complete incredible closet makeovers at roughly 1/3rd to 1/2 the cost of California Closets.
Both companies guarantee precise installations matching their 3D designs, so that aspect won’t affect budget. Simply put, California Closets provides prestige while Inspired Closets does more for your dollar. It just depends which matters most to you and your budget!
- Warranties
Speaking of budgets, expensive customized storage solutions are a long term investment for your home. So it’s crucial that they stand the test of time even with frequent use. That’s where strong guarantees come in.
California Closets offers a limited lifetime warranty.
This protects against manufacturer defects in materials and craftsmanship.
So if doors warp or hinges fail unexpectedly, they’ll provide replacements.
Normal wear and tear or damage from misuse is not covered.
Inspired Closets also provides a limited lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. Like California Closets, this doesn’t cover normal usage effects over many years.
For added peace of mind, Inspired Closets offers unique ancillary warranties. First is their exclusive RADIANT LIFETIME GUARANTEE which warrants their installation job forever. So if shelving falls or cabinets come loose, even years later, Inspired Closets will repair at no cost.
Second, they offer a 1 YEAR style guarantee. That means if you decide you dislike the design style within the first year, Inspired Closets will re-do your system with a completely different layout free of charge. Just pay for any material cost differences. This incentive proves they stand behind their designers’ capabilities completely!
When it comes to warranties and assurances, Inspired Closets goes above and beyond. Another perk of their unmatched small business-style service mentality.
- Green Practices
In an age of growing environmental consciousness, sustainability is an important factor for many homeowners and corporations alike when making purchasing decisions.
California Closets isn’t particularly vocal about environmental commitments, but they do partner responsibly with lumber providers to source materials in an ethical manner.
Inspired Closets takes green a big step further by using renewable and recycled materials whenever possible. Their signature product is called Eco Premier, a wood composite made from pre-consumer recycled content. Not only is it better for the planet, but it allows Inspired Closets to reduce costs passed onto clients. They talk openly about defending their eco values publically.
So while California Closets meets basic responsible standards for such a large company, Inspired Closets makes mindful green practices a pillar of their brand identity. Another way they differentiate themselves in an honorable light.
- Showrooms
If you’re still on the fence deciding between Inspired Closets and California Closets, visiting a local showroom can often cement your final decision.
California Closets operates almost 100 showrooms nationwide.
This allows you to evaluate product samples and storage solutions in person before purchase.
Inspired Closets also has display areas in their 150+ regional service locations.
There will likely be one or more showrooms from both brands relatively close to home. Stopping into each for some hands-on comparison shopping can prove very worthwhile before investing thousands into your customized closet system.
Pay attention to product quality, hardware, finishes and pricing all on display. Also notice if one company’s storage solutions seem to better fit your existing architectural layout. The showroom experience helps translate website photos into real life. Don’t underestimate its value during decision-making!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As the largest national player specialized in closet design and storage with nearly 100 locations across the US and Canada, California Closets dominates market share. But they do face competition from franchises like Inspired Closets at the regional level in most metropolitan markets. Closets by Design and EasyClosets are two other national brands striving to take a bite out of California Closets’ customer base through more affordable offerings.
Many California Closets installations do incorporate real hardwood materials like oak, maple and cherry at least for cabinet door fronts and face frames. However, their boxes are often sturdy wood composites rather than solid timber. So while California Closets includes real woods, not every component is 100% genuine tree sourced.
Thanks to the brand’s ubiquity and trailblazing history establishing the organizational storage niche since the 1980s, the concept of a California Style Closet has emerged. This describes an optimally functional, fully customized closet storage solution featuring specialized compartments, premium materials and tailor made cabinetry matching your space needs perfectly. California Closets sets the standard for high end dream closet aspirations nationwide.
Yes, melamine board is a common material utilized by California Closets. Melamine has a durable plastic coating over particle board or medium density fiberboard, yielding an affordable substrate that resists scratches, stains and moisture while offering full customization flexibility. California Closets leverages melamine frequently for cabinet backs, shelving and storage components focusing the premium wood faces and hardware where it shows. Melamine keeps costs reasonable compared to solid woods throughout, while maintaining quality.
The Clear Value Winner: Inspired Closets
When comparing Inspired Closets vs California Closets, Inspired Closets emerges as the winner for the savvy homeowners focuses on value.
They offer custom-designed dream closets with ample style and craftsmanship using responsible eco materials for literally a fraction of the price of industry juggernaut California Closets. Inspired Closets storage solutions help you gain organization with less financial stress.
Plus, their relentless commitment to service promises full attention from your regional franchise specialists before, during and even years after installation. Onsite precision matching your 3D renderings guarantees you’ll gain a stunning, functional new space unlocking accessibility that unlocks your productivity and peace of mind.
While California Closets holds impressive brand recognition, their ritzy costs often don’t align with most family budgets. Inspired Closets delivers stunning, customized results for the cost conscious owner who appreciates quality without crossing into overindulgence.
Are you ready to conquer your closet chaos? Reach out now to get started with Inspired Closets delivering personal care and incredible function without blowout budgets!
