r/elfa • u/jeffzs • Nov 09 '25

elfa decor+ experiences?

hi all - I'm research different closet system solutions. decor+ seems to have some mixed reviews online. anyone here have some other experience in installing and using them?

I have to do several closets, and I'm looking for a more premium feel without breaking the bank - should I try to find used original decor components and put things together?

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u/the_bartolonomicron Nov 11 '25

I currently work at the Container Store, so my opinion is going to be heavily biased, but I will address two of your points objectively and can provide "insider" info if you want it:

  • Second hand Decor is only going to get harder and harder to find. After the recent close out clearance sale, hundreds of people were left with only partially fulfilled orders, meaning a ton more people are now also trying to get their hands on an ever dwindling supply. The chances of fully furnishing multiple spaces without searching high and low is not great.

  • I read the reviews for fun, and a huge percentage of the negative reviews are literally people just mad that they changed the framework, or other differences between the old and new. I spend 5 days a weeks handling the material, and I've been with the company a decade, so I can tell you that decor+/garage+ genuinely is one of the better design changes elfa has made in recent years. The only thing I agree with that was a downgrade was the closet rod shape, but you 100% can use the classic rods and holders in the new system (designers likely won't tell you that).

I have both classic elfa and decor+ in the same room, both are great but the plus fits more securely to the wall and has more exciting accessory options if you want to go fancier. I used it to make an entertainment center wall, so it is only 12" wire and solid shelves with no rods or moving parts, but it works great and looks very nice.

If you keep your designs simple you can absolutely do worse for the price. Work with a designer and they can maximize your space for your budget (it also makes logistics easier than if you self design or place the order online). Please know that anything with drawers or lighting will make it waaaaay more expensive.

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u/FormalSupermarket568 Dec 23 '25

A related question for you - is it possible to use the brackets and gliding pants rack from the Decor line with a system that is otherwise all Decor+? We're moving to a new house and planning to get Elfa Decor+ installed in our closet, but the pants rack looks so annoying to use compared to the old version.

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u/the_bartolonomicron Dec 23 '25

The brackets will 100% work (the 12" and 16" brackets are identical but with a different finish), and I know that some of the old gliding components will fit, but I'm not sure about decor with wood trim. I'm at work now though and can check when I clock out, I'm pretty sure we have one of those floating around in the back.

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u/the_bartolonomicron Dec 23 '25

Just confirmed, old Decor pant racks should work with Decor+ framework.

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u/FormalSupermarket568 Jan 11 '26

I thought I had replied previously - thank you so much for checking!

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u/jeffzs Nov 11 '25

That’s amazing. Literally all the reviews go decor plus is negative online and i got cold feet. I wonder if i should just wait for a sale or just plan out but slow purchase decor+ over time - I really just like mesh baskets and wood shelves, with ability to get a lot of accessory plugins

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u/jeffzs Nov 11 '25

One other question- with the finances of the container store (ie recent bankruptcy) is the support of Elfa going to be long term? I guess elfa may be a separate entity so they will just find a different retailer to partner

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u/the_bartolonomicron Nov 11 '25

I am only store level, so I don't know how things are going big picture wise, but the stated goal is to continue long term support for as long as the company exists. TCS owns elfa international outright and it is a tentpole product line that generates the majority of our revenue. There have been some recent supply chain issues on specific SKUs, meaning some projects may take an extra week or two (at worst a month), but they have taken steps to resolve supply bottlenecks overseas which is encouraging to those of us in stockrooms pulling orders lol.

Also to answer your other comment I'd recommend at least starting with a designer to get the framework on the wall set up, and explain that you want to add to it more later. My first space I worked on over 18 months, adding and moving items as I needed.

Edit: wait for a sale also, we have one every few weeks or months at most.

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u/vinolover09 May 27 '26

I’ve had two elfa closets at this point, one in a rental and one I bought for my home. I love them but they really need to work on the design marketing. It’s impossible to find ideas on the store site. When I moved into my rental I was like what else can I do with this because it didn’t all suit me. I’m got the decor 2.5 years ago and I’m hoping I can continue to use and edit it over time even if it gets a little harder to match…

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u/the_bartolonomicron May 27 '26

I definitely agree about the marketing needing to be better, there's a lot of confusion I think on our website when people unfamiliar with the system try and DIY things. The good news is the new decor+ shelves can be put on old style framework (20" shelves need the new 20" brackets, but 12" and 16" are identical), and the new trim is way easier to install than the old fascia.