These additional closet companies are recommended by local interior designers, builders, and homeowners.

Most closet companies also install cabinetry in laundry rooms, home offices, and other areas of the house. And kitchen-and-bath design firms now do closets. So it's a good idea to get a few bids. For a list of top kitchen and bath firms, see washingtonian.com.

Know what you're comparing. Most firms use melamine, or laminated particleboard--but it comes in different grades. Some systems are hung from the wall, while some are built on the floor, which can look more formal but be less flexible as your needs change.

Beyond Closets, 506 Shaw Rd., Suite 325, Sterling; 703-433-1991; beyondclosets.com. Do-it-yourself to semi-custom options, and at-home and showroom consultations. As the name suggests, Beyond Closets does more than closets, including laundry rooms, home offices, and entertainment centers.

Capitol Closet Design, 101 E. Holly Ave., Suite 5, Sterling, 703-406-1200; 1934 Old Gallows Rd., Suite 105, Vienna, 703-827-2700; and 376-B Calvert Ave., Alexandria, 703-837-9030; www.capitolclosets.com. Use in-home service or visit its showrooms--including a new 2,500-square-foot emporium in Tysons that includes an ultra-organized garage. Systems range from melamine to wood with crown molding and granite-top islands.

Closet Factory, 3 JP Morgan Ct., Unit J, Waldorf; 301-893-1605 or 888-256-7587; closetfactory.com. This national franchise, more than two decades old, sells custom designs. Melamine available in 15 wood grains or five solid colors. In-home consultations; check out their stock at the Bethesda or Fairfax Expo Design Center.

Closets by Design, 7004 Wellington Rd., Manassas; 703-330-8382; www.closetsbydesign.com. Another longtime national franchise--this one's been in business since 1982. Showroom and in-home consultations.

EasyClosets.com, 800-910-0129; easyclosets.com. Design a closet online, have the melamine components shipped, and install it yourself.

Perfect Closets, 603-A Loftstrand La., Rockville; 301-721-0450; www.perfectclosets.com. In-home consulting and low-pressure sales.

Poliform, Washington Design Center, 300 D St., SW, Suite C-7; 202-554-8658; poliform.net. High-end custom design and installation. Free catalog.