Is Elfa Worth It? The Pros and Cons of The Container Store’s Popular Organizing System

Like most professional organizers and organizing enthusiasts, I have lots of love for the Container Store and that includes its signature closet organizing system Elfa.  I have spent 100s of hours designing and organizing Elfa systems of all sizes and uses. I’ve organized them in laundry rooms, closets, garages, offices, doors and more and I think it is a solid system with lots of advantages. But, it does have some quirks and I don’t recommend it for all projects. If you are curious about if it is the right choice for you, read on.

First, a bit of history.  Elfa storage systems originated in Sweden in the 1940s. What is it about Sweden and organization?  I must book my scouting trip asap. The company, founded by Arne Lydmar,  initially focused on a standard line of wire baskets and other metal products. It wasn't until the 1960s that Elfa gained widespread recognition for its innovative storage solutions.

In 1963, Elfa introduced the world to the first-ever ventilated wire shelf. This revolutionary design allowed air to circulate freely around stored items, preventing mold and mildew, not to mention offering a more budget friendly shelf that required less metal to produce. The success of this concept marked the beginning of Elfa's reputation for creating functional and space-saving storage solutions.

Over the years, Elfa continued to evolve its product line, incorporating modular components and user-friendly designs. The company's storage systems gained popularity for their versatility and adaptability, enabling customers to customize their storage spaces according to their specific needs.  What this means now is that you can plug in a few measurements into their pretty good web design site and it will spit out a product shopping list complete with directions.

Another great thing about Elfa is that what used to be strictly used for closet design can now incorporate all sorts of designs for use in garages, backs of doors, pantries, bedroom walls, offices and pretty much anything that you can imagine.  

Verdict: Pro Organizer Approved (Mostly):

I have designed and installed Elfa systems in many homes and I have learned tons tricks along the way.  I have also slammed many fingers, screamed many curses and made many mistakes.  It certainly isn’t perfect but is it right for your home and project? Let’s consider the pros and cons:

Lego shelves in Classic Melamine Birch

Pro: They are easy to customize and change as your needs change and grow:

This is where I believe Elfa shines brightest. I work in homes with young kids a lot, and I recommend Elfa tons for toy storage walls, bookcases, study areas and of course, closets. My son’s room (pictured here and completely styled by him!) is small and we needed to maximize the space for displaying his Lego creations (iykyk). High ceilings meant tons of good storage and we could even give him a little hanging area for his growing “daper clothes” collection (oh my heart!) As he grows, his shelves can be changed into bookshelves, we can add a desk, we can add more hanging space…the options are endless with a track system like Elfa.

But the ease of customization isn’t only for kids. A home office today can easily be converted into a guest room if work circumstances change. And the whole thing can be disassembled and reconfigured in other rooms or future homes if needed. Yes you may need to purchase some new pieces to make it fit, but you won’t have to start from scratch.

Pro: Elfa is easy (ish) to order: 

The Elfa Closet Designer on the Container Store website is pretty decent.  It’s fairly easy to use and I have designed countless closets and shelving walls with it.  However, my pro tip is to take all of the measurements that you need to use the designer and call in to the Container Store.  An Elfa designer there can plug it all in and send you plans, but they have tons more options than you don’t have access to on the website (it took me ages to figure this out - doh!) You can also go in person if there is a store near you with the added benefit that you can see and touch all of the different options in the showroom.  But calling it in works great too!  They will email you the design and you can reply with any changes you want.

Another pro tip? If you have called your local store and you aren’t getting the assistance you need, try calling another Container Store in a different city. In general their customer service is great, but as expected, it can vary. I have sales associates all over the country that know their stuff and the best part is I have a few more hours of call times because of time zones. There is nothing like an early morning closet design call, amiright?

Pro: Great for funky, unpredictable closets (hello, Bay Area homes):

Living in the Bay Area where many of us live in 100 + year old homes, closets are wacky.  You may read this and say to yourself “I bet Melissa has never seen anything like the weird closet in our home” but chances are, I have! Elfa’s modular design is a huge win when you’re working with oddly shaped or hard-to-reach spaces—which are very common in older Bay Area homes. Sloped ceilings? Tiny nooks? Random pipes in the wall? Elfa can usually be customized to work around it all, making the most of every inch and working around gaps and unusable space.

Pro: They are reasonably priced:

If you want a polished, organized space without the price tag of a built-in system, Elfa hits a sweet spot. It’s not dirt cheap, but compared to custom cabinetry or millwork (or California Closets), it’s a budget-friendly option that still looks great and functions really well. Pro tip: they run sales constantly! If you are getting ready to place a big order and there isn’t sale going, consider waiting a week or two. Sales can be anything from 15-25% off and I have even seen it as high as 30% off.

Pro: They are durable and worn out pieces can be replaced:

Elfa systems hold up really well over time—even with daily use in high-traffic areas like closets, pantries, or offices. And if something does break (rare, but it happens), individual parts are easy to replace without tearing the whole thing apart. That kind of longevity makes it a smart investment. I have owned Elfa pieces going on 20 years that are going strong.

So lovely - Elfa Decor in White.

Pro: Easy returns and exchanges:

One of the best parts about buying Elfa through The Container Store is their 120-day return policy. If a shelf doesn’t fit quite right or you change your mind about a piece, you can return or exchange it in-store—no restocking fees, no hassle. That kind of flexibility takes the pressure off and makes experimenting with your setup way less stressful, especially in those unpredictable spaces. Pro tip: You can even return custom cut items like closet rods!  

The Cons:

Con: Installation can be a bit of a project:

While Elfa isn’t the most complicated system out there, it’s not exactly plug-and-play either. Installing the top track can require drilling into studs or tricky walls, and lining everything up just right takes patience (and a good level). It’s totally doable—but definitely not everyone’s idea of a fun afternoon. Pro tip: the Container Store offers installation but from my experience it is wildly more expensive than hiring your own handy person. Elfa is not complicated to install for a professional so unless it is a very tricky space, I always choose to hire someone myself. It should only take an hour or two plus you likely have something else around that has been waiting for a pro to take care of.

Con: The look isn’t for everyone

This is the new Decor+ and it turned out great! I always use yellow painter's tape when I do an installation so that my client knows where things are as they get used to their new closet.

Elfa is super functional, but the style leans a little utilitarian—especially the classic wire shelves. If you’re after a seamless, built-in aesthetic or want everything to feel ultra custom and luxe, Elfa might not be your vibe. That said, their Décor+ line (with wood accents) can elevate the look quite a bit. And if you would rather not pay custom prices, I highly recommend. Pro tip: styling makes the look! If you make what is on the shelves and hangers look nice you won’t really notice what they are sitting on.

Con: Sneaky switcheroos:

Elfa currently offers three main lines: Classic, Décor+, and Garage. In 2024, they “upgraded” the old Décor line to the new Décor+—but in doing so, they discontinued the original Décor components. If you have an older Décor system and were hoping to expand it, you’re out of luck at The Container Store, which feels like a bit of a bait-and-switch. Their products have always seemed like a long-term investment, so this change has been frustrating for longtime customers.

Now the good news: original Décor and the new Décor+ still work with the same Elfa standards, so functionality isn’t lost—it’s just a visual mismatch. Pro tip: I’ve had great luck finding old Décor pieces on eBay at reasonable prices, so all is not lost!

Con: The cost can creep up on you

Elfa starts off feeling pretty affordable—but once you add in drawers, extra shelves, specialty accessories, and installation (if you're not DIYing), the price can climb quickly. It’s still way less than custom, but it’s good to go in with a budget and a plan. And don’t forget about my tip to always wait for a sale!

All in all, Elfa is a solid, flexible system that works beautifully in a wide range of spaces. It’s especially great for renters, smaller homes, or anyone dealing with awkward layouts and unpredictable storage needs. Just go in with a clear plan, a little patience, and maybe a drill.

And do you think you need more than just basic shelving design help? Want help planning a system that will serve you and make your life easier? Reach out—I’d love to help you make the most of your space.