Adjustable and Sturdy: Dotted Line Grid System Review

We purchased the Dotted Line Grid System so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

When I moved into my boyfriend’s house, my first thought was, “Where’s all the closet space?!” Okay, maybe that wasn’t my first thought, but it was pretty high up on the list. Other than a small closet in the master bedroom, I had no place for my ever-expanding wardrobe. So when I got a chance to try the Dotted Line Grid System, I was pretty stoked. Could it add some extra storage (and organization) where I needed it most, or would I still be wishing for traditional closet space? Read on to find out.

You can use the Dotted Line Grid System in two major ways: as a way to create some more organization inside an existing closet or as a standalone storage and hanging space. The current closet could use a little more organization, but I opted for the latter since we were in dire need of more places to put additional belongings.

I did not think I could install the closet system by myself, so I enlisted my boyfriend and friend. Unfortunately, after several hours of valiant effort (and a few extra holes in the wall), they couldn’t figure it out either. The directions were unclear, relied heavily on pictures, and were not step-by-step. The organization system is versatile and can be installed in different configurations, adding to the installation difficulty since there is more than one way to do it.

We are competent people. I’ve assembled many things on my own, from exercise equipment to furniture, but we could not figure this one out. After some serious effort, we decided it was a job for a professional. The expert had it done in about two hours. During assembly, I asked the expert for some feedback about installation. The professional said that he mainly relied on his prior experience to get the job done; he also found the manufacturer's written directions confusing.

Unless you have experience installing a similar closet system, I would highly recommend scheduling an expert installation at the time of delivery or finding a local handyperson to spare yourself the hassle. Once installed, things started looking up.

The handyman recommended splitting the system into two separate sections based on the room's layout—one for the row of drawers and the shelves and another for hanging clothes. This versatility makes the organizational system shine. You can mix and match the pieces to create something that works for your space and storage needs. It can be adjusted to fit a width of 48 to 96 inches of closet space. As long as you have at least four feet of space somewhere, it will work for you.

The design was intuitive and well-done. It felt sturdier than I expected. It maximized space without being intrusive. There was no rocking or swaying, and I felt confident that it could handle the weight of my clothes and items I had on the shelves. I liked that we raised it off the floor a little bit, so if you’re using it inside the closet, you still have a place to line up your shoes or place a few storage bins. We positioned it on the wall with room on the top shelf for even more storage space. 

The drawers weren’t as tall as I would have liked, but they’re a decent size for smaller, more delicate items. The drawers didn’t glide easily. They seemed to get stuck on their tracks more often than not and didn’t always go back into place evenly. The drawer track issue was only a minor annoyance but still worth noting.

I appreciated that you could move the rod holders wherever you want on the supporting walls. It's easy to add an extra layer of clothes or configure the system in a way that works for your wardrobe. If you want to hang longer clothing items, you can altogether remove the lower rod and allow them to hang freely.

It’s not the prettiest standalone piece. The organization system is laminate and particle board, but it does the trick. It added some character to a fairly drab room. It allowed me to stow away clothes and other knick-knacks that were sitting around the room. If you get up close, you can see areas where the white finish chipped off and the underlying particle board, but you’d have to be looking closely to notice. If you’re installing this inside a closet, it’s something you would probably never see.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the Dotted Line Grid System?

This configuration includes three shelves, four drawers (one small and three large), and four closet rods. But you can add extra drawers, shelves, or doors (extras sold separately) if you need more space or want to change the configuration a little more. 

Is the width of the closet system adjustable?

Yes, the Dotted Line Grid System is adjustable. You can arrange it in different configurations, adjusting the total width from 48 inches to 96 inches. The shelves are not adjustable, but you can cut the metal-chrome rods with a hacksaw to shorten them.

Are there different finish colors?

The Dotted Line Grid System comes in honey blonde (a sort of light oak color), truffle (a dark walnut), weathered gray, and white. All are neutral hues that blend in well with many different color schemes and decors. 

Dotted Line Grid System vs. Elfa Reach-In Clothes Closet 

The most significant difference is the Elfa Reach-In Clothes Closet is about double the Dotted Line Grid System price. However, if you’re looking for a similar amount of storage space in a more streamlined design, it’s a good option. Instead of particle board, which can feel a little cheap, the Elfa is steel. It's not the prettiest aesthetic, but it’s sturdy. It combines five mesh drawers with five ventilated shelves in a side-by-side arrangement, a hanging rod for clothes, and an upper shelf for extra storage space.