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What to Consider When Planning Your Walk-In Closet Dimensions

Written by Eric Thomas | Apr 12, 2021 12:46:00 PM

Are you looking for a way to make your home more functional and luxurious?

A walk-in closet is a great option.

If designed properly, a walk-in closet can become the belle of your bedroom.

You want a wardrobe to die for? Or perhaps you like keeping your clothes neatly stored? A walk-in closet is a covetable addition to any home.

I made a list of everything you should know before planning your walk-in closet dimensions.

Walk-in Closet Layouts

There are three primary varieties of walk-in closets.

The Square and Small Closet

Soucre: Unsplash

The square and small walk-in closet is a great choice for a home with space constraints.

These walk-in closet dimensions are usually 5 feet by 5 feet. With these dimensions, you can barely call it a "walk-in closet," but I'm including this example because it's the amount of space many homes have. 

Even though a 5x5 closet is small, you can maximize the storage capacity with thoughtful additions.

Think about:

  • Installing hanging storage on two walls.
  • Adding shelves on all the walls and installing rods for maximum space-saving

The Narrow and Long Closet

Image courtesy Pinterest

This is a more standard-size closet. These walk-in closet dimensions are around 6.5 feet x 9 feet.

If this closet design is right for you, you can:

  • Install double hanging rods.
  • Use open shelving for optimal space utilization.

This is a great his and hers closet, as it gives you two distinct sections.

The Large Closet

Soucre: Pixabay

A large walk-in closet is a dream.

Typical dimensions are 12 feet x 14 feet.

This closet is perfect for big families, as it offers massive storage space and lots of walking room.

Walk-In Closet Dimensions & Storage Space

The storage capacity and functionality of your walk-in closets will depend on the amount of space you have available.

Here is what to know before you start designing your bedroom closet.

Hanging Space

Soucre: Unsplash

The recommended width for storing clothes on hangers is 24 inches. This is the same depth as kitchen base cabinets.

You can go slightly smaller — 20 inches. But if possible, I recommend sticking with the standard size, for more convenient use.

There are two types of walk-in closet hanging space dimensions:

  • Half hanging — For shirts, tops, folded trousers, skirts. The average height is 3 feet 6 inches.
  • Full hanging — For dresses, long coats, or even bed linen. The average height is 5 feet 6 inches.

Before you start remodeling, measure your reach. You can customize the walk-in closet dimensions to your reach and height.

Also, consider the clearance between the hanging rod and the surface above. There should be at least 2 inches for a hanger to pass over the top of the rod.

Shelves and Drawers

Soucre: Unsplash

If you want shelving to sit above or below hanging rods, they should have the same measurements as the hanging rod space: 2 feet.

If you prefer shelves that inhabit their own space, you have more storage options around their depth. The standard walk-in closet shelf depth is 12 inches, which happens to match the standard depth of kitchen cabinets.

If you plan to keep shoes on a one-foot shelf, you may need to install a special shoe rack. If your shoes are too big to fit flat on the shelf, use a sloped rack.

Think about what you will keep on the shelves. Three T-shirts take up much less space than three fluffy sweaters. The secret to getting the right shelf height is choosing adjustable shelves.

One thing to keep in mind when doing a closet layout makeover is to keep the drawers and shelves at eye level, so you can see what’s inside.

Make Your Small Walk-in Closet Pop

Soucre: Unsplash

Even if your walk-in closet is small, that doesn't mean it can’t resemble those in design magazines.

Here are some design and storage tips for small closets:

  • Use various types of storage to optimize closet space — Don’t stick only to hanging rods, but also use open cubbies, plastic bins, baskets, and cabinet storage units to store clothing and accessories.
  • Design a small closet with style Organize the closet so that it’s a reflection of your personal style. Lidded boxes in bright colors and patterns will add pops of color.
  • Use open storage for easy access Give every item a proper, reachable place. Shelves are the best solution for keeping folded items within view. It’s easy to put away items and put together an outfit.
  • Divide closet into zones Use furniture as a partition and an extra utility in a small walk-in closet. A bookcase can act as a room divider, and at the same time as a shoe rack.
  • Design the closet around existing features Don’t let slanted ceilings stand in the way of a closet makeover. A hanging rod is a great solution for that high to reach wall space. 

Not sure if you should remodel a home before moving in? Here’s the answer.

Featured Image: Pixabay by promofocus