How to Get the Closet of Your Dreams
Most of us have them and appreciate them, but many of us would
rather that our closets … stay in the closet. But there is hope for
disorganized, messy spaces. From premade closet organizing systems to
custom configurations, there’s a solution that can work for you.
Project: Remodel your closet for better organization.
Why: Having your stuff organized feels good and makes finding everything easier.
Why: Having your stuff organized feels good and makes finding everything easier.
The most common type of bedroom closet is the wall closet, also called a reach-in.
When you open the closet door or doors, the whole closet is accessible.
Since the opening needs to be wide, there are several variations in
doors. Sliders are common, as are bifold doors. You can also have a
double door (two doors open outward into the room) as shown.
The minimum depth for a wall closet is 24 inches within the interior walls, not from the face of the doors. This gives clothing on hangers a couple of inches in the front and back when the hanging rod is centered in the space. The width for a closet with two or more doors should be at least 60 inches; a closet with a single door can be narrower.
The minimum depth for a wall closet is 24 inches within the interior walls, not from the face of the doors. This gives clothing on hangers a couple of inches in the front and back when the hanging rod is centered in the space. The width for a closet with two or more doors should be at least 60 inches; a closet with a single door can be narrower.
Good wall closets include:
- Spaces for long and short hanging items
- Several open shelves of varying heights
- A bank of drawers (optional)
- A spot for shoes
- Places to hang ties and belts, and to stow handkerchiefs and scarfs
One frequently overlooked storage area is the linen closet. But a well-organized space for sheets and towels comes in handy on a daily basis.
The ideal depth of a linen closet is 16 to 20 inches deep, like the one shown here. This will keep your linens easier to see. If your closet is deeper, simply make the shelves shallower.
The ideal depth of a linen closet is 16 to 20 inches deep, like the one shown here. This will keep your linens easier to see. If your closet is deeper, simply make the shelves shallower.
Walk-in closets have long
been favored for their spacious accommodation of extensive wardrobes. If
clothes will hang on both sides, ideally the width should be 7 feet.
This will allow a 3-foot path down the center of the closet for moving
around. Resist the temptation to line the back wall with rods, which
tends to take away from space, because the rods have to overlap in the
corners.
Higher-end custom-designed closets
can be beautifully detailed, as shown here. Though these systems can be
costly, they can free up bedroom space by eliminating the need for a
large dresser or chest.
Costs:
Typical project length: Do-it-yourselfers can probably tackle a small closet in a single weekend. More complex configurations might take several days. For custom-designed closets, a pro will need to measure your space and design the system, but the actual installation should take only a day or two.
Costs:
- Small linen closets: A few hundred dollars, depending on materials
- Modest-size wall closets: Under $1,000 or even $500 if you choose less-expensive materials
- Walk-in closets: At least $750
- Higher-quality and custom closets: Several thousand dollars, easily
Typical project length: Do-it-yourselfers can probably tackle a small closet in a single weekend. More complex configurations might take several days. For custom-designed closets, a pro will need to measure your space and design the system, but the actual installation should take only a day or two.
This floor plan shows the
configurations for three closets: a wall closet for coats, a linen
closet and a large master bedroom walk-in closet. Notice that the depth
of the coat and linen closets is 24 inches. The coat closet has a single
hanging rod and two small doors that open outward. The linen closet has
a 20-inch-deep shelf and a single door. The walk-in closet is 7 feet
wide and has a 3-foot-wide center aisle.
First steps:
1. Consider what you need to store and how you would like it to be arranged.
2. Take measurements.
3. Determine what materials will satisfy your budget and requirements, and whether this will be a DIY project or require a professional.
Closet organizing systems are available in hardware and home improvement stores. Whether you go for one of those or choose a custom version, you will have to choose among different types and finishes:
First steps:
1. Consider what you need to store and how you would like it to be arranged.
2. Take measurements.
3. Determine what materials will satisfy your budget and requirements, and whether this will be a DIY project or require a professional.
Closet organizing systems are available in hardware and home improvement stores. Whether you go for one of those or choose a custom version, you will have to choose among different types and finishes:
- Vinyl-coasted wire systems are inexpensive, but they are not as sturdy as panel designs.
- For panel systems you can choose inexpensive melamine, but this inexpensive finish may not suit your needs.
- Wood-simulated finishes are more expensive.
- Wood veneers are in the upper end of the cost spectrum.
This closet shows an excellent use
of the space, especially at the far end. A shallow shelf with drawers
provides places for socks, shoes, belts and other small items. The depth
of this fixture does not interfere with the ends of the rods on the
back walls, and allows plenty of room to comfortably reach the back
corners of the closet.
An arrangement like this also helps to define individual spaces for those sharing a closet.
Layout tip: If your walk-in is less than 6½ feet wide, place hanging rods on one side and shelving and shoe racks on the other for good flow and accessibility.
Permit needed: It is unlikely that you will need a permit for remodeling your closet. However, if you are going to add or alter any light fixtures, you might need one. Check your local building codes.
An arrangement like this also helps to define individual spaces for those sharing a closet.
Layout tip: If your walk-in is less than 6½ feet wide, place hanging rods on one side and shelving and shoe racks on the other for good flow and accessibility.
Permit needed: It is unlikely that you will need a permit for remodeling your closet. However, if you are going to add or alter any light fixtures, you might need one. Check your local building codes.
