Walk in Closet Design Ideas

Why does a walk in closet design present more challenges for closet organizing than a reach in closet?

Because you have to deal with the corners, that's why!

If you do not deal with the corners in your walk in closet efficiently then you will lose a lot of valuable storage real estate!

So here is the problem with a walk in closet design

If you place the closet parts (standard shelf and rod) across the back of the closet then you have lost space along the 2 return walls. If you place the closet parts along the two return walls then you have lost a lot of storage space on the back wall.

Planning for use of that corner space presents a major challenge if you are to get the most out of your closet.

The Basics

Basic closet parts include a rod for hanging clothes, shelves, and possibly drawers. A custom closet design can run around $4000 or more (installed) for 40 square feet of closet space. In a custom closet system it is typically the drawer units that drive up the price.

If you are limited in your financial commitment to your walk in closet design you can create and install your own. All it takes is a little creativity, planning, and good measurements.

Prepack modular stacking components can be used to create your own closet organizer system and you can configure the system to your own needs.

Lets Get started!

1. Get good measurements of the interior space in your closet.


2. Draw your closet outline on graph paper. (Free graph paper download)


3. Mark any electrical outlets or switches - you do not want to cover them up.


4. Mark the doorway and note the measurements of the wall depth on either side of the door.


5. Investigate bedroom closet organizers for suitable modular or ready made closet organizer kits that might be suitable for the space you have.


6. Mark where everything is going to go in your new walk in closet design on the graph paper - use pencil! This project will take on many versions and you will try many different variations before you get something that you are happy with. But it is much better to make those mistakes on paper that when you have actually ordered your closet organizers!


7. Don't be afraid to combine different kits or even use storage cubes to create a configuration for your specific closet design. You can stack the cubes (or get the double units) to create a closet tower or line them up horizontally to get space for shoe storage.


8. Double or even triple up your hanging space. You can do this by mounting the closet rods at different heights on the end gables or use a closet rod doubler.


9. If you absolutely have to have drawers in your closet you can either purchase a closet organizer system that has drawer components or place a chest of drawers directly into your closet. If you take the legs off and set it on top of some other modular unit (bolt it to the wall) it will look like a part of the closet (paint it to match of course). You can see how this was done in this closet design photo journal.

General recommendations for planning your closet space are:

• 50% Double Hang Space
• 25% Single Hang Space
• 25% Shelf Storage

These recommendations, however, are highly individual and should be modified according to your own specific needs. If you need a lot of space for folded items or shoe storage you may need more storage shelf space. If your lifestyle includes more formal functions you may need more high hanging space for evening gowns and long dresses. In some cases a high hang area will not be needed at all so make sure you plan the hanging space for your own individual needs.

Closet Measurements

Plan your closet space with the following measurements as guidelines:

• Long hang 66-70 inches (1.65 - 1.75 m) - this length is needed for coats, dresses, gowns, long skirts, and pants.


• Short hanging spaces generally 36-42 inches (90-105cm). It is best to allow 42 inches from the floor to the lower pole. The higher pole can be mounted from 36-42 inches above that depending on your preference and the items you want to put there.

These measurements are for the vertical hanging closet parts. You will also want to consider the horizontal measurement so you will know how much space to allow in the horizontal space for jackets or shoes.

You can access those measurements here.