One thing that's often overlooked in home design, especially when we take it on ourselves, is getting the dimensions right. When it comes to closet sizing, the design you envision can sometimes miss the mark simply because the measurements weren't carefully considered. But here's the good news: you don't need to be a professional designer to know that closet dimensions are key to style and functionality.
Understanding typical closet size is a great place to start if you're moving into a new home or just want to refresh your current space. Knowing the basics—like the difference between a small reach-in closet and a roomy walk-in closet—can help you make the most of every inch. With the correct measurements and setup, you can turn your closet into an organized, functional space that truly fits your lifestyle. Read on for essential tips on closet sizes, organizing tricks, and ideas to make your closet as efficient and stylish as possible.
In this guide, we'll discuss the different types of closets, standard closet lengths, and the depth of standard closets and provide helpful tips on installing hanging rods, shelves, and even cozy seating to make your closet stylish and organized. Whether your goal is to declutter or create a beautiful wardrobe area, you'll find everything you need to get started right here!
Standard Closet Depth
The typical depth of a closet should be at least 22 to 24 inches and can go up to 28 inches for extra space, which is great for bigger items like coats. Most adult clothes hangers are about 17 to 19 inches wide, so your closet must have enough depth to fit them comfortably. Keep in mind that a closet that's only 22 inches deep might make it hard to store all your clothes properly.
1. Reach-in Closets
As the name implies, reach-in closets are designed for you to reach into rather than walk into. They can be accessed through various types of doors, including single-hinged, accordion, sliding, bi-fold, or even curtains. You'll often find these versatile closets in entryways, hallways, and bedrooms, making them a practical choice for storing your belongings without taking up too much space.
Typically, a standard reach-in closet size is rectangular and measures between 3 and 6 feet in width. Most reach-in closets are about 6 feet long, 8 feet tall, and 24 inches deep. This standard-size closet provides just enough room to hang clothes, store shoes, and organize accessories while keeping everything easily accessible. With the right organization and storage solutions, you can turn a simple reach-in closet into an efficient and stylish storage space that meets all your needs!
2. Walk-In Closets
Walk-in closets are spacious enough for you to step inside and move around comfortably. They typically start at a size of 5 feet by 5 feet, but you can find them in various shapes and dimensions to fit your home.
3. Small Walk-In Closets
A common closet size for a small walk-in closet usually measures about 4 feet by 8 feet, with a height of 4 feet. It's a good idea to install dual hanging rods along one of the longer walls to make the most of this space. You can place one rod at 40 inches high and another at 80 inches high from the floor. This setup allows you to store clothes efficiently. To keep the area open and organized, avoid adding bulky furniture like dressers or benches.
4. Medium Walk-In Closets
A medium walk-in closet is typically around 7 feet by 9 feet and 6 feet tall. With this extra space, you can install hanging rods on multiple walls, giving you plenty of options for organizing your clothes. Place rods on both sides of the closet, leaving enough room in the center for easy movement and access to items at the back.
5. Large Walk-In Closets
Large walk-in closets offer even more customization and usually measure around 12 feet by 14 feet, though they can be slightly smaller. In addition to installing custom hanging rods and drawers, you can enhance this space by adding a small island, cabinets for additional storage, or even a cozy bench for sitting. These features provide practicality and make your closet feel more like a luxurious dressing area.
6. Dressing Room-Style Walk-in Closet
Dressing room closets are spacious and luxurious, usually measuring over 12 feet by 14 feet and 7 feet high. This generous closet sizing gives you plenty of room to get creative with your closet design! You can include comfortable lounge furniture, like a cozy chair or a small sofa, perfect for relaxing while you decide what to wear.
Additionally, you can add a closet island in the middle, which provides extra storage and a handy surface for folding clothes or laying out outfits. Customized shoe racks can also be designed to showcase your shoe collection beautifully, making it easy to find your favorite pairs. With so much space, a dressing room closet can be transformed into a stylish and functional area that meets all your storage needs while adding a touch of glamour to your home.
How to Hang Closet Rods
For a Closet with One Rod:
If you have a closet with just one hanging rod, it's best to position it about 60 inches off the ground. This height allows enough space above the rod for a shelf, giving you extra storage for items like shoes, bags, or folded clothes.
For a Closet with Two Rods:
If you're using two rods, it's a good idea to hang the lower rod between 30 and 40 inches from the floor. This height is perfect for hanging skirts, blouses, and even folded pants. For the top rod, place it between 80 and 82 inches high. This setup gives you plenty of room to hang longer items, like dresses or coats, while also keeping everything organized and easy to reach.
PRO TIP :
Want to make your closet more functional? Try Roomedys® Spacing Tape For Hangers (RST)! It's an easy-to-install tool that helps keep your hangers evenly spaced, giving your closet a neat and organized look without any hassle.
1. Perfectly Organized
With Roomedys Spacing Tape, every hanger is lined up nicely, making your closet look great. No more cramped hangers! This tape ensures everything is displayed neatly, so you can easily see all your clothes.
2. Super Functional
Not only does RST keep your clothes in place, but it also lets you choose how far apart you want the hangers. You can create separate sections for different types of clothing, making it simple to find what you need. The tape even has a "skip bump" feature, which helps you organize your items even better.
3. Easy Installation
Installing RST is a breeze! Once it's on, you don't have to worry about it again. Each roll is 6 feet long and can hold up to 102 hangers, which saves space and prevents tangling. Plus, it helps you keep your wardrobe fresh by encouraging you to rotate and declutter regularly.
The adhesive on RST sticks securely to wood, metal, and plastic closet rods (just wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol first for the best results). It's great for closets, laundry rooms, storage spaces, and more—but it doesn't work on narrow wire shelves.
4. Make the Most of Your Closet!
Roomedys® Spacing Tape For Hangers is the perfect addition to any closet. It adds convenience and organization, helping you get the most out of your wardrobe space!
How to Furnish Large Closets
If you live in a small bedroom, you might be tempted to cram your dresser into your closet to save space. While this is a practical solution, it's often better to reserve furniture for larger walk-in closets or dressing areas. Doing so can transform your closet into a more luxurious and enjoyable space.
Think about it: adding custom drawers can help keep your clothes neatly organized, while a stylish mirror makes getting dressed a breeze. You could also brighten up the space with a chic chandelier, giving it a touch of elegance. And if you have the room, a spacious closet island is perfect for folding clothes or showcasing your favorite accessories. By thoughtfully furnishing your closet, you create a beautiful and functional area that enhances your daily routine!
Custom Closet Shelving
When you're adding custom shelves to your closet, it's important to plan around what you own rather than forcing your belongings to fit into the space. Think about the items you have and how they can best be organized. For instance, if you have tall boots, don't try to squeeze them onto a short shelf. Instead, create a taller shelf that accommodates them perfectly. This way, everything has its place, and you can easily find what you need.
Another crucial step is to ensure your shelves are installed correctly. Use drywall anchors when securing your shelves to the wall. This will help ensure they're strong enough to hold not just your clothes but also any accessories you might store on them. By designing your shelves around your items and ensuring a sturdy installation, you'll create a functional and organized closet that meets your needs perfectly.
Conclusion
Knowing standard closet sizes and using smart layouts can change the way you use your space. Adding products like Roomedys® Spacing Tape For Hangers (RST) can help create a well-organized and functional closet that meets your needs. With just a few thoughtful changes, you can turn any closet into a tidy and efficient space.
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Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.