Need closet advice!

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Hi all,

I bought a small studio condo (480sqft) a little more than a year ago and have been slowly saving up to redo some things. I just noticed that the Container Store is having their Elfa sale, and that has me seriously wanting to do re-do my closet. The dilemma is - should I turn it into a walk-in closet, or keep it as a reach-in with doors? I've attached a couple pictures (from the listing, not recent since it looks like a tornado in there) and you can see how it's set up. What you can't see in the picture is that there's actually a partition in the middle of the closet behind the doors, so it's not quite as big as it seems.

Now, I have always coveted walk-ins, but that's because I just have a ton of STUFF (yes, even after Marie Kondoing my life I'm still overflowing). As this is a studio, I definitely want to sell it or rent it eventually, so would converting to a walk-in be a good investment? Or would that be a turn-off for some people? In my head I can see the pros and cons of each option: More storage - yay! Some people prefer everything closed behind doors - boo!

Additionally, I definitely need to tear up the ratty carpet, so should I try to match the floors to the bathroom floors, or just replace it with some better carpet?

I know this was long but thanks for reading and any advice would be appreciated!

Featured Answer

PRO

Ronna Bogart Rosenberg

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Closet Designer Chiming in.

The ELFA is not always the most Economical option even with a sale. The amount of parts you need to buy and time to put up --it ends up being more expensive than people think.

Consider looking at a local closet company in the white melamine. You will be shocked as the price will be almost the same. With a much better warranty on the product.

You can get a nice Panel system (the closet sections) and keep the space open.

1) What is the width of the closet? And the measurement of the door frame?

2) What type of clothing are you storing in there? Women's clothes? Men's clothes? What size shoes are you storing?

My colleague did this a nursery. It is a good example of what a panel system looks like with the door off.

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Comments (9)

missenigma
7 years ago
I'm confused. Is this the closet opposite the kitchen? If so, how could this be converted to a walk in? It's very shallow - there's no room to walk. Am I missing something?
Ash Y
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The closet in the picture is on the left side of that sort of dressing room area attached to the bathroom, it’s not indicated in the floor plan. So to make a walk-in I’d have to take the doors off the closet, knock down the wall in the middle (the wall is behind the closet doors in the picture so you can’t see it) and try to open up the corners. Then I’d put shelves/bars/etc along all the walls Including the ones next to the bathroom. Does that make more sense?
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missenigma
7 years ago
You want to get rid of the wall I marked with the red X?
yvonnecmartin
7 years ago
Don't waste your money changing this arrangement. Just be sure to maximize the storage options that you have. Can the current closet arrangement accommodate more shelving? A different arrangement of shelving? Do the sliding doors hinder access to some of the closet, particularly the shelf behind the door. Think about the different shapes of items that someone might want to store in the space.
Ash Y
Original Author
7 years ago
No the closet in question is along the area where the "Dressing/Closet" text in the floor plan. Both the closet and wall/partition inside the closet that sections it into two parts are NOT marked on the floor plan. Sorry I apparently suck at explaining things lol. I added an extra picture in the original post that might make things more clear.
David&Sue Schoch
7 years ago
Ash, is the closet on the 6' or 8' wall? Is there a door "Dressing" area & the "public space? If yes, please advise type [bi-fold, pocket,swinging (which direction)] & width of opening. If there is a door, then I can suggest lots to increase storage.

Take some time & decide what you need: ie - 7" for the 3 floor length gowns, 20" for slacks & dresses, 15" for OFF SEASON jackets [add knee length coats to the 20" space], Do you have a dresser for Undies in the Public space?

Not a Pro, but a G'ma who's worked some of these ?'s before. Willing to work with you.
Ash Y
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the advice guys. However, I did already go ahead and buy the elfa over the weekend. The design they showed me had space for much more than I expected, so hopefully it all works out. The materials were $950 (sale price) and I’m paying for their installation service, which I’m fine with.
PRO
Ronna Bogart Rosenberg
7 years ago
Ash --congrats and post photos. BTW my eyeball on the closet price with my company would be around 1,000. So its all about the same price. Stay warm where ever you are!!