Do these closet dimensions make sense?

5 years ago

We are doing a remodel - so working within some constraints - but also trying to get this right. These three rooms will be shared by three girls (I see two sharing a room for hopefully a long time but the playroom can become a bedroom eventually). You wise people convinced me we shouldn't go with a jack n jill. Here's our current plan. We'd use the space between the two main bedrooms for two larger bathrooms and then we'd have to carve out closets into each room (right now those closets are between the bedrooms along with two small en suite bathrooms). Do these closet dimensions make sense? Are they sufficient? The smallest closet ("Closet 5") is likely to stay as is because it's already there, but the others will be new. Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

StarCraft Custom Builders

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

You are making a common mistake in thinking that wrapping storage around the sides of the closet results in more storage.

Putting all of the storage at the back of a reach-in closet usually results in more useful storage. Compare figures A and B

However, a deep closet as in B results in wasted space in front of the storage wall. A reach-in closet does not need to be more than 26" deep (interior dimension) to handle even the bulkiest coats or jackets, so that's all it should be.

Figure C shows the final result -- more storage space using less floor space. The. wasted space added back to the bedroom allows for a wider door. A wider door provides better access to the items stored in the closet.

Add storage organizers and there should be enough storage for even a modern teenager.

For more information on closet design, see our three part article on Closet Basics.

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Comments (11)

PRO
Done Right Home Remodeling
5 years ago
The dimensions seem okay from where I stand, unless you need more space for another project.
Mary J thanked Done Right Home Remodeling
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chispa
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I think the closets look good.

Put a pocket door into bath 2.

Door for shared bath should swing into the bathroom.

Put a real door to the left of the playroom closet and skip the pocket door. This way you won't have to remodel again if one of the kids moves into the playroom.
Mary J
Original Author
5 years ago
@chispa Thank you! I agree with all of those suggestions - hadn't thought about doors enough! Appreciate your flagging!
emilyam819
5 years ago
I agree with StarCraft. Reach-in closets would be best.
Jennifer
5 years ago
I agree with reach-in closets on the bedroom side. If you want to dedicate 4' depth to storage, add shallow cabinets on the hallway side. I had shallow storage for towels and backup toiletries and found it super useful. Especially since my bathroom was a postage stamp. In my remodel, part of the shallow storage was 6' deep, think a roll of tp. The other part was 12" deep and stored rolled towels in cubby type shelves with the hand towels and face clothes folded. The cabinets were custom made to fit.
ci_lantro
5 years ago
In this situation, reach in closets all day, every day.
cpartist
5 years ago
Those closets will not give you needed extra storage. Starcraft is correct.

Additionally closet 5 will be too difficult to get into as designed. One needs 2' of space for hanging, meaning you're once again wasting 1' of space which is not a walk in closet. Again better to make it a reach in.

Who's the lucky child who gets their own bath versus the others who have to share?
K H
5 years ago
We have closets with the dimensions shown and they are wonderful for our children. They might not optimize storage or allow for gobs of bedroom furniture in their rooms but my kids change their clothes in their closets, play in their closets and use them as reading nooks. We also store the bulkier toys such as baby doll furniture, dump trucks etc..... I'll take a picture of how we arranged their closets. (My kids are 5 and 9) Also your rooms are nice big rooms so I wouldn't worry about the 4' deep closets if you want the storage. I honestly love their closets.
K H
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I didnt take time to clean these up so warning on that but we love our deep closets. When my daughter gets older we plan to remove part of the shelving for longer clothes hanging. Currently there is shelving on both sides and hanging in the middles. It is all easily accessible.

Sorry I didnt realize her closet was so messy; oh my! She is 9 so trying to instill more responsibilty guess she will need to fix it up tomorrow!
Mary J thanked K H
PRO
YIGII
5 years ago
I don't really like leaving too much space for closets cus they are hard to get rid of and cost too much. And I have a small wardrobe and I always find extra clothes storage with those little self-adhesivestrong stainless steel hooks or door hooks.

behind door hook rack