Small walk in closet design help! From scratch

4 years ago

Hi everyone! Moving into a new place and have a great opportunity to create a walk in closet situation. I would go straight to ikea and buy the built in closet if i could but unfortunately they are too tall, so I have to DIY.

I have some ideas but I want to hear any input if you have about optimizing the space. I think perhaps a lot of hanging would be good for clothes rather than dresser. I will post all my ideas/ photos here!

Side note: apparently the walls are thin so mounting things might not be an option.

Ignore my headless boyfriend in the photos lol!!

Featured Answer

kandrewspa

4 years ago

There are companies such as California Closets (can't recommend a particular vendor as it will depend on who is in your area) who will come out, measure, talk to you about what you're looking for, suggest solutions and then install. Needless to say this is the most expensive option but could be the most satisfactory if you need help through the whole process. Then there is Ikea and The Container Store. A little less expensive but still quality. You have to install it yourself or have someone do it if you don't have the skills in house. You can also use Closet Maid from HD which is less expensive and you have to figure out your own layout. But they do have a lot of different components that you can mix and match. When we did our master closet last year we used Closet Maid, but my husband is a retired engineer and has above average handyman skills. However, someone with average handyman skills could do it given enough time and patience (as is true of any DIY job).

The most important thing before you pursue any of these options is to know what you are going to put in your closet. You need to determine how many inches of short and long hanging space you need and how many shelves, etc. Even if you use a full service operation they can't give you the right solution if you can't quantify what you want at all. Do a purge of your belongings before doing this. No need to spend money to store stuff you really don't need or use anymore.

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Comments (6)

remodeling1840
4 years ago
Everyone is going to ask for measurements! When I planned our closets, I used a system that could be reconfigured. Ella systems are at The Container Store and you will find help there as well as special storage. I bought the wire systems at Lowe’s because I lived in a hot, humid climate and wire systems are better for air circulation as opposed to wooden systems.
Angela Meister thanked remodeling1840
Angela Meister
Original Author
4 years ago
Unfortunately its too short! I checked. :(
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bpath
4 years ago
What is too short for what?

Elfa system is customizable, length and height. And, they make a stand-up version for where drilled installations aren’t possible.

One of the numbers implies that the closet is only 13” deep? Did I read that right?
M Riz
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You need about 7’ to have hanging on both sides. 2‘ for hanging space on each side and a 3’ aisle. I have a 6’ Wide closet decked out with pax on one side with deep drawers and hanging space. On the other side, I have 14” deep shelving and shoe and bag storage. I have a 3’ walkway, and really thats as narrow as I would go. Keep that in mind that stuffing that closet full of shelving and rods is a waste if theres no space to maneuver.
bpath
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Does that bulkhead by the door keep it from opening 90⁰?

Does that little hatch to attic or crawlspace have to stay immediately accessible?

What do you need to store in your closet? Is it for the two of you? Or just you? Do you have mostly pants and tops? Tops that hang? Dresses? Work at the workplace clothes or work from home? What about shoes, accessories? Seasonal clothing?

Offhand, without measurements, I'm picturing: in the space around the corner from the door, hanging with shelves above. Far end, a full length mirror. Long wall, drawers, countertop, shelves above for shoes.

This is kind of my own preference, to not see hanging things first thing when I walk in. It can be chaotic with the different colors, textures, and lengths.