When you are looking to best use your closet storage space, knowing the type of closet you have is essential. Luckily, there are standard sizes for both reach-in and walk-in closets and understanding those general dimension standards will give you a head start when it comes time to update your storage solutions and make the most of your multi-functional closet space.
What is a Multi-Functional Closet?
Any closet that is being used to store multiple items with a variety of uses. For example, a reach-in closet that has hanging jackets, craft materials, and a space for guest linens and towels would be considered a multi-functional space. SImilarly, a walk-in with clothes, shoes, bedding, and a space to store a vacuum cleaner would serve multiple functions.
Multi-functional closets can be located anywhere from a bedroom, near an entrance, or in a hallway. As long as there is enough space, any closet can be transformed into a multi-functional closet.
Space Requirements & Designing a Functional Layout
Before designing a custom closet solution, it’s important to assess the space that you have and what you want to use the space for. For example, a shallow closet with less than 22 inches of depth won’t be usable for hanging clothes, so storage should be geared more towards solutions like shelving or drawers. On the other hand, if you have a large walk-in closet that is 10 feet wide, you can design a multi-functional space around seating or an island.
Our specialty is focused on maximizing the current closet space you have, but if you are planning on expanding existing closets or building completely new ones, we can work with the builder to make sure the design and dimensions of your new custom closet is exactly what you want.
Reach-In Closets
Reach-in closets should be deep enough to allow for hanging clothes, even if they are going to be multi-functional spaces. A depth of 24 inches is the standard minimum for a reach-in closet, but if you plan on hanging bulkier items like coats, a depth closer to 28 inches is ideal.
The standards for reach-in closet length are somewhat looser, but 6 feet is generally accepted as the norm. Shorter closets will have limited ability for hanging items, and most homes don’t have dedicated wall space available for reach-in closets longer than about 8 feet.
Standard sized reach-in closets are excellent when paired with solutions that maximize the available space. Storage options include long-hang, medium-hang, double-hang, drawers, baskets and shelves that can be customized for a multi-functional space that perfectly fits your particular closet.
Interested in our reach-in closet solutions?
Update the style and functionality of your reach-in closet space with our custom organization solutions. We handle every part of each custom closet design and installation to ensure your project is done correctly.
Walk-In Closets
There are no standards for the maximum size of a walk-in closet, but the minimum width and depth should both be at least 4 feet. In addition to clothing, shoe, and accessory storage, walk-in closets can have custom lighting and some even have enough space for larger multi-functional elements like custom seating and islands.
Want to create a dream walk-in closet?
We can update your walk-in into the perfect multi-functional closet space for your home. We handle everything from design to installation, so you know your vision will be carried through.