A walk-in closet is more than simply a dumping ground for your clothes. It’s the place in your home where the wardrobe collection that you’ve invested in curating over the years lives. It’s where many of your bags, shoes, and accessories are displayed so you can actually see what it is that you have + have it at your fingertips.

A walk-in closet is one of the very first places you start + end your day, so you not only want a closet system that is functional but also beautiful.

Welp, we’ve got you covered with ALL the design + organizing considerations that go into creating a custom closet that will not only store your clothes in a way that makes sense for you but do it in style of course :)

Let’s dive in…

Consider Your Closet Needs + Then Get Organized

Ahhh… the infamous “Assess” phase at Elegant Simplicity :) 

If you’re one of our design or organizing members, then you know how important real “assessment” is to our process. And that’s because we need a place, a foundation to start designing + organizing from.

How can anyone design a closet without first knowing for certain what you’ll need to put in it? I see you boo, nodding your head in agreement *wink*!

So the number one thing that we do with our design clients is organize their closets with them. 

By organizing your closet, you’re determining what you need to make room for. Now, these are things that you already own — they’re physically taking up precious space right now. 

• In addition to blouse + paints…

• How many shoes do you need space for?

• How many handbags are sticking around?

• How many accessories do you have?

As your designer (+ organizer), this gives us a clear visual of what you really need from your walk-in closet. 

But you also want to consider creating breathing room.

Certainly, as we talk a lot about “around these here parts” organizing is cyclical. It’s an ever evolving process with no beginning + no end. While that might sound daunting, it’s real friend. 

So we must plan for it. 

Some of the things you have now — will be replaced by new clothes or shoes in the future. And you also don’t want to invest in a closet that’s jam packed with too much. Part of the process of decluttering your existing closet is not only determining what you keep now but creating space (or breathing room) for new items to make their way into your walk-in closet in the future. A small shopping spree should not immediately create a crowded feel in your walk-in closet. 

Walk-In Closet Size + Dimensions

While we’re on the topic of breathing room + space… let’s talk about size + dimensions for your walk-in closet. 

Now that you’ve physically organized your closet — you not only know what you need room for inside your closet system BUT this deep-dive into the “stuff” lends itself to also knowing how much space (square footage wise) that you physically should set aside for a walk-in closet. 

Look at you go friend — followin a process + all :)

What Size Is A Small Walk-In Closet?

Typically, a small walk-in closet is somewhere around a 5 x 7 foot space. It’s just large enough to walk-in, turn around + effectively utililize the walls enough to call it a walk-in. Usually, a small walk-in closet is enough space for “her” clothes… “clears throat” excuse me, I mean one person (sorry guys *wink*).

What Size Is A Medium Walk-In Closet?

A medium walk-in closet is usually somewhere around 7 x 9. With a more standard size closet (if there is such a thing), this is where you’ll typically have enough room for his + her closet solutions. 

What Size Is A Large Walk-In Closet?

A large walk-in closet is typically anything bigger than 12 x 12. Not only does this have plenty of space for a lot of clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories but it’s also where you have room for an island in the middle of the walk-in closet or a seating arrangement in a corner.

In other words, it’s BIG :)

Walk-in Closet Systems

One of the things about custom closet systems is there is very few challenges that can’t be overcome. From slanted ceilings to angled walls, a good closet system can typically maximize every inch which in turn increases the usability + functionality of your walk-in closet. #WinnerWinner 

So… let’s talk about the different types of closet storage solutions for your walk-in, shall we?

Hanging Space

When it comes to closets, there’s A LOT of different needs. 

You might have a few trench coats or long dresses that require quite a bit of height to hang. While you also have your everyday blouses + tops which don’t take up much hanging space at all.

From half-hanging to full-hanging space (or zones), as we design a custom closet we’re considering the zones of where things make the most sense + ensuring with our closet contractors that ample space is given to above, below and side-to-side.

Open Shelves + Closed Cabinets

Depending on the style of the closet system we’re designing, open shelves or closed cabinets are another closet storage solution. Open shelves could be angled (or sloped) for shoe storage but they could also simply be open with either folded clothes or baskets. 

We always recommend adjustable shelving because it provides the most flexibility long term. Remember that saying… out with the old + in with the new. Well, it’s true for our clothes isn’t it :)

Likewise, closed cabinets are fantastic because they hide a lot of the imperfections. Clutter is cyclical so without a doubt sometime in the future, your closet will likely need some touching up from an organizing perspective. But, closed cabinets keep a clean + well organized look to your walk-in closet for everyday use.

Drawers

When it comes to drawers, they’re a lot like closed cabinets in that they maintain a clean aesthetic. BUT drawers are fantastic for the small things beyond just socks, undergarments, etc — they’re also great for ties, belts, jewelry + other accessories.

Simply put, you want drawers at eye level :)

Luxury Walk-In Closets

There are handful of design considerations for your walk-in closet that can really elevate the look + ultimately the feel of your custom closet. So, what are those things that can take up the sizzle a bit?

Ceiling Lights

At Elegant Simplicity, we absolutely adore what a ceiling light fixture can do for a space + you can read all about how an interior designer selects light fixtures for your home here. 

Especially in a walk-in closet, if the ceilings are adequate height where having a light fixture won’t intrude on any functional aspects of the closet system, then a ceiling light provides the perfect opportunity to really gussy this space up a bit.

It’s one of those… small investments — big impacts!

Undercabinet Lighting

Similarly to ceiling light fixtures — undercabinet lighting can really create an ambiance for getting ready. 

When it comes to closets, we love undercabinet lighting not only on the toe-kick of the base cabinets but undershelf where a half-hanging or full-hanging zone exists. This adds just the right amount of light to your clothes as you’re trying to determine what to wear.

Valet Racks, Belt Storage, Jewelry Organizers, Hidden Hampers… You Name It

When it comes to luxury… custom closets are full of options :) 

From simple luxuries like hidden hampers, baskets + pull-out folding tables (or ironing boards) which mind you are quite luxurious in themselves to higher-end amenities like custom jewelry organizers, layered drawer dividers + valet poles walk-in closets have a ton of potential.

Mind you though, while the glam can be enticing — design, at least the way Elegant Simplicity sees it, is about Everything You Need + Nothing More.™ 

Now that we’ve got you thinking + you’re able to put some context to the variables of what a walk-in closet actually entails… 

Don’t hesitate reaching out to our team + asking for help –– let’s chat.  

And if you absolutely loved this article about Bathroom Remodel Cost then trust me boo, you’re going to really enjoy FREE4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home video course.