Knowing your closet dimensions is key when moving into a new house or aiming to organize your existing closet. Understanding the differences between small reach-in closets and larger walk-in closets helps you customize them to maximize storage space. Discover what you need to efficiently install hanging rods, shelves, and even cozy seating to enhance your closet's functionality.
Standard Closet Depth
Ideally, the depth of a closet should be at least 22 to 24 inches deep, although they can be as deep as 28 inches—ideal for storing bulkier items such as coats. Standard-sized adult clothes hangers typically measure 17 to 19 inches, so you want a closet with enough depth to accommodate them.
Reach-in Closets
As their name suggests, these are closets you reach into rather than walk into—either by opening a single-hinged door, accordion door, sliding door, bi-fold door, or curtains. Reach-in closets can be found in entryways, hallways, and bedrooms.
Your standard reach-in closet is typically rectangular and ranges between 3 and 6 feet wide. A typical reach-in closet is approximately 6 feet long, 8 feet high, and 24 inches deep.
Walk-in Closets
Walk-in closets are big enough to step into and walk around in. At a minimum, they measure at least 5 feet by 5 feet, but they come in many shapes and sizes.
Small Walk-In
The standard size of a small walk-in closet is 4 feet by 8 feet by 4 feet. To maximize the storage area, hang dual hanging rods on one of the longer walls. Hang them at 40 inches and 80 inches above the floor. To keep your small walk-in closet from feeling too cluttered, avoid placing a dresser, sitting bench, or other furniture in it.
Medium Walk-In
A medium walk-in closet is typically around 7 feet by 9 feet by 6 feet. With a walk-in closet of this size, you can install hanging rods on multiple walls. Hang rods on both sides of the closet, as you'll have ample space to walk between them and to a shorter one at the furthest end of the closet.
Large Walk-In
Large walk-in closets can be customized and often measure 12 feet by 14 feet by 7 feet or slightly smaller. In addition to custom rods and drawers, consider installing a small closet island, cabinets, or a sitting bench.
Dressing Room-Style Walk-in Closet
Dressing room closets often measure more than 12 feet by 14 feet by 7 feet. The ample size of these glamorous closets allows for lounge furniture, closet islands, and customized shoe racks.
How High to Hang Closet Rods
For a closet with a single pole, hang the rod 60 inches above the floor to leave ample room for a shelf on top of the hanging rod for overhead storage.
For a closet with double poles, hang one rod 30 to 40 inches off the floor, which is high enough for hanging skirts, blouses, and folded pants. Place the top rod between 80 and 82 inches off the floor.
How to Furnish Large Closets
You might feel tempted to move your dresser into your closet if you have a small bedroom. While this can be a great space-saving hack, put furniture into larger walk-in closets and dressing rooms. This makes your closet feel more luxurious, and you can install other touches, like custom drawers, mirrors, chandeliers, and large closet islands.
Custom Closet Shelving
When installing custom shelving in your closets, design it around your belongings—not the other way around. For example, instead of storing tall boots on a smaller rack, adjust the shelves to fit them. Most importantly, properly install your shelves with drywall anchors to ensure they're sturdy enough to hold your clothes and accessories.