A walk-in wardrobe with an efficient design allows for more efficient organization.
Walk-in wardrobes are generally premium attachments to a master bedroom of any home. A well-organized closet can make your mornings much simpler. An 8-by-10-foot is a comfortable size that can accommodate his and hers closet space, with open shelving and hanging space segregated against opposite walls. It is also a convenient place to accommodate a safe for your valuables. Some walk-in wardrobes have closed cabinetry, but this is not a necessity. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Draw the outer boundary of your 8-by-10-foot closet on graph paper in a convenient scale. For example, four boxes on your graph paper could represent 1 foot of closet space. Mark the entry point to the closet.
2. Determine the amount of hanging space you require. Use your existing closet space as reference or use a basic rule of thumb: In 12 inches of horizontal hanging space you can fit 12 to 15 shirts, 11 to 13 pants and skirts, 10 dresses or six suits. Find the total length of hanging space you need and mark off 22 inches' width for this in your closet. Provide overhead shelving above your hanging space.
3. Approximate the amount of space you require for open shelving for items like sweaters and other accessories. Sweaters require a width of 12 inches to be placed comfortably on open shelves. If you have many seasonal items, consider storing them in bins on your overhead shelving or in roll-out shelves on the floor. Provide slanted shelving for shoe storage. Mark all of these onto your closet plan.
4. Draw in any other special features you would like your walk in wardrobe to accommodate. You can accommodate a dressing unit, a center island for folding clothes, or affix a full-length mirror behind the door.
5. Plan for adequate lighting. You can plan allow for natural light through a skylight or a window, or bring in artificial light through strategically placed fluorescent lights. It is important that the items in your closet are not shrouded in shadows, so position the light source in the area between your clothes and the area from which you intend to access them. If the light source is behind you, you will cast a shadow on the contents of your closet. The rule of thumb for closet lighting is one 4-foot fluorescent bulb for every 18 square feet of space. For an 80-square-foot closet, it is recommended to use four 4-foot fluorescent bulbs that are ceiling mounted.
6. Write in the dimensions and descriptions of every element of your closet design. Pass it on to your builder, who will be able to implement your ideas.
Tags: hanging space, your closet, closet space, 4-foot fluorescent, graph paper, light source
