Walk-in closets demand additional width for walking and standing.
A walk-in closet is defined as a closet that offers space to walk into and select clothing. This type of clothing therefore has a certain width and dimensions that allow for this additional space. If you plan to add a walk-in to your existing home or design a home with a walk-in closet, take note of these average sizes. Does this Spark an idea?
Average Dimensions of Walk-Ins
A walk-in closet averages anywhere from 5 to 7 square feet, which means an average width for any walk-in closet is around 6 square feet. This measurement changes based on the home size and the needs of the individual using the closet. However, finding a walk-in closet with a width in this range is fairly common. The width of the walk-in includes space for several different storage options, which is why it is so large.
Shelving Widths
Inside every walk-in closet is space for shelving to hold clothing like sweaters and shorts. These items are not typically hung on hangers. So, additional flat shelving space is the only way to store them. The shelving space is either in the form of a drawer or a flat, open front shelf built into the wall. These shelves take up space along that wall. If the shelving is built into the back wall, the width of the shelves impact the width of the closet. Most clothing shelves are at least 2-feet wide, and some may be up to 3-feet wide. If the shelves are built along the side walls, the depth of the shelves adds to the closet width. Average widths of shelving is between 12 and 16 inches.
Clothes Hanger Widths
The other type of storage common in the average walk-in closet is clothes hanging. Shirts, pants, suits and jackets are hung to avoid wrinkling and creasing, which occurs when these items fold and store flat on a horizontal shelf. Hanging clothes like shirts and pants takes up horizontal space, however. A piece of clothing requires 24 inches of space perpendicular to the wall where it is hung. This space is added to the width of the walk in when the clothing rods are hung along the side walls. If the clothing rods are hung along the back wall, the measurement is added to the depth of the closet.
Walking Area
If you intend to walk into the walk-in closet, there must be space to do so. Average walk-in closets allow for around 3 feet of space for individuals to walk. This space is just a base measurement. However, when you add this 3 feet to the 2 feet required for hanging clothes, the result is 5 feet, a minimum average measurement for the walk-in closet. This walking area is increased to allow more dressing room, space for ironing or trying on clothes in front of a mirror. Walking area may make up 60 to 80 percent of overall width for any average walk-in closet.
Tags: walk-in closet, along side, along side walls, average walk-in closet, back wall
