When building your closet, think about providing visible storage options so it is easier to make choices while getting dressed.
No matter how large a house is, homeowners often find themselves wishing for more closet space. If you find yourself with a large wardrobe that a standard reach-in closet cannot accommodate, you may want to consider building a walk-in closet. However, while it may seem like a simple project, there are several factors that can affect the functionality of your closet. Keep several tips in mind when building your walk-in closet and you'll wind up with an effective storage space for your wardrobe. Does this Spark an idea?
Pay Attention to Width
The width of your walk-in closet may determine the best set-up for your storage areas or dictate what options can fit in the space. If you plan to hang clothing on opposite walls, the closet must be at least 72 inches wide once the drywall is installed. However, if you plan to add an island in the center for additional storage, your closet must be considerably wider. For example, to house an island that measures 2 feet wide, your closet must be at least 10 feet wide so you can still hang clothes on the walls opposite it and easily navigate around the island. Make sure that you take both hanging and walkway space into account when deciding whether your walk-in is wide enough to house other storage options as well.
Think About Window Placement
If you plan to install windows in your walk-in closet, you must consider their height very carefully. If you have a space for hanging storage beneath your windows, you must place the windows high enough on the wall to allow enough space beneath the casing to install a rod at a sufficient height to store clothing. Consider the type of clothing that you plan to hang in the area to determine how much space is necessary. For example, a man's dress shirt typically requires at least 44 inches beneath the casing while knee-length dresses or pants hung from the cuff require 54 inches. Windows must be placed above these marks if you plan to store such items on hanging racks beneath them.
Vary Storage Options
When planning the storage areas for your walk-in closet, vary the options. Hanging rods are obviously an essential closet feature, but you may have clothing items that cannot be accommodated on hangers. You can install built-in cabinets that contain shelves and drawers to provide additional storage options. A built-in shoe rack is another useful organizational tool. You may also install hooks on a wall for hanging handbags, scarves or even necklaces. In addition, try to design your storage areas so that your items are as visible as possible. Being able to see all of your clothing, shoes and accessories allows you to make choices more easily so you can save time when getting dressed.
Consider Airflow
If your walk-in closet becomes too humid, mold, mildew and insects may become an issue for your wardrobe. When building the closet, consider ways to improve the airflow and remove some of the humidity. One of the easiest solutions is to install a bathroom-sized fan that can be programmed to turn on and off periodically. The fan will help air flow through the closet even when the door is closed. In addition, you may want to place a dehumidifier in the closet to help remove some of the moisture from the air so your clothes don't take on a musty smell.
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