Closet shelves come in a few predetermined sizes.
When designing or reorganizing a closet space it is a good idea to determine the most common measurements for shelves in a closet. This helps you determine what items can go where, and how many shelves you will need to complete the closet design. While not all shelves adhere to these guidelines, there are some general rules used by large closet shelving manufacturers. Does this Spark an idea?
Vertical Shelf Spacing Heights
One of the most standardized shelving measurements is height. Shelves in a closet can hold many items, from clothing to sports equipment to odds and ends. Most odds and ends are kept in boxes that go on the floor of the closet. Therefore, the first shelves are usually installed anywhere from 16 to 20 inches off the floor to provide plenty of room for box storage. Shelves holding sweaters and sweat shirts are usually 15 inches high, while shoe shelves are 8 inches high, allowing room for boots and high heel storage. If you plan on storing socks on a shelf, make this shelf 12 inches high.
Shelf Depth
Shelving ranges in depth from 8 inches to 16 inches. Shelving for clothing items is usually 16 inches deep, while shelving for boxes is 12 inches deep.
Top Shelf Heights
The top shelf is usually either 48, 68 or 83 inches from the floor, when hanging clothes beneath it. The top shelf is usually hung three inches above the closet rod. So, if the closet rod is hung at 45 inches -- a good height for a man's suit -- the shelf is placed at 48 inches. For long garments, such as dresses and coats, the shelves start right above the closet rod at 60 to 65 inches. In double hung closet rods, the top rod hangs at 80 inches, so the shelf is installed right above this rod.
Shelving Widths
The width of closet shelves varies widely in closet design. In fact, this is the one measurement that is not highly standardized. Most shelves are at least 24 inches wide, and the typical shelf width is between 30 and 36 inches wide. Shelves wider than this accommodate large items like sports equipment; however, they are not always needed in a closet. Measure your items to determine the width of your longest shelf when building your closet.
Tags: inches high, above closet, closet design, from inches, inches deep, inches wide
