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The Best 14 Walk-In Closet Ideas for Maximizing Storage and Style

Regarding renovation priorities for homeowners, the closet design probably doesn’t top the list. Fortunately, the mention of closet remodeling and storage isn’t going to lead to groans and grumbles anymore— thanks to the wide range of closet ideas on Closet Zone, you’ll be delighted by the vast number of options and customizations at your disposal. We’ve surely got the experience to renovate your closet!

Walk-in closets are a luxury that many of us crave. Not only are they incredibly convenient and spacious, but they also offer the perfect opportunity to show off your sense of style. But if you’re looking to create the perfect walk-in closet, you’ll need to know the best walk-in closet ideas for maximizing storage and style.

Closets have evolved into inspirational and elegant spaces from being overstuffed and having too many nightmares. Previously, closet storage was confined to unattractive poles and overflowing shelves, but today, custom stirring finishes and built-ins are on par with many high-end kitchens or bathrooms.

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Now the innovative design of walk-in closets offers spinning shoe racks, lounge chairs, and lighted display cases, and additions such as tie racks or makeup vanities help properly store items while simultaneously personalizing the area.

Walk-in closets are a dream for many homeowners looking to store and organize their wardrobes easily. No matter where you live or the size of your space, you can find the perfect walk-in closet design ideas to maximize storage and style. From tiny walk-in closet design ideas to modern walk in closet ideas, you can choose the right setup that works for your home. Read on for some of the best walk-in closet ideas for modern, stylish storage solutions.

wooden modern walk-in closet design
Modern Walk-in Closet Designs

Table of Contents

Overview of Walk-In Closets

Walk-in closets are a great way to easily store and organize your wardrobe. They usually come in two types; walk-in closets with a dressing area or a wardrobe-only room. Whichever type you choose, they can be the perfect solution to maximize storage and style. These closets are ideal for those with a lot of clothing, shoes, and accessories. They can become a beautiful focal point in any home when done right.

How To Design A Walk-In Closet?

Planning a walk-in closet can be a little daunting if you’re one of those lucky people with a space. It would be great if you could work with so much space to make this space functional and beautiful. For your walk-in closet, we’ve compiled some tips from our design professionals.

  • You may store folded clothing or purses above the hanging areas.
  • Store seldom-used items such as seasonal clothing and luggage behind top shelves.
  • Incorporate a built-in dresser or cabinet into your space to create a focal point.
  • You can double the storage space and keep everything connected with adjustable hanging rods.
  • Use shelving and hanging rods near the door to create a more open feel while entering the closet.

By keeping functionality at the forefront of design, you’ll create the walk-in closet of your dreams that is both organized and beautiful!

Guide To Walk-In Closet Dimensions And Layouts

Walk-in closets rule the world of storage solutions. Although much more common currently, they remain highly desirable and perceptibly luxurious.
Walk-in closets are heavily dependent on the accuracy of their design. Walk-in closets are genuinely the belle of the ball if designed correctly. Let’s discuss how you can create one perfect for your master bedroom.

light wooden custom walk in closet with shelves and drawers
Custom Walk-in Closets

What Should You Know Before Starting?

Designing is not a simple task. Planning the layout and its interiors will take time, but if you follow this guide, you should have enough time to start.

A walk-in closet design depends mainly on three factors:

  • Budget
  • Available space
  • Your requirements for storage

Before starting any project, you should know what you want and need – that will determine the final result you will get. For instance, walking-ins are necessary for low/minimum storage requirements. Additionally, if you do not have the space, cramming a walk-in closet into your bedroom will significantly distort your house’s layout if you do not have the space.

Ask yourself the purpose of your walk-in closet and start asking yourself a few questions. This will determine the layout and, in turn, determine the design.

narrow walk-in closet with a ottoman stool
Walk-in Closet ideas

What Are The Different Types of Walk-in Closet Layouts?

Let us first talk about the type of design and layouts in the walk-in world. Of course, there are various styles of walk-ins depending on individual requirements.

Once you have figured out your storage needs, space constraints, and the functionality you want to extract from a walk-in closet , you can mix and match these styles to make the most efficient.

For example, if you have ample space but minimal storage, you can incorporate a dresser inside the walk-in to take care of hair and make-up. Likewise, you can utilize any leftover space for an island or even an ironing board.

Single-sided walk-in closet

Single-sided walk-in closet

There are three walls to this walk-in closet style; it is a simple walk-through, filled with shelves, hanging rods, and drawers. This closet style provides straightforward functionality but only allows a little flexibility in design or customization.

Typically, these closets are 5 to 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) deep and occupy about 24 inches (61 cm) of total depth, leaving 36 inches (91 cm) as a walkway from the back.

Double-sided walk-in closet

Double-sided walk-in closet

There are two walls in this closet style with hanging rods, shelves, and drawers. With this arrangement, you can store more items and keep them on one side while the other is for long items. It gives you more room for shoe racks or baskets to sit under shelves or on the closet floor. 1.8-2 m (6-6.5 feet) are ideal for hybrid storage, while 8-8.5 feet (2.4-2.6 m) are ideal for extended storage.

Wrap around walk-in closet

Wrap around walk-in closet

Often, walk-in closets that wrap around two or more walls are U-shaped or L-shaped, with the open end of the “U” or “L” serving as the entrance. There is a possibility of arranging the closets to place short items on one side and long things on the other, such as double-sided layouts.

There are usually 1.5 m (5 feet) expansive walk-in closets, while U-shaped layouts are slightly larger, with an average width of 7 feet (2.5 m), using 24 inches (61 cm) of the standard hanger.

Peninsula walk-in closet

Peninsula walk-in closet

Peninsula layouts are a small wardrobe with a wall jutting into the center for a point. Most of these points have shelves or drawers, but they are mainly used as dividers. It will create an illusion of spaciousness, making your bedroom seem larger since You can place it against any wall. The minimum width of these closets is 13 feet (4 m), and the minimum height is 7.5 feet (2.3 m), but sizes up to 17.5 feet (7.3 m) are common in larger luxury homes.

Island walk-in closet

Island walk-in closet

The island layout is a wardrobe jutting out from the end of the walkway. This closet style is often found in large luxury homes, as it allows ample hanging rod space and room for a center island with storage or display space.

There are two sections to these closets, one shorter and one long. A few areas offer different types of storage along the wall length, such as shoe racks or bins placed under shelves or on the floor. This closet is usually 14-18 feet (4.3-5.5 meters) wide and 10-13 feet (3-4 meters).

Split single-sided walk-in closet

Split single-sided walk-in closet

Split layouts are closets with more framed walls that separate the closet from each other. Several dividers create islets within the walkway that can be used as display areas, shoe racks, storage baskets, or clothing racks.

Those layouts offer the best storage options because each section has hanging rods, shelves, and drawers. These are also known as “two-door” closets since two entrances are available to separate the walkway into multiple sections.

The closets can be configured to be 10 feet (3 m) wide with adjustable depths.

Split double-sided walk-in closet

Split double-sided walk-in closet

In this walk-in closet type, the wing extends off one side instead of the standard double-sided design. It is also possible to place short items on one side and long items on both, such as double-sided layouts.

These closets are typically 6-6.5 feet (1.8-2 m) in length and can vary in design and depth based on your requirements.

Determining the Measurements for Your Walk-in Closet

A standard full-size walk-in closet for two people should measure a minimum of 7 by 10 feet. It should preferably have an area of 100 sq. ft as this allows you to have storage units on all three walls with even a sitting area in the middle. Small walk-ins can be built in as low as 25 sq. ft. of space if you want a smaller one.

Below are some standard measurements for various types of walk-ins, as mentioned above:

Tips to Follow While Designing Your Walk-in Closet

  • Double rods are a common and efficiency-focused element of a closet. They are typically placed 40 inches and 80 inches from the ground.
  • If you are using single rods, 72 inches is a good height. Add shelves above the road to maximize the storage space.
  • Have a separate rack dedicated to shoes, or else it’ll take no time before the entire floor is covered with all sorts of footwear.
  • As a rule of thumb, a four-foot wide area will accommodate storage space on one side. A six feet wide walk-in can make room for storage on all three walls. And a 10 feet wide room can sport an island.

Apart from this, if your walk-in closet complies with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), you must have a minimum clear space of 30 inches wide by 48 inches deep. It is not mandatory but is a grand gesture, especially if you have room to spare. It’ll greatly help increase your house’s resale value if you decide to go down that path.

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Average Cost of Walk-in Closets

What Is The Average Cost Of A Walk-In Closet?

The average walk-in closet costs between $1200-$3,000 in materials and installations, but they are skilled and experienced to prevent costly mistakes. Several variables affect the price and what kind of closet you select.

Must-Have Walk-In Closet Ideas and Design Features

With these walk in closet ideas and features, you can add style, efficiency, and luxury to your walk-in closet, one of the essential spaces in your home.

Your walk-in closet should feel like entering a private boutique where you will display your beautiful clothing and accessories. As well as making getting dressed more enjoyable, it also makes dressing much easier – no more digging through a drawer to find a favorite shirt only to realize it was wrinkled.

The below walk in closet ideas and guides offer you the best way to create an elegant and efficient closet, whether you’re designing a new closet or looking for ways to refresh it.

1. Closet Island

A closet island is a dresser installed in your walk-in closet and can be used for several purposes, just like a kitchen island. You can store jewelry, watches, lingerie, stockings, and underwear in custom closet islands. You can use a countertop for folding and organizing clothes or placing newly purchased items before being put away. The island may charge phones, smartwatches, and other small electronics.

2. Lighting

A closet should have at least three kinds of lighting: Overhead recessed lighting for general lighting, integrated LED lighting under or behind shelves and racks to highlight accessories, and a beautiful chandelier for personality and mood. If you have one, you will also need dedicated lighting for your dressing table.

3. A Safe

When it comes to jewelry and watches, certain valuable items may best be kept in safes or locked drawers. While you may have a safe in your office for essential documents, a small safe hidden behind a cabinet door in your closet is a convenient place to store valuable accessories.

wooden Walk-In Closet ideas
Custom Walk-in Closets

4. A Drawer for Jewelry, Watches, and Other Small Items

Custom closets are incomplete without specially designed drawers for jewelry, watches, and other small items such as sunglasses, scarves, brooches, cufflinks, wallets, etc. For ease of access, store items are usually used higher up. Drawers create an additional walk in closet storage ideas for you to consider. You can line the drawers of precious items with velvet or satin.

5. Shelves For Your Hats and Handbags

It allows dust to escape, so expensive hats and handbags are stored on a shelf or behind a glass door. How many shelves do you require, and the size depends on the type of hats and bags. You will need shelf space for both. You could also lay clutches out neatly in a drawer.

6. A Dedicated Shoe System

Protect your shoes and boots with dedicated shelving, not just underneath all your hanging rods. You may reserve an entire wall if you have a lot of shoes—group-like pairs with regularly worn pairs at an easily reachable height—eye level or slightly lower. If space is an issue, you might consider pulling out shelves with double racks to store pairs of shoes two deep.

7. Ironing Board

You will do most of your ironing in your laundry room; however, having a foldout ironing board in your walk-in closet can be handy when trying to get out the door quickly.

8. Built-In Laundry Hamper

No one likes to see an ugly plastic laundry basket lying around. Your walk-in closet should have at least one built-in laundry hamper, although you can also have more. A series of darks, lights, and delicates is an excellent idea for you.

9. Seating

It is perfect for adding an elegant ottoman, chair, or if you have the space, a small sofa to any walk-in closet. It is practical as a place to put on and take off your shoes or stockings and a dignified suggestion of luxury.

10. Full-length Mirror

Mirrors have good lighting and are a must in every dressing room, whether they are standalone mirrors, mirror-covered cabinets, or walls covered with mirrors. A large mirror can give you the illusion of more space by taking advantage of the small size of your walk-in closet.

Well lighted Modern Walk in Closet
Well-lighted Modern Walk-in Closet

11. Valet Rods

Once you become used to having valet rods in your walk-in closet, you’ll wonder how you never felt well without them. It may be used to hang clothes while packing or unpacking for a trip, temporarily hang a new outfit, collect items that need ironing, or all of the above and probably more.

12. A Beverage Station

You might consider adding a small beverage station to your walk-in closet if you cannot face the day without a cup of coffee or tea. For the coffee maker, there will be cupboards for clean cups and a small fridge for milk/cream storage. The same fridge may also hold drinks you can sip while dressing up for the evening.

13. A Nice Looking Dressing Table

If you don’t have a vanity mirror, you won’t know how you survived without it. You can store makeup, perfumes, and other grooming tools in the bathroom, but once you have them, you’ll have a problem. You will also need a small stool to sit on an LED vanity since it must have excellent lighting. Consider LED sconces with adjustable brightness.

14. Final Artful Touches

Now that you know the layout of your closet, you can add a few delicate touches. Start with arranging similar items by style and color, framed photographs, decorative books, fresh flowers, and an art piece if you have the wall space. You might also display a vintage mannequin or put a stylish rug in the center of the room.

Small Walk-In Closet Design Ideas

Small walk-in closets can be just as functional and stylish as any other size closet. The key is to make the most of the space you have by using the right storage solutions. Look for space-saving solutions like hanging shelves, vertical drawers, and pull-out baskets. You can also install adjustable shelving that can be moved up and down as needed. Using a neutral color palette for your closet will also help to make your small space look bigger.

Walk-In Closet Storage Ideas

One of the most important things about walk-in closet design is storage. You want to make sure that your clothing, shoes, and accessories are stored in an organized and efficient way. Some great walk-in closet storage ideas include hanging shelves, hanging rails, and pull-out baskets. You can also add storage drawers and open shelves for organizing smaller items like jewelry and scarves. Using the right combination of walk-in closet ideas for storage solutions will help you make the most of your walk-in closet.

Modern Walk-In Closet Ideas

Modern walk-in closets are all about creating a luxurious, stylish space. The key is to choose the right materials and finishes that will make your closet look sleek and sophisticated. Look for contemporary materials like glass, wood, and stainless steel. You can also add a touch of glamour to your closet with mirrored doors and chic accessories. With the right decorations, you can easily create a modern and luxurious look for your walk-in closet.

White empty walk in closet
Walk-in Closet Layout

What Color To Paint a Closet?

We’re sharing tips on how to paint a closet and where to paint it with the best paint colors, including accents, paint finishes, door paint, and wall colors.

What color would you choose for your closet?

Choosing the right color and sheen will not only improve the appearance of your closet, but your home will look stunning with those freshly painted closet doors once again.

We hope these tips for the best paint for closets will help you.

1. You Can Choose Light and Neutral Colors

Selecting the right closet paint color for a dark wall shade can be complicated since it is difficult to see the items stored inside because dark shades don’t reflect light very well.

Your closets will tend to show wear and tear more efficiently as well. We recommend choosing a light, neutral shade such as white, eggshell white, off-white, beige, gray, or tan.

These light and neutral colors will work with practically any color scheme and make it easier to reflect light so you can see better inside the closet.

2. Colors That Stand Out in Accent Closets

Remember that there are circumstances where white or neutral tones are not the best option when painting closets.
A small space like a closet can be a great way to experiment with louder colors if you want to be more daring without compromising the room’s wall color.

3. Choose The Right Finish

Satin paint finish – for closets, a better choice is to use a satin paint finish since this type of finish is highly durable and doesn’t show dirt or scuffs. The satin finish is also easier to clean; you can wipe away any dirt or smudges on the closet walls.
Semi-gloss Paint Finish – A semi-gloss paint finish for closets will provide more excellent reflective light. A better solution would be to help brighten up dimly lit closets.
High-gloss Paint Finish – is the most reflective and long-lasting paint finish. That is the best choice for closets that need maximum brightness.

4. Colors That Are Dark And Intense

The colors of dark can provide an excellent backdrop for some closets. You can paint a large closet built with lights painted with dark paint to add sophistication and personality.
We recommend dark, natural browns, navy blues, and steel gray since these colors will brighten up any roomy closet and are sophisticated.

What Color Makes Your Closet Look Bigger?

Light colors, off-white or white paint, will brighten the closet space, making it appear larger and more prominent.

Bright colors can also be an excellent choice for small closets, especially for those without light inside – a colorful yellow closet can make a closet seem more spacious.

Light and bright colors can better catch and reflect the light in the room, improving visibility and reducing your chances of getting those dark and distant corners bright. In addition, the high-gloss finish would help your closet look even more vibrant and manageable.

Then again, dark, jewel-toned paints can make closets appear broad, larger, and more profound.  These vibrant colors and rich hues bring bold and beautiful colors back into homes. 

Colors and hues derived from precious gemstones add drama and personality. 

Several shades of jewel tone are available. They range from mid-tones to deep, saturated shades. These shades are a colorful alternative to neutral colors because of their depth.

Should You Paint Closets The Same Color As Walls?

You can usually paint your closet space with no doors by painting it the same color as the room or using a slightly lighter shade.

Having a lighter shade or the same color in your closet will help you integrate it into the room and decrease your chances of drawing attention to what’s inside.

However, if your closet includes doors, we suggest you paint them in the same color as the trim on the baseboards or the same color as the door in the room.

Choosing white or light colors is a good idea, reflecting more light.

Try to paint closet doors in the same color or lightest shade as the trim and door to make them more pleasing to the eye and not too busy.

Similarly, painting their closet walls to match their room will create a sense of flow and inclusion instead of separating them.

Painting the closet the same color as the room can help make the room appear larger and will make the space visually appealing.

What Color Should Bedroom Closets Be Painted

What Color Should Bedroom Closets Be Painted?

The bedroom is every homeowner’s sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and intimacy.  Calm and soothing colors are best in a bedroom, such as always safe, neutral colors.

Neutral paint colors such as ivory, taupe, black, gray, and white offer a clean backdrop for bedrooms because these paint colors go well with other bright colors used in bedding, curtains, carpeting, and even artwork.

Pastel colors such as soft blues, greens, pink, rose quartz, and yellow are famous for bedroom closets since they offer a soothing, relaxing, and serene ambiance.

What Color To Paint Closet Doors?

For some closet door paint ideas, you might check our Versatile Doors and Finishing page.

How Do You Layout a Walk-in Closet?

The size of your closet space will be one of the most important considerations in determining how you lay out a walk-in closet; larger spaces can accommodate more storage options, while smaller ones might require more concise design choices. Additionally, consider how frequently you will access different items stored in your closet — organizing items by type or color allows for more efficient use of space and easier retrieval when needed.

Other design options depend on personal preferences and needs; for example, installing shelving units may be useful for storing lightweight clothing like shirts or sweaters. For bulkier items like coats and jackets, incorporating hanging racks provides easier access while preserving garment shape and avoiding creases caused by folding them into drawers or shelves. Utilize vertical surfaces such as over-the-door shoe organizers or wall-mounted cabinets if external spacial constraints limit the width or depth of built-in shelving fixtures — these types of storage solutions help save floor space without sacrificing accessibility.

What Makes a Good Walk-in Closet?

What makes a good walk-in closet? Here are some key features to look for when creating or shopping for your own:

1) Optimize Your Space – When designing or looking at pre-made options, select one which maximizes the use of space available. This includes having adjustable shelving, pull-out drawers, angled shoe racks, overhead cabinets, and islands with countertops where you can sort through items or arrange them by category.

2) Include Plenty of Light – Lighting within the closet should be bright enough so you can see everything clearly. LED lighting strips are especially useful because it is energy efficient and usually last longer than regular bulbs. Additionally, natural light will help improve visibility even further; install windows for this purpose if possible.

3) Quality Workmanship – Invest in a sturdy wooden frame constructed with solid joinery techniques such as mortise & tenon joints; these provide maximum strength so the wardrobe won’t sag or become unstable over time due to weight from clothes stored inside it. Also, ensure door hinges are reliable (e.g., spring-loaded), knobs/handles have secure fittings, and finishes such as paint/varnish used on wood components do not easily chip off onto fabrics/clothing items stored nearby in open shelves/drawers/racks, etc.

Is Walk-in Closet a Good Idea?

Yes, having a walk-in closet can be an excellent idea. Walk-in closets offer numerous benefits, making them wonderfully practical and helpful home additions for any homeowner.

First, walk-in closets provide you with much more storage space than the average closet. Because of their size and shape, walk-in closets allow you to store multiple items in an organized manner which standard closets don’t necessarily provide. This makes keeping your clothes and other possessions neat and tidy much easier! You’ll also find what you’re looking for without having to go through every item on the rack a breeze with all that available room.

Do You Need a Door on a Walk-in Closet?

When it comes to outfitting your walk-in closet, a door is highly recommended for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Not only can a door provide an extra layer of privacy and security, but it also helps to keep cluttered belongings hidden away.

From an aesthetic standpoint, having a door on a walk-in closet can add personality and character to the space. A sliding barn door or custom mirrored one is especially popular when creating the desired look of luxury in a bedroom suite or master retreat. You could even choose an antique wooden door to give off more of a rustic vibe within your home’s interior design scheme.

As far as practicality goes, adding a doorway will help contain odors and block out any noise from outside of the closet that may distract you while selecting clothes each morning, as well as help keeps dust out, which makes for easier cleaning inside the closet area. Plus, if you happen to have too much stuff taking up valuable real estate in your bedroom – simply closing the doors helps keep all those items safely tucked away from curious eyes!

Does a Walk-in Closet Add Value to a House?

Absolutely! Adding a walk-in closet to your home can be an excellent investment that offers both practical and financial benefits. While the most obvious benefit is increased storage space, there are also many other advantages of having a walk-in closet.

First and foremost, a well-designed walk-in closet can add tremendous value to your home’s aesthetics. A beautiful custom designed closet will give your home an updated look and feel while making it easier for you to organize and access clothes and other items. The efficiency of organizing such items within easy reach makes life more convenient daily.

In addition, adding a walk-in closet will likely increase the value of your property when it’s time to sell. Buyers looking for homes tend to appreciate extra living areas or areas with great potential like closets, as they provide many uses depending on personal needs, which may extend beyond traditional household storage solutions such as shelves or drawers found in typical smaller sized closets. Walk-ins offer much larger spaces that can be used as dressing rooms or additional bedrooms depending on how the homeowner chooses to use them – this is another attractive feature for potential buyers who view house hunting from an investment perspective.

Conclusion

No matter your space size, you can easily create the perfect walk-in closet for your home. There are many ways to maximize storage and style, from small walk in closet design ideas to luxurious walk-in closet ideas. Look for space-saving solutions like hanging shelves and vertical drawers, and choose the right materials and finishes to create a sleek, modern look. With the right walk-in closet design, you can easily create a stylish and organized storage space that you can enjoy for years to come.