Ideal Walk-In Closet Dimensions to Upgrade Your Wardrobe

Walk-in closet dimensions can help us create the ideal closet. We create walkout basements to make our basements better and add as many amenities as we can. Yet it is the bedroom is where we spend the majority of our time.

walk in closet dimensions

There’s not much that makes a bedroom look higher-end than custom closets. You can use them as a Jack and Jill closet design, or coming from a Jack and Jill bathroom. But they are most commonly used as a larger standard closet.

What Is A Walk-In Closet?

 A walk-in closet is really just a closet design that you can walk into. It can be an ideal organizational system. And more often than not, a walk-in closet uses at least two of the walls for storage and has at least one rod to hang stuff on. The other walls are filled with shelves and drawers.

That said, walk-in closets are highly customizable. You can build them as large as you want, with open shelving, and with any layout that you can imagine. But no matter what, they always ad value to a home because everyone loves a walk-in closet.

What Are The Ideal Walk-In Closet Dimensions?

What Are The Ideal Walk-In Closet Dimensions?

A standard full-size walk-in closet design should be about 7 by 10 feet, but it’s better if the area is at least 100-feet. This gives plenty of room for two people to store their clothing. So 10×10 is a great, generous size for walk-in closet dimensions.

In general, you want to have three feet of space to walk in with at least two feet of space on either side for shelving and clothing. This means that seven feet is a good width but even more is better. Think of it as a small closet.  

Small Walk-In Closet Dimensions

Natural light walk in closet
Image from Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design

Now that we’ve gone over the ideal walk-in closet dimensions, it’s time to go over the smallest that you want your walk-in closet systems to be. Small closet dimensions don’t really have a minimum size but in order for them to be a walk-in closet, they need to be able to be walked into.

In general, the absolute minimum that a small walk-in closet should be is 4-feet by 4-feet. This gives a little room to walk if there is only one rod of clothing. There isn’t much room for anything else but this can still work. 

If you want something more comfortable, add a foot on both ends. This gives you 5×5 feet to work with. Since 25sqft is usually a good minimum for a walk-in closet, 5×5 would be considered a comfortable minimum as well for a small walk-in closet. 

Walk-In Closet Size Options

Walk-In Closet Size Options

When it comes to appropriate sizes for walk-in closets, it depends on the type of custom closet you design. There are different types of walk-in closets that are based on their layout and storage capacity. Here are the most common types. 

Single-Sided Walk-In Closet Dimensions 

A single-sided walk-in closet has clothing or open shelves on just one side. This side is usually the back unless the door isn’t centered. In this case, if the door to the closet is on the side, then the closet will be on the opposite side, with plenty of hanging space, of the door.

Related: 20 Ideas For The Most Organized Kids Closet

For this type of closet, you can get by with very little storage space. You can use two feet or three for walking. And you need two feet for your shelving or rods. This gives you a space of 4-5 feet on one end with the other end being flexible. 

Double-Sided Walk-in Closet Dimensions 

Double-sided walk-in closets use two sides of the closet. The two sides are almost always on opposite sides. However, there is an alternative where the two “sides” are actually the middle. This is perfect for two people.

Either way, you need at least four feet for the clothing, and preferably three feet for walking. This means the closet needs to be seven feet one way. The other way, again, is more flexible and depends on your available space. 

Island Walk-In Closet Dimensions 

Island walk-in closet ideas are similar to a double-sided walk-in closet but have an island in the center. This can be used for storage space or simply for a place to sit and put shoes on. Though storage is a better option.

This type of walk-in closet should be at least nine feet one way. This can accommodate a two-foot island along with the double-sided walk-in. If you have extra space one way then this is a great way to add extra storage. 

Wrap Around Walk-In Closet

A wrap-around walk-in closet has stuff on three sides of the closet. This leaves a small space to walk and makes the most out of the space that is available. Most of the time, the closet needs to be larger.

A good space for a wrap-around walk-in closet is at least seven feet one way and five feet the other way. This is fairly flexible of course but this is a good minimum if you want to ensure you have enough storage capacity to feel comfortable. 

Walk-In Closet Ideas

Walk-In Closet Ideas

There are many things you can do with these walk-in closet ideas. You can transform it into something that isn’t a closet at all. But we all know that their greatest use will always be an extravagant closet. 

Hide It All

Natural light walk in closet
Image from Suk Design Group LLP

It may be easy to add some shelves and rods and shove your clothing on them. However, these walk-in closet ideas can make a huge difference if you keep everything covered. This will make your closet look clean all of the time.

You can use your existing space by adding thin doors to everything. If you have hanging clothes, then you can just add doors by adding hinges to the sides. This is an easy project that makes a huge difference. 

Add Something Multipurpose 

Natural light walk in closet
Image from Pearson Home Builders Inc.

There are many different types of multiple-purpose walk-in closet ideas you can add like tools and furniture. You can create fold-out beds, hanging sections, open shelves, or ironing boards. Or you can add something more unique that you think of yourself. 

If you have a small space then adding something like this closet design may not be ideal but the smaller your space, the more you need something like this. So work with what you have and create something amazing. 

The Office Closet

walk-in wardrobe and office
Image from Closetopia

There’s nothing wrong with converting your closet design into an office or vice versa. But wouldn’t it be better if it could be both? You can do this by adding a desk to your closet. It’s a great excuse to open the closet up.

You only need to add a few feet to accommodate a desk and your closet can become a functional closet system. Trust us, this can be the best decision you’ve ever made for your work done from home.

Make It Luxurious

walk-in closet with large and luxurious dimensions
Image from Natalia Neverko Design

Your closet doesn’t have to be a small space used only for storage. You can use your walk-in closet dimensions to create a dressing room, powder room, and even color code your garments. Add some seating, a vanity, hanging rods, and of course some gorgeous lighting to transform it.

A walk-in closet doesn’t have to be large to be a luxury either. It’s all about how you design it. Walk-in closets are naturally an amenity and they deserve to be features whether they’re made for you or not. 

Use Vertical Space

use vertical space for small walk-in closet dimensions

A lot of people fail to do this when designing and decorating. But the vertical space is just as important as horizontal space, especially in a walk-in closet design. So use every inch of it to get the most out of your space.

You can line shelves all the way up to the ceiling and add hanging space. You can reach it with a ladder or simply store the stuff you hardly ever use up there. Just make sure you keep it dusted and dry to keep it all in good condition. 

Add Wardrobes

walk-in wardrobe with cabinets and drawers
Image from Annette English & Associates

Most people assume that you can either have a wardrobe or a closet. But this isn’t true. Adding a wardrobe to a closet may be the best use of space yet. It adds storage without the need for remodeling.

You can do this in a small room to turn it into a walk-in closet design without any effort. This way, you can have a huge walk-in closet without having to add shelves, rods, and walls. You have one premade already. 

Emergency Exit

Natural light walk in closet
Image from Arcadia Custom Homes & Renovations

If you have a back door that isn’t in use, you can turn the entry room into a walk-in closet. Mudrooms are great but if you don’t get many visitors or if you only use the front door then they aren’t very useful.

But you can get a good lock and turn it into an adorable walk-in closet design that you can walk into from the outside or inside. This is perfect for people who have dirty jobs and need to change clothes first thing. 

Natural Lighting

Natural light walk in closet

We all know that closets don’t need natural lighting but it sure does help to have it. If you have a wall that leads outside then add the lighting that way. It’s easy and it will make a big difference overall.

If not, then a skylight is ideal. But if neither of these options is available, then either let light in from the bedroom or use daylight bulbs. Daylight bulbs have the best faux natural light out of any other bulb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What is the average size for a walk-in closet?

Most people prefer to have an average closet size of 100 square feet because this allows for plenty of storage and dressing space. Most homes come with 7 x 10 feet size closets that are big enough for two adults to share the area.

What is a good size for a master bedroom walk-in closet?

Master walk-in closets shouldn’t be smaller than 7 x 10 feet. However, most will be 100 square feet and larger.

Is 5 feet wide enough for a walk-in closet?

Yes, 5 feet is enough room for a small walk-in closet. For a more comfortable and spacious closet, 6 x 10 feet is recommended.

What is the walk-in closet dimensions minimum?

The minimum walk-in closet dimension is 5 feet. This provides enough space for you to get ready and have room for drawers, shoe storage, open shelving, and hanging rods.

How much does it cost to build a walk-in closet?

The price of building a walk-in closet depends on the size you want the closet to be. The price can vary from $700 for a 5×5 square foot small closet to $3,500 for 100 square foot closet design.

What is the difference between closet and a walk-in closet?

A standard closet does not provide the space you need to walk into it. And a walk-in closet is basically a room you can enter containing all of your clothes, shoes, and dressing accessories.

Is a walk-in closet a good idea?

Walk-in closets are often considered a luxury. And while they’re a great place to store your wearables, it’s up to you if you believe a walk-in closet is necessary for your needs.

Does a walk-in closet increase the home value?

On average, adding a walk-in closet to your house will increase the value of your home. The closet size has become a significant consideration when buying a home because everyone wants the convenience and appeal of a room to dress in.

Building Your Walk-in Closet

When you begin building your walk-in closet design, it can be overwhelming. But don’t let it be. This is a special place just for you, so don’t try to impress anyone else. Just get the space that you need and have fun with it. 

Use these closet ideas to help you find out what layout will work for you and go for it. Get creative and add furniture or keep it simple. There’s nothing wrong with finding inspiration but in the end, the overall layout should be all you.