Walk-In Closet Dimensions & Guidelines (with Drawings)

When it comes to one of the most coveted storage spaces inside a home, you can’t beat a walk-in closet. Many people rank a walk-in closet in the master bedroom high on their list of wants in a new home. Plus, nowadays, you’ve got multiple designs and sizes to choose from.

The dimensions of a standard walk-in closed should be anywhere from 5 x 7 feet to 7 x 10 feet. For comfort and storage, your walk-in closet should have 100 sq ft of area since this allows three walls of storage with a seat in the middle. However, a smaller closet should be at least 25 sq ft.

Besides your standard walk-in closet, you can opt for an L-shaped, single-sided, or double-split design. You can even get a closet complete with an island (the furniture kind, of course, not a tropical paradise).

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Unlike regular reach-in closets, a walk-in closet allows you to do exactly what its name implies – walk into it. These closets are known for being roomier, and it’s typically easier to get things in and out of them.

A typical walk-in closet is at least 5 feet by 7 feet, although many can reach closer to 7 by 10 feet. In a standard walk-in, you usually have shelves and hanging space on 2 or 3 walls of the closet. Plus, at least 3 feet of space should be in the middle for adequate movement around the area.

When planning your closet layout, a vital factor is your hanging space. If you underestimate this measurement, you can be left with hangers that don’t fit and cramped, wrinkled clothing.

The standard depth for hanging storage is 24 inches, and this measurement accommodates the size of a typical hanger and allows it to clear the back wall.

Therefore, if you have hanging space on both sides of your closet, you need a minimum width of 7 feet. (This accounts for 2 feet on each side for hangers and three feet of open space in the middle).

Of course, you can configure your hanging space in multiple ways. One idea is to utilize a double clothing rod. In this case, hang the top rod at 84 inches high and the lower rod at 40 1/2 inches.

As far as the rod’s length, it depends on how many clothes you plan to hang. Usually, a rod extends from wall to wall in a standard builder’s closet. However, in custom closets, you can make them any length you want.

Consider these numbers when planning your closet rod’s length:

The right size can make all the difference in how much storage you get when it comes to closet shelves. If you overestimate how much space you need between shelves, you can limit your available space significantly.

Shoe shelves should be at least 12 inches deep to hold your shoes comfortably. The shelf’s length is up to your closet size and how many shoes you plan to store.

If installing multiple shelves for shoes, place them 6 to 7 inches apart so the shoes can clear the shelf. If you have tall high-heeled shoes, you might want to base the space on your tallest shoe.

If you plan to stack sweaters or shirts on a shelf, plan for a minimum of 18 inches. This depth ensures your clothes don’t get squished. This same measurement will also apply to a drawer if you plan to install any in your closet.

If you use deep drawers, roughly a depth of 24 inches, you can place shirts in horizontal double rows.

If your closet area is on the larger side, you can accommodate extra storage in the middle of the space. One of the ways you can do this is with an island. An island works incredibly well in more square-shaped walk-in closets.

You can use a piece designed specifically for closets or even a kitchen island. Closet islands can work as an accessory station, a prep or vanity area, or simply extra storage.

These closets should be at least 13 feet square if you plan to hang items on more than one side. This allows for at least 3 feet of space around each side of the island. Plus, you need to account for the island itself, which is typically three feet wide.

If you opt for a smaller island, you could get away with a slightly shorter overall dimension. Likewise, if you decide to put shelves on two walls and only hang items on one side.

Another option for a closet with storage in the middle is a peninsula walk-in. This places storage or seating coming from the closet’s back wall and extending into the middle space.

Like an island closet, allow for three feet around the peninsula and roughly three feet for the actual peninsula. A minimum dimension of 13 feet square works best for this to work well.

You can use this design in square closets or more extended closets. Some even feature a wrap-around effect with extra doors, as shown here. Basically, the thought behind the design is each side gives a different person their personal space.

Similar to the peninsula style, a split double provides the concept of two closets in one. The idea is that each side can be for a different person. There are also usually two access points, with one door potentially leading to another room.

For example, one door can lead to the master bedroom, while the other connects to the master bath. Or it can merely be to give each person their own entrance.

This closet style works best with a minimum of 13 feet square if you plan to place shelves in the middle. However, if you opt for hanging space on every side, plan on a minimum overall dimension of 14 feet. Both of these allow you to have 3 feet of space between storage areas so you can move freely.

You don’t have to have a ton of space to create a walk-in closet. Single-sided closets are the smallest type of walk-in, usually about five feet square, and this gives you two feet of hanging space and three feet of walk space.

You can either hang items along the back wall or the side. Using shelving instead, you could get away with a four-foot square space. If the area is deep but narrow (for example, five by three feet), you could opt for a smaller walk-in.

The main point is you can walk into the space comfortably. If you open the door and the shelves or rod is within arm’s reach, then your closet is a reach-in.

If you really have the room to spare, you can convert a whole room into a mega walk-in closet. The possibilities are endless. You can install closet systems on the walls or use portable closet systems.

You can place an island in the center, and you can even create a vanity and sitting area in a corner. If you have a lot of stuff and an empty room, this could be the solution for you.

Just design your storage areas following the above guidelines. Mainly, allow a depth of two feet for all hanging storage, and give yourself three feet of maneuvering space.

A walk-in master closet should be at least seven by 10 feet and preferably 100 square feet for two users. That offers you the area to line two or three walls with shelves, cubbies, and poles, as well as the elbow room to reach them comfortably.

Include around 3 sq. ft. of floor space for a chair where you may perch to put on socks and fold laundry for increased convenience. Allow enough space in the middle for a folding baggage table or a built-in storage island with a countertop so you can open your suitcase while packing for a vacation.

Related Questions

The room I’m using as my bedroom has no closet. Is there a way to “cheat” a walk-in closet without putting up walls?

If your bedroom has no existing closet, don’t fret, you can add storage easily. In these cases, the go-to solutions for clothes storage are things like dressers and wardrobes.However, if your room is on the larger side, you can create a closet using room screens or curtains. For example, hang some curtains along the back wall, about four to five feet from the wall.  

I don’t need my walk-in closet for storage. What else can I do with it?

If you have the advantage of a large walk-in closet but don’t need the storage, lucky you. Convert your closet into a small room. Remove hanging rods and any unnecessary shelving. Then, place a bookshelf, lamp, and cozy chair for an instant reading nook. Or line one whole wall with books for your mini-library.