Having a custom walk-in closet is one of the most requested rooms in the home, especially among women.
But before creating the walk-in closet of your dreams, it’s important to consider some considerations regarding size, layout, and the space required to design it.
Measurements, dimensions and structure of a walk-in closet
To have a truly impressive walk-in closet, the first thing to consider is the room’s dimensions. Not all master bedrooms, whose standard size is around 14 square meters, can accommodate this feature. It’s important for the room to have a larger surface area, allowing for the installation of a walk-in closet while also allowing for easy access and movement within the room.
Regarding the dimensions of the walk-in closet, there are no standard measurements, but there is a minimum size below which it is not recommended. The measurement to consider is the depth of the closet, which must be no less than 120 cm. This is defined, in turn, by two dimensions: the 60 cm depth of the cabinet or wardrobe and the 60 cm clearance for a person to walk through.
A third element to consider is the structure of the walk-in closet. There are many solutions, which we will discuss later.
Walk-in closet layout
The world of walk-in closets is vast and full of solutions and ideas. As mentioned, the layout of this piece of furniture depends on the size of the room. But assuming there’s sufficient space, you can experiment with the layout and positioning of the closet.
Walk-in closet facing the bed
In most cases, the room designated for the walk-in closet is facing the bed. Among the most common configurations is the closet along a wall, opposite the bed. In this case, the closet will be linear. In this case, the closet can be closed off by sliding walls, a door, or left open.
If there isn’t enough space for a linear layout, it can be arranged in a corner.
Walk-in closet behind the bed
Another configuration involves the walk-in closet positioned behind the bed. In this case, there are three different solutions:
Linear walk-in closet: a plasterboard wall divides the closet area from the bedroom and acts as the headboard of the bed. A door provides access to the walk-in closet, which extends linearly along the back wall.
L-shaped walk-in closet: The division between the bedroom and the closet area is identical to the previous solution. In this case, the L-shaped arrangement of the furniture allows for a transition between the bedroom and the outside or a hypothetical bathroom. The walk-in closet can be closed off by a sliding or folding door.
His-and-hers walk-in closet: This solution is an addition to solution one. Two walk-in closets have been created in the same space, separated by a plasterboard wall and with two independent entrances.
The walk-in closet in the attic
One of the most popular and widely used solutions for maximizing and utilizing space is to install a walk-in closet in the attic. This requires careful planning of the modules and heights. For this reason, the modules are often assembled with floor-to-ceiling or wall-mounted attachments, allowing them to follow the contours of the roof and the alignment of the beams. It is important to always consider the size and length of the clothes. It is essential to get help from designers.
Walk-in closet structure
As mentioned previously, walk-in closets can be made in a variety of materials and shapes.
Rack-and-pinion walk-in closet system
The first type of walk-in closet consists of a system of panels fixed to the wall with racks, to which the various components of the closet are attached, whether drawers, shelves, shirt racks, or hangers. Thanks to the rack support, these elements can be arranged as desired, even based on seasonal needs: they can be moved or added. To hide the rack system, the back of the closet is covered with wood paneling in the same material as the shelves or covered with fabric or wallpaper.
This type of walk-in closet is undoubtedly the most sophisticated and elegant, suitable whether the closet is enclosed in a room or exposed. Its structure is highly versatile: it can be linear, angular, or with a sloping ceiling.
Walk-in closet with poles or uprights
Simpler to build but less elegant than the previous solution, the walk-in closet with poles and uprights adapts to any room and size. This type of walk-in closet offers two possible structures: the first features uprights that extend from floor to ceiling, and are therefore not attached to the wall, and a second solution that requires attachment to the wall as well as the floor. The unique feature of these structures is their versatility, as the uprights, which have a standard height of 3 meters, are adjustable and therefore flexible to the various heights of the room. In this case, too, the shelves can be easily moved as the uprights that support them are removable. An example of this type of walk-in closet is the one made, in various ways, by Ikea.
Wardrobe without doors
The third solution, probably the most common and popular, is the walk-in closet. It can be arranged in a linear, corner, or horseshoe shape. Technically, it’s not much different from a standard built-in closet, except that it doesn’t have holes for hinges. Structurally, it’s a closet in every way, with a base, sides, and a back. This system allows for the creation of custom walk-in closets, internally equipped with shelves, drawers, and dividers.
The Freestanding Walk-in Closet
The fourth type of walk-in closet is the freestanding one, usually made of wood and aluminum. The structure consists of an aluminum side panel that forms the frame to which the shelves and drawers are attached. While it offers no functional value, it has a significant aesthetic impact. The walk-in closet will appear lighter and more airy than the previously described ones. It is suitable for open-plan solutions or for large walk-in closets.
The Plasterboard Walk-in Closet
The final type of walk-in closet is to build it directly from masonry. In this case, the solution designed will be permanent and cannot be modified. As with the fitted walls in the living room, plasterboard panels are used, which, once machined and assembled, will form the shelves and dividers of the walk-in closet. It is always possible to add drawers or clothes rails for long items.
How to close a walk-in closet
An alternative to the various walk-in closet structures is to create a DIY walk-in closet, building it in a recess. In this case, however, you will need to close it off to separate it from the bedroom. One solution, to avoid building work, is to use sliding doors with a floor-to-ceiling or wall-mounted track. Alternatively, you can reuse closet doors, adapting them to the new dimensions.
If the room is very spacious, you can also opt for a glass-enclosed walk-in closet, i.e., one enclosed by glass panels and sliding doors. The visual impact is exceptional, but everything must be neat and tidy, as it is perfectly visible from the bed.
If you don’t want to separate the two spaces, there’s nothing stopping you from having an open-plan walk-in closet, completely open to the sleeping area. Here too, order reigns supreme.
How to light the walk-in closet
Lighting is also important in a walk-in closet. Recessed spotlights or LEDs are usually preferred, as they are less bulky and easier to install. However, it would be a good idea to also light shelves and drawers with LED strips to allow you to clearly see which clothes you’re wearing. Although spotlights are used, a lowered ceiling isn’t mandatory, as adjustable cube or circular spotlights are perfectly suited for this purpose.
Tips for good walk-in closet lighting
Use neutral-colored lights to avoid altering the colors of your clothes;
If you have a mirror, it’s best to surround it with low-energy lights to highlight your reflection.
As with any other room in the home, the best solution is to rely on professionals and experts who can illustrate and design the walk-in closet that best suits the space and your individual needs.