Walk-In Closet Ideas: Big or Small? Cheap or Expensive?
There are so many choices to expanding or upgrading your walk-in closet, it can be overwhelming. DIY kits from Ikea, Home Depot, and others offer the ability to build a closet yourself. Pre-made modular closets exist, and those promise an easy upgrade for a lower cost than a custom walk-in closet. So which do you choose? We will guide you through the basics of what you should consider before you buy and give you some walk-in closet ideas to boot.
Organizers and Shelving Choices
There are numerous types of organizers and shelving to choose from in your walk-in closet. You’ll choose from this list according to what your vision is and what will fit in the closet comfortably without feeling cramped.
Closet Basics – Every walk-in closet will choose from these options: Shelves and Hanging Space is a given for every closet, whether it’s a walk-in or reach-in closet. Even in a small closet, you’ll have a hanging rod and usually at least one shelf; likely at the top of the closet. From here, you’ll look at adding cabinets and pull-out drawers. How much these cost depend on the level of customization – you can find pre-built cabinets with drawer storage at any of the big box stores. However, if you’re looking for a more customized and tailored upgrade, these will usually be built by a carpenter specializing in cabinet building.
Accessories for your closet remodel
Basic Closet Accessories – Very common add-ons for a walk-in are mirrors (full-length or vanity sized), closet lighting based on your tastes and space requirements. Specialized hanging rods can be installed as well for valet storage. Now, of course, these can vary in price just like anything; you can find a full-length mirror for $50 or $500 depending on your closet budget and style.
High End Closet Accessories – If you’re really going for a wow factor for a large walk-in closet, this is where you can decide the ‘you’ factor. Taking the basics to the next level by customizing the wood choices is one high-end option available. For high-end options, custom center islands are an amazing and beautiful way to enhance your closet’s storage and utility.
You can add a chaise lounge or other types of seating; both built-in and free-standing. Some people love their storage and will enhance their closet with a variety of custom pull-out storage drawers. Think about the size difference for a jewelry drawer versus a clothing drawer; these pull-out storage areas are customized and usually have enhanced drawers with felt lining and such.
Size and Budget: Choosing Custom or Modular DIY Closets
First, consider two things: Size and Budget. These are critical to making sure you pick the right closet organizer for your walk-in. Walk-in closets can be broken down to roughly three sizes:
- Small: 4×5 or roughly 20 square feet. Anything smaller than this is likely more of a step-in or reach-in closet versus a walk-in. You need to consider how much you put into a closet of this size as it will crowd quickly with closet accessories. You can still use modules and outfit a small closet, but you need to make sure you choose only a few modules and accessories.
- Medium: Between 5×5 and 7×10 or between 25-70 square feet. This is a normal sized walk-in closet that provides ample space to upgrade your walk-in area without feeling like you are squished between hanging and pull-out options.
- Large: Over 7×10 (>70 square feet). This sized closet gives you the ability to really design a vision and execute it. A walk-in closet this sized can hold mirrors, pull-out drawers, storage cabinets, and even a center island if you desire.
Next, let’s think about budget. A small closet, which is perfect for modular and DIY closet improvements, can cost as little as $500 without installation. You have a multitude of options online from places like Wayfair and Loews as well as local closet and cabinet businesses. However, as you get into larger spaces, the costs of these modular closets will add-up; possibly making you reconsider if you’d prefer a custom walk-in closet versus a pre-fabricated cabinet system. Also, and important, is that with larger spaces there’s a design aspect to consider.
You may be able to find the right modules you like, but only a custom closet business will produce a CAD diagram and verify all measurements before moving forward with an installation. Yes, you pay more for a custom closet, but it’s worth getting a free quote from a local business before you rule it out.
Should I Choose Modular or Custom For My Walk-In Closet Design?
This is really a question where you reflect on the size and budget. For closets smaller than 30 square feet, it’s an easy decision to go with off-the-shelf pre-built closet accessories that give you storage and organization on a low budget. That said, you certainly can have someone come out for a free estimate and tell you what they can do for your budget even in a small to medium closet. For just a bit more budget, you can get a custom closet for your reach-in/step-in area.
When your budget is more expansive, you can choose a more expensive walk-in closet. Some examples will include the finer-touches such as crown molding, mirrors, marble counters, and a higher grade of wood. If you can afford it, you can make practically any vision come true. We have found that, while the larger closet companies can give you a bit more of a discount, they often will farm the work out to local vendors who may or may not come through on-time for you.
If you consider a custom closet solution for your bedroom walk-in, make sure to choose someone that has been in business for a while and also discusses their quality guarantees openly. If you’re going to pay a lot for a closet, you want it to be perfect.
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