*
I am trying to buy a condo which doesn’t have clothes closets in the master bedroom. I want to minimize the depth of the closets I build because the room is small and there are restrictions because of the placement of windows. What is the minimum inside depth of a clothes closet to make it functional, but not roomy? Thank you very much.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Fine Homebuilding is excited to be the official media partner of the 2024 Building Science Symposium series! This event offers builders, tradesmen, architects, designers and suppliers to discuss topics ranging…
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
24" inside is considered minimum.
*I lived in a house where the clothes hangers had to be turned diagonally to fit on the pole. Very annoying.An armoire or carefully designed built-in hanging/shelving system would probably provide the most efficient use of space.
*Agree with Andrew. If you build with studs and drywall you will add a minimum of 3.5" to the depth of your closet (using a 2.5" stud). Similiar impact on length. Not sure a custom armoire will save much in terms of floor space but it can include drawers below and storage above. May be able to eliminate the need for a dresser or chest for sox and undies. My Mother's old house had units like this that she found at an unfinished furnature store. If you can not find what you need ready made a good cabinet shop can fix you up.
*You can get a minimum depth by measuring the shoulders on one of your suit jackets.The depth can minimized still further by hanging the clothes facing the door instead of on edge.
*Ralph,Barry is right, 24 inches is considered the minimum inside depth for a closet. A 36 inch long closet pole is also considered the minimum closet length. Older style homes built in the 40s & 50s had these type of closets; generally they were 2ft. deep and 4ft. wide inside with a 32inch door opening. They had one closet pole that ran the enitire 4ft. width and a hat rack shelf made from 1x material running above and parallel to the closet pole. The single pole was typically mounted about 60 - 65 inches off the floor.You would gain more storage by utilizing a double pole set-up; positioning the bottom pole 40 -42 inches off the floor and then placing the 2nd pole anoter 40 to 42 inches above the first. This configuration would hold your shirts, suit coats, and most pants; when folded on a clothes hanger.Now, that being said, forget SMALL and think BIG when thinking in terms of storage space; closets included! If you can't go deep, then go long on your width. Organizers such as chests of drawers, shelving, shoe holders, wire clothes baskets, would all go a long way in helping with your storage problems. A closet pole and shelf really does'nt cut it anymore. Perhaps you can make double use out of an adjoining room, say as an office and a changing room? Would it be possible to cut a doorway into an adjoining room from your master bedroom and "steal" some space from that room to put in a fair size closet?These are just some ideas to kick around. Good luck on whatever you decide. But remember, BIGGER IS BETTER; you'll be glad if you do and sorry later on if you don't.Davo
*
I am trying to buy a condo which doesn't have clothes closets in the master bedroom. I want to minimize the depth of the closets I build because the room is small and there are restrictions because of the placement of windows. What is the minimum inside depth of a clothes closet to make it functional, but not roomy? Thank you very much.