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Closet Size for Bedroom (Complete Guide)

Are you thinking of getting yourself a new closet? Or are you thinking of redesigning it, maybe? In both cases, you must know the actual dimensions. After all, you wouldn’t want a walk-in closet with no place to walk in, would you?

So, what’s the standard size of a bedroom closet? Do you need to follow any specific measurements? Or can you build it however you want? Dig into the article to get the answer!

Closet size for bedroom

A standard bedroom closet should be at least 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep. And for height, the standard measurement is 8 feet. But it can vary depending on the closet type. For example, a walk-in closet’s width can be 4 to 13 feet, depending on its type.

Depending on the bedroom’s type, its size varies noticeably. Similarly, a closet’s size also differs depending on where you are setting it.

Another thing matters when it comes to closet sizes is their type. Even though they are all known by a common name, their structure has some differences.

A walk-in closet allows you to walk inside it. You can even place a table and chairs inside it if it’s spacious enough. On the other hand, a reach-in closet will allow you to get access to your clothing without entering it.

As you can see, both are opposite each other; their sizes also vary for that reason. Let’s check out the standard sizes for different closest types-

Walk-in closet:

As the name suggests, a walk-in closet lets you enter it. You can walk inside, shuffle through your clothes, grab the one you like and even change inside it! Yes, it is built with enough room for a person to move freely.

However, not all bedrooms have the same size. You can’t expect to squeeze a 13 feet wide walk-in closet inside a 12 feet wide room. That’s why different walk-ins have been introduced for different bedrooms.

Narrow walk-in closet:

Narrow walk-ins perfectly suit single bedrooms and bedrooms with less space. If you want to build a standard narrow walk-in, you will only need 4 feet of width and 4 feet of depth.

Now, if you think you don’t need much space inside, you can reduce the depth a little.

Single-sided walk-in closet:

This is the smallest type of walk-in closet. The standard size for a single-sided is 4 feet by 4 feet. However, you can build it according to your space.

In this type of closet, clothes are stored on one side of the wall. That’s why you can decrease the depth of it to 22 inches, the standard length for the hanger.

Double-sided walk-in closet:

Double-sided walk-in closets are most suitable for a master bedroom. If you have a 12 feet × 12 feet room, your double-sided walk-in closet should have at least 6 feet of width.

Double-sided closets have storage for clothing on both side walls. So, if you plan to use hanging rods on both sides, you will need at least 6 feet width.

2 feet on each wall are for clothes, and 2 feet space between them for walking.

Island walk-in closet:

This particular walk-in features an island fixture set at the closet’s center. The standard size for an island counter is 5 feet by 3 feet.

If you install an island, you must keep at least 3 feet of open space for free moving.

And in this closet, you can use all three walls as storage. With 2 feet depth for each side storage, the ultimate measurements for an island walk-in are 13 feet by 13 feet.

Linen or pantry walk-in:

It doesn’t fall into the ideal concept of a bedroom closet where we store clothes. It can be as small as 19 inches wide and 17 inches deep.

It is not spacious enough to handle hangers. But yes, if you keep the clothes in small folding, they can also be kept in it.

Reach-in closet:

Reach-in closets are pretty different than walk-ins. It only allows you to extend your hand and reach into its whole depth, width, and height. The minimum width for a reach-in should be 36 inches with 22 inches depth.

The ideal measurements are 4 feet wide with 2 feet depth. However, the depth can be extended up to 28 inches if you want to hang bulky clothes.

Wardrobes or Armoires closet:

Wardrobes are one of the most demanding choices for their versatile sizes. Its width can be as small as 24 inches and can extend up to 96 inches. On the other hand, the depth is usually 24 inches.

But it can also be altered to 18 or 20 inches. The standard height for wardrobes is generally 72 inches.

Type of bedroom closetStandard dimensions (H×W×D)Minimum dimensions (H×W×D)
1. Narrow walk-in8 × 4 × 4 feet8 × 4 × 4 feet
2. Single-sided walk-in8 × 4 × 4 feet8 feet × 4 feet × 22 inches
3. Double-sided walk-in8 × 4 × 4 feet8 × 6 × 6 feet
4. Island walk-in8 × 7 × 6 feet8 × 12 × 12 feet
5. Linen or Pantry walk-in8 × 13 × 13 feet8 feet × 19 inches × 17 inches
6. Reach-in closet8 feet × 32 inches × 32 inches 8 feet × 36 inches × 22 inches
7. Wardrobe or Armoires6 × 8 × 2 feet6 × 2 × 2 feet 

Do bedroom closets have a standard depth?

Yes, they do. The depth of closets depends on how you use the closet storage. But a standard size worldwide is a minimum of 24 inches. The reason behind the 2 feet’ depth is the length of a typical hanger (20 inches).

If the closet is any smaller than 20 inches, you can’t hang clothes in it. On the other hand, if the clothes are bulky, like gowns, and suits, they will need more depth to be hung properly.

That’s why 24 inches is the minimum depth of a standard closet. But it can extend up to 4-6 feet.

Dimensions of inner sections of bedroom closet

Closets have many inner compartments. It helps to organize your clothes properly. Are there any specific dimensions for them? Let’s check them out-

Hanging section:

The hanging section should be at least 22 inches wide. Else, the hangers won’t be able to move with ease.

For a high-hung closet to hang long dresses, the height of the hanging rod should be 66 inches from the ground. For medium-hung, it can be reduced to 52 inches. And for a double-hung, you can set 2 rods at 80 and 40 inches in height.

Drawers and baskets:

When you have small items to store, drawers are the best options. They can have 18-30 inches in depth. However, there should be enough space for the drawers to open outside.

Baskets can have the same depth as the drawers. But there should be at least 26 inches of space for the basket to extend fully.

Shelves:

You can put shelves according to your need. The height can also be adjusted according to the user’s wish. But usually, you should be able to reach the top and depth of the shelves with your hand without a tool.

How to determine the closet size for a bedroom?

You can not simply choose any size for your bedroom closet. It should be at least compatible with the room’s size. There are a few factors that you need to keep in mind to determine the closet size for a bedroom.

Room size:

The first thing that limits your choice of closet size is your bedroom size. You can not build an island walk-in closet in a single bedroom. You have to think how much space you can give up for a closet.

Storage needed:

You should clearly know how much space you need for a closet. Do you have huge piles of clothes? Are they manageable in a small reach-in closet?

Your necessity gets the utmost priority for determining the closet’s size.

Closet style:

There are multiple types of closets with different structures. Which one do you think suits your needs the best? Do you prefer a walk-in closet? Or are you contented with a portable wardrobe?

You need to choose one particular type of closet first. Only then can you decide on the measurements.

Costing:

Costing plays a considerable role in a closet’s size management. You can’t get a large walk-in closet if you are on a tight budget. You will have to compromise and opt for a smaller size.

Final thoughts

Bedroom closets should have a minimum 6 feet width, which is most likely half of the total room’s width (12×12 feet room). And the depth should be at least 2 feet. But 4 feet is considered standard. And the height varies according to the room’s size. The standard height is usually 8 feet.