Proper sizing of a closet and its components is key to their efficiency and sustainable uncluttering. Take the below size-guide as baseline dimensions:
Sizes for walk-in closets
Standard closet dimensions are:
- Width: 6' to 12'
- Height: 4' to 6'
- Depth: 3' to 4'
Dimensions for sections for hanging clothes:
- Width: 4' or 6'
- Height: 4' for coats and jackets, 2' for folded clothes such as pants, 3' for shirts and blouses
- Depth: 2'
Since these sections have different height requirements, you could also divide them, with the 4' tall section going on the top, while the 3' and 2' sections can be at the lower compartments of the closet. All hanging sections should have a minimum of 6" air space on all the sides.
An alternative size arrangement is double-hang, wherein you can configure short and long hanging heights in the same section. Hanging heights for long and short rods will be 4' and 2' respectively.
For large walk-in closets of 12' width, there should be about 2' of walkway space on all the sides.
Important: Walk-in closets for the disabled persons should have a walkway space 30" wide and 48" deep, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
As for shelves, these are the size-guides:
- 14" depth and 12" width. This will comfortably accommodate folded garments without disturbing their crisp folds or creasing them.
- A gap of 18"-20" between shelves for optimizing their usage and for adequate air circulation.
- The upper shelves will be at the height of the upper hanging rod -- about 60" to 66" from the floor.
- Middle shelves will be at the belt level -- about 36" from the floor.
- No shelves below 30" height, as they are ergonomically not advisable.
You can have closed cabinets on the lower part of closets for storage of footwear and miscellaneous items.
Sizes for reach-in closets
These are not as deep as walk-in closets, just deep enough to hang coats and overcoats perpendicularly to the back wall, and shallow enough so that you don't have to step in to take the coats out.
Standard dimensions of reach-in closets:
- Width: 6' to 8'
- Height: 4' to 5'
- Depth: 2' to 2 ½'
Also, because reach-in closets are less deep, their return walls should be of maximum 12" depth, or else they will create deep crevices that will be difficult to access without stepping in.
The rest of the dimensions remain the same as those of walk-in closets.