Every phenomenon has its beginnings, including closets. You can understand more about this clothing storage solution by taking a little trip back in time. Read our quick look at the history of walk-in closets for a remarkable history lesson!

Roman Beginnings

You can credit Roman soldiers as the people who took the first step towards creating the first closet. However, it wasn’t initially for clothes. The invention of the armorium, a wooden box that held weapons and armor (used to transport from camps), was their idea. During the medieval period, the armorium transformed into elaborate clothes chests that wealthy people used to protect expensive garments from mice and moths. Over the years, clothes chests became popular among the rich and eventually became accessible to everyone.

European Involvement

Throughout history, the armorium evolved into the “armoire,” a tall wardrobe with shelves and drawers enclosed with two doors—this storage solution developed in France during the 17th century. Like the Romans, the armoire would store armor and weapons. However, wealthy people saw it as a storage solution for long garments and cloaks.

The ability to store various clothing options prompted some people to build structures within their homes to hold clothes. You can think of it as an early precursor to wall closets that eventually evolved into walk-in units.

Closets We See Today

Walk-in closets were once small rooms adjoined to people’s bedrooms that served as private spaces for leisure. It wasn’t until the late 1880s that people started to use the rooms for clothing storage. In the beginning, walk-in closets were better classified as reach-in closets. Over time, the storage solution turned into the closets we see today. They’re rooms with shelves and hanging rods that allow people to store their clothes properly.

Pop Culture Influences

Walk-in closets were staples in medium-sized and large homes. Many people saw this storage option as luxurious, and many celebrities saw this as a glamorous addition to their space. Singer, Mariah Carey, featured her enormous walk-in closet during an episode of MTV’s Cribs in 2006. Other celebrities and popular TV shows like Sex and The City also displayed the closet.

Get the Closet of Your Dreams

After looking at the history of walk-in closets, you may gravitate towards this storage option. And you’re in luck with Wood Closets Designs! Use our closet layout tool to start designing your dream walk-in closet today.