Closets come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s important to distinguish their characteristics. Enhance your wardrobe knowledge by reading the complete guide to different closet types. Afterward, consider upgrading your closet system to create your dream space.

Walk-In Closets

As the name suggests, walk-in closets are closets you can walk into. Varying in size, the enclosed space holds hanger compartments, islands, shelves, and master stacks. The closet system provides ample storage space, allowing you to store clothes, shoes, and accessories. If you’re a person with a lot of items, this system is ideal for you.

Furthermore, walk-ins are perfect for shared closets, as couples can share the space. Out of all the closet options, walk-ins offer the most storage. You’ll most likely find walk-in closets in primary bedrooms or see people convert small bedrooms into this wardrobe option.

Benefits of Walk-Ins

As mentioned, walk-in closets are the largest system and offer the most storage. Along with this advantage, there are other benefits to mention.

  • Walk-in closets are entirely customizable.
  • The closets offer privacy as people dress behind closed doors.
  • Along with apparel and accessories, the spacious room holds mirrors and seating.
  • Safely store valuables inside the closet as the door locks.

Drawbacks To Walk-Ins

Although walk-in closets are amazing, it’s essential to note their drawbacks. They’re more expensive to install, the system takes up a lot of space, and these closets require constant organization. Think of walk-ins like another room inside your home. You must maintain the area to keep its appearance. Without committing to an organizational system, a walk-in closet can turn into a wardrobe nightmare. An additional drawback is the limited depth of a walk-in closet. You often can’t have drawers or doors in the unit because they extend beyond the front of the closet and will hit the walls when opened.

Reach-In Closets

Reach-in closets are the most common closet systems inside homes. Also known as built-in closets, hardware is set into the wall. Typically, reach-ins offer hanging space with an open shelf above the rod. However, modern reach-ins have different designs. For example, some units offer multiple shelves, hangers, and a master stack.

Reach-ins are simple and functional spaces that grant easy access to clothes. Since they’re popular systems, you’ll find reach-in closets in most bedrooms. Like walk-in wardrobes, reach-ins are customizable too. You can purchase new hardware that aligns with your storage needs.

Benefits of Reach-Ins

Reach-in closets are popular for a reason. Check out the benefits of this system:

  • Easy to organize and maintain.
  • Easily accessible.
  • Less expensive.
  • Easier to install.
  • Maximize storage in limited space.

Drawbacks To Reach-Ins

With limited space, reach-in closets are difficult to share between two people. They’re also not ideal for someone with a lot of clothes and accessories. Though you can customize the systems, there are design constraints (for example, you can’t incorporate islands). That said, reach-ins get overwhelming if you store several items in the system.

Single-Wall Closets

Single-wall closets are the smallest closet system, as hardware fits on one wall. They have limited space, with shelves, hanger compartments, and minimal drawer space. You’ll find single-wall closets in apartments or small bedrooms. The system is efficient and ideal for minimalists.

When it comes to owning a single-wall closet, becoming an organizational pro is key. Keeping clothes and accessories neat maintains the system’s appearance. Most single walls have bi-folding doors that let you conceal apparel, keeping your items safe.

Benefits of Single Wall

Tiny but mighty. Single-wall closets are small but functional spaces for people with limited room. Here are a few fantastic benefits of single walls:

  • Wall-mounted hardware that keeps items off the floor.
  • Quick and easy to organize.
  • Cost-effective closet system.
  • Simple and functional closet.

Drawbacks To Single Wall

The obvious drawback to single-wall closets is the limited room. The system is best for one person who doesn’t own a lot of items. That being said, you tend to see all of your clothes in a single-wall closet instead of having them hidden behind walls and doors. So, unless you have a tiny wardrobe, this closet system is challenging to own.

Selecting the Right System

Selecting a new closet is a tough decision. However, picking a system that meets your storage needs is important. Assess your current closet and pinpoint areas that require improvement.

Perhaps there’s apparel spilling out onto the floor. In that case, a walk-in or reach-in system is a smart upgrade. Maybe you have unutilized space and want to condense your wardrobe. A single-wall unit is the best choice.

It’s all about reconfiguring the wardrobe to meet your storage and stylistic requirements.

Other Household Closets

When people think about closets, bedroom wardrobes come to mind. After all, that’s where we store clothes, footwear, and accessories. However, homes have various closets that store different things. Check out these common household closets:

Pantry

Pantries are kitchen staples as they hold canned goods, snacks, and other food and food-related items. Most homes have walk-in or reach-in pantries. Though you’ll likely find them in the kitchen, homes have pantries in basements or dry storage spots. That’s where people store nonperishable items in case of emergencies.

Entry Closet

Entry closets, also known as coat closets, are small versions of reach-ins. They’re towards the home’s main entrance and house outerwear like coats, jackets, and hats. Furthermore, people also store umbrellas, shovels, and sports gear inside the closet.

Linen Closet

Linen closets store household linens like towels, bedding, tablecloths, and sheets. Linen closets are usually small, like single-wall systems. You’ll find linen closets near hallways, bedrooms, or laundry rooms.

Utility Closet

Utility closets contain brooms, toolboxes, travel bags, cleaning supplies, and vacuums. Essentially, the system is perfect for miscellaneous items. You’ll find utility closets in garages, basements, or backyard sheds. They’re useful closet systems that many homeowners take advantage of.

Laundry Closet

Dedicated to all things laundry, a laundry closet stores detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and other related items. Some systems even store washing machines! The closet is an excellent alternative to laundry rooms as it takes up minimal space.

Can You Customize All Closets?

From walk-in systems to pantries, every home has different closets. But when it comes to customizing the spaces, many assume it’s exclusive to bedroom closets. Fortunately, that’s far from true! You can customize all types of closets to create optimal storage space.

Perhaps you want more shelves in the pantry or hanger compartments in the utility closet. Regardless of your desires, you can make it happen. Personalize any space to fit your needs.

We hope the complete guide to different closet types inspires you to upgrade your closet systems. When it’s time for a change, let us know! At Wood Closet Designs, we offer custom closet designs with our styling tool. Tailor your living space with our help. If you have any questions, we’re a phone call away.


The Complete Guide to Different Closet Types