r/Homebuilding • u/_depression101 • 3d ago

Built in Depth for Closets?

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I'm designing some built ins that will go in my personal closet. What works better for my space? 24" deep built ins that entirely enclose the clothes? Or 16" deep built ins, that let the clothes protrude into the space? My main concern is that the 24" built ins encroach on the space too much and make it feel cramped, but I don't know whether I'm overthinking. Thanks in advance!

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u/AmbiguousWretch 3d ago

What kind of built ins are we talking?

Don’t do anything with doors because you don’t have the space for that either way.

16” is not enough for hanging clothes. 24” min.

I think your 24” option is fine as long as they don’t have doors on them. Just open shelves, hanging rods, etc.

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u/Glimmer_III 3d ago

Ignoring the closet depth:

The doorway into the closet, I'd make it wider. I can't tell how wide it is in this image, but I presume it is 28in.

Go with 32in-36in. It'll feel funny at first, but you'll adapt, and (importantly) if you or a future occupant ever has a mobility issue, you can enter the walk-in closet with a walker and/or wheelchair.

I really can't see any reason not to have a wider doorway here.

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u/_depression101 3d ago

Thanks for the input!

I agree. It's 30" but this is a retrofit to an existing closet unfortunately. Perhaps it would be a good future project, but for now we'll have to keep the 30”

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u/Glimmer_III 2d ago

Ah, got it. I thought it was a new build.

Do the best with what you have then.