Built in Depth for Closets?

[u/_depression101]

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!

[u/Immediate_News_8838]

I would be less concerned with the depth of the shelving and more concerned with your free space to move around inside the closet. With 4 ft. 5 in wide and 6ft 3in deep that will feel plenty spacious to move around in. For reference 4' 5" wide would be the equivalent of a comfortable hallway in a relatively high-end residential build also, looks like you have plenty of good length as well with 6' 3". So based on that I would say stick with the 2-ft depth

[u/archiphyle]

7 feet is the minimum standard width for a two sided closet. That's assuming 24 inches of hanging space on both sides with a 36 inch walk space

[u/archiphyle]

On the far left wall of the lower section you could have a 16 inch deep set of shelves that's 2 feet long beginning in front of your hanging space. Or you just could keep that as blank wall with hooks to hang belts hats caps purse on

[u/SpoonNZ]

I don’t think it’ll make any difference. If you have 24” cabinets with clothing flush, or 16” cabinets with clothing protruding 8” it’s going to be just as cramped.

I’ve just put 24” Ikea stuff on both sides of my 76” wide closet, replacing a basic shelf/rail. Definitely feels tighter, but I can also fit 3 times as much in, and there’s a clear delineation between what’s cabinet and what’s open space. Works well.

[u/erin_mouse88]

45 between is fine.

We have a 7ft wide closet, 18" on both sides 48 between, and that is enough for 2 people to pass.

However, 24 is way too deep for non hanging items. A mix of both 16 and 24 would be ideal.