Reach-In Closet Size: What Size Closet Do I Need?

Homeowners looking to build or upgrade a reach-in closet need to know which size is best. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide how to use the closet and how many people it will serve. Learn the factors that influence the reach-in closet size that’s best for you. 

What Is a Common Reach-In Closet Size?

 Reach-in closets vary in size, but the most common ones are around 6 feet wide and 24 inches deep. This size is great for one or two people to use for daily needs, but it may not be enough for every shoe, suit, watch, or jacket. 

As far as the top end, you can go as big as your wall allows, with some closets extending the entire length of the room. At that point, however, you may want to consider the floor space you’d be sacrificing in that specific room and whether the best use of that square footage really is a reach-in closet. 

Reach-In Closet Size by Type

Unlike walk-in closet dimensions, reach-in closet dimensions are somewhat limited by their depth. Reach-in closets usually house only clothes and shoes, so 24 inches deep is plenty for most. You can expand the depth of your reach-in, but the best bang for your buck, by far, is to extend the length of the closet.   

How to Measure the Right Size of Reach-In Closet

Your reach-in closet is three-dimensional, so your calculated results will be in volumetric units of cubic feet. That being said, closets are commonly priced out and discussed in terms of their floor space, or square footage. If you want to know how much a reach-in can hold versus your current closet size, you can calculate your current closet’s volume with the following formula:

Closet volume = [length (feet) x depth (inches) x height (feet)] / 12

Once you have this number, you’ll be able to know if a new closet actually offers more space. It’s important to remember that a reach-in closet is the most efficient type of closet (due to no wasted floor space for walking). Remember this if you’re comparing a walk-in to a reach-in.

Choosing the Right Reach-In Closet Size

Choosing closet sizes is a bit like choosing the right fridge or washer size. How many people will use it, and how much do you need to fit inside? Do you have enough floor space for a larger installation? What about vertical space? Choosing the right closet size ensures you aren’t wasting square footage—either inside the closet or in the room itself.  

Wall Space 

Reach-in closets can be built wall-to-wall, and they often are. However, it’s more common to fit them in the middle of a wall. Reach-in closets are most popular in bedrooms, so consider adding one on an interior wall where the bed won’t be placed. For hallway reach-ins, you can choose either side.  

Household Size 

The size of your household does play a role in your reach-in size, but such closet types aren’t usually used for every person in the house unless they’re in a hallway, basement, or laundry/utility room as everyone has different needs—shoe enthusiasts may want an entire large reach-in just for their shoe collection, while a minimalist wouldn’t be able to fill even the smallest closet.   

Additional Closet

Homeowners need to determine whether their reach-in closet will be their primary or secondary storage area for clothes and accessories. If a reach-in is your only closet, make sure it can handle all of your belongings. If it’s a secondary, consider downsizing a reach-in project both to keep costs low and to preserve walkable square footage. 

Closet Location

Most reach-in closets are in the bedroom but can also be installed in hallways, guest rooms, entryways, utility rooms, laundry rooms, home offices, kitchens (as a pantry), and almost anywhere the wall space allows. The location shouldn’t affect the project’s total cost unless you need to move or work around load-bearing beams or walls.

Accessories or Special Features

Accessory storage and closet special features, such as lighting or built-in closet drawers, will all add to the price of your reach-in. Typical upgrades to reach-in closets include:

• Jewelry doors and trays

• LED lighting systems

• Shoe racks

• Pull-out baskets or hampers

• Safes

• Accent work like metal or wood trim

The base cost for a reach-in closet will increase for each of the above you add. If you have a dedicated primary closet and your reach-in will be secondary, we recommend upgrading your primary closet and keeping your reach-in as a utility.  

What to Do if You Have the Wrong Reach-In Closet Size

There are a few ways to tell if you might have the wrong reach-in closet size:

• The closet is constantly overflowing

• You can’t seem to fill the closet, and it seems empty

• There are constant moisture issues inside

• You can’t see items in the back or the corners

• There’s no accessory space

• Doors don’t close properly

• It never feels organized or clean

Most people wouldn’t have any problem with a closet that’s a bit large, but too small? That’s a common issue. Talk to a local closet pro to discuss how you can either install a new reach-in closet or extend one you already have.