Get matched with top closet pros in Bastrop, LA

A standard walk-in closet has dimensions of 7 feet by 10 feet at a minimum and an average of 100 square feet. Remember that the dimensions of the closet aren’t necessarily the usable space. This means that a 100-square-foot walk-in closet with shelves on each wall and an island may only have a walkable area of 50 square feet or less. Make sure you consider the effect of additions when you plan the room—mockups are a great idea.

Plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and solid wood are all popular options for closet shelving. Plywood and solid wood are sturdy and ideal for extended shelves or heavy items. MDF is a budget-friendly choice for light to moderate storage, but it can sag under heavy weight if not adequately supported. Wire shelving is another alternative that allows airflow, making it especially useful in humid spaces such as laundry rooms or basements.

Although you can complete a closet frame in just an afternoon, finishing the entire closet will take a few days to a week. However, that’s still not as much as the average time it takes to remodel a closet, which can take anywhere from several weeks to more than a month. That’s because you also have to consider the time it will take to demolish the existing space, plan a new design, order materials, and actually install it. 

You can modernize an old-looking closet by just painting it, but beyond that, consider electric elements like recessed or accent lighting. If this is a large and deep closet, you can consider adding an island to the middle or a nice ottoman on a rug. Luxury closets will have even more items, like felt-lined drawers for watches and jewelry, in-wall safes, electronic shoe storage, or a tablet catalog of their items.