Get matched with top closet pros in Elgin, NE

The differences between a built-in closet and a walk-in aren’t that different from a built-in wardrobe and a walk-in closet. It’s fairly simple—a walk-in closet is a closet you can physically enter, stand in, and walk around in. A built-in (whether wardrobe or closet) is more akin to covered shelves installed into a recess in the wall. Another big difference is walk-in closets almost always have traditional full-size doors, while built-ins either have no doors or use sliding doors.

Some features and upgrades you can add (some of which increase the closet’s value) are: modular shelving, motion-activated lighting, climate control, custom lighting, cigar humidors, revolving shoe racks, jewelry shelves, custom woodwork, and built-in laundry hampers. While only truly luxury closets have all of these, many custom closets have at least one special feature listed above. 

When storing your clothes long-term, first consider the container's breathability. While plastic bags, cardboard boxes, or vacuum sealing may be great options for short-term storage, they won’t help your clothes hold up in the long term. Breathable plastic boxes and fabric bags help with airflow, prevent mold or mildew from building up, and allow proper airflow.

The time it takes to build a closet varies widely depending on the type of closet you want. A simple, reach-in custom closet can take less than a day to complete, while a walk-in closet may take a day or two, or even more, depending on its features. The pro you’re working with can give you the best time estimate depending on your project, but if you’re planning to DIY your closet, you’ll typically want to budget a bit more time.