Get matched with top closet pros in Fairmont, 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.

When you are securing your DIY home office built-ins to the wall, you should start by locating the wall studs. You'll then want to use long screws to attach the cabinets, shelves, and bookcases directly to the wall studs. Your built-ins will be far too heavy to attach to the drywall alone by using anchors.

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.

There are certainly luxury upgrades you can make but you can seriously improve the look and functionality of a closet without spending much money. Color matching will make the closet seem bigger so any shelves painted the same as the wall is a good tip. While pre-made closet organizers may seem expensive they offer an aesthetic look that's hard to achieve with DIY methods. Lastly, removing clutter and unworn items will help the closet seem bigger and cleaner.