When it comes to organizing our personal spaces, closets play a pivotal role. They serve as a private dressing room, storage space, and it’s where all your clothes and accessories live. As our lifestyles evolve and our needs change, we might find ourselves wondering: “What’s better: a spacious walk-in closet or a practical built-in one?”
You may have had enough closet space when you first moved in, but a redo of your dressing space might be just what you need to give your home a refresh. Clients often come to Laurysen to upgrade their basic “one rod, one shelf” builder-grade closets with custom solutions that maximize their space.
In this article, we’ll explore the features, benefits and scenarios where each type of custom closet shines, helping you make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.
What is a walk-in closet?
Walk-in closets are essentially a dedicated dressing room with enough space for your clothing and storage needs. They are larger than a standard built-in closet, offering ample space for you to walk around and access your belongings with ease. This type of closet often features shelving, hanging rods, drawers and other storage solutions to keep your items organized.
When should I install a walk-in closet?
Walk-in closets are an excellent choice if you have the available space and want a luxurious and organized walk-in wardrobe experience. Here are a few scenarios where walk-ins might be the perfect fit:
More space
If you have a spare room adjacent to your primary or larger bedroom, a walk-in closet can be a fantastic use of the space. A huge walk-in closet that uses the floor space of an entire room is going to feel luxurious no matter how many clothes and accessories you have to fill it!
Growing wardrobe
If your clothing collection is expanding, a walk-in closet can accommodate your growing needs, providing ample room to organize your entire wardrobe, from clothes and shoes to accessories.
Efficient organization
If you love staying organized and want dedicated storage areas for different types of clothing, shoes and accessories, a walk-in closet can make your life much easier. When organized properly, your clothes storage will take up much less space than you imagine.
Advantages of walk-in closets
Space
The most significant advantage of a walk-in closet is the sheer amount of space it offers. You’ll have room to move around, making it easier to access your items and get dressed.
Organization
Walk-in closets typically come with various storage options, such as built-in wardrobes, drawers, hanging rods and even islands. This makes it easier to keep your clothing and accessories organized and prevents clutter.
Customization
You can customize walk-in closets to fit your specific needs. Whether you need more hanging space, custom cabinets or designated shoe racks, walk-in closets can be designed to suit your individual preferences.
Luxury and value
A well-designed walk-in closet can add a touch of luxury to your home and increase its resale value.
What is a built-in closet?
A built-in closet, also known as a reach-in closet, is a more compact and conventional type of closet that is typically built into the wall. It’s a standard closet solution found in most homes, consisting of a single or double door and some basic interior components for storage. Although smaller in size, customized built-in cabinetry, rods and shelves can be created to meet your needs and preferences.
When should I install a built-in closet?
A built-in closet is a practical choice for various situations, particularly when space is limited or you’re looking for a straightforward and efficient storage solution. Here are some scenarios where a built-in closet might be the better option:
Limited space
A built-in closet is a space-efficient solution if you have a small space and not enough square footage for a walk-in closet. It’s amazing how a builder-grade closet — typically limited to one shelf and one rod — can be transformed and significantly increase storage capacity.
Minimalist lifestyle
If you prefer a simpler and more minimalist approach to organization and don’t have an extensive wardrobe, a built-in closet can provide sufficient storage without unnecessary space.
Cost considerations
Built-in closets are generally more cost-effective than walk-in closets, making them a practical choice if you’re on a budget.
Advantages of built-in closets
Space efficiency
Built-in closets are designed to fit into smaller spaces, making them ideal for apartments, smaller bedrooms or rooms where a walk-in closet wouldn’t be feasible.
Cost-effective
Built-in closets are usually more budget-friendly than creating a dedicated walk-in closet, making them a practical choice for those looking to save on costs.
Simplicity
If you prefer a straightforward storage solution without the need for extensive customization or extra space, a built-in closet gets the job done.
Versatility
While built-in closets may be smaller, they can still be customized to some extent, allowing you to maximize the available space and tailor the storage to your needs, including extending storage solutions to the ceiling and integrating both adjustable and pull-out shelving.
Transforming closets
The choice between walk-in closets and built-in closets ultimately depends on your lifestyle, available space and organizational preferences. If you have enough room and a growing wardrobe, a walk-in closet provides luxury and efficient organization. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a practical and cost-effective storage solution or have limited space, a built-in closet is the way to go.
Whatever you choose, a well-organized closet can significantly enhance your daily routine, making it easier to find what you need and start your day on the right foot.
This column originally appeared on Laurysen’s blog.
