Converting a Small Room Into A Walk-In Closet

Do you mark the changing seasons by packing up your summer clothes and moving them into storage? Then spend the day unpacking your winter clothes, and reorganizing your closets? Do you have regular “discussions” with a spouse over hanger space or drawers? If so, you're a prime candidate for a closet conversion.

Do you have an extra room? Turning that spare space into a beautiful, functional walk-in closet/dressing room isn't a big expensive task, and it can reap instant rewards!

Before You Begin Your Remodel

Planning your space, and dreaming a little are the first steps to take before you begin your project. A basic walk-in closet includes rods for hanging clothes, drawers for t-shirts, underwear, and socks, and open storage for organizing shoes. Once you have the basics, it's time to dream!

Many high-end walk-in closet/dressing rooms add a touch of luxury. For example, you can include tie-racks, hampers, slide-out rods, and built-in full-length mirrors. If you have the square footage, you can include an island with locked storage for jewelry, luxury lighting, a sitting area for relaxing, even a fireplace. Your only limitations are the space available, your budget, and your creativity!

In terms of planning your closet, think about functionality. Think about your wardrobe. You'll want some rod space for hanging longer garments like gowns and coats, open shelves or cubbies for sweaters or folded shirts, hanging rods for suits, skirts, and blouses, and storage for shoes and boots.

Once you've figured out functionality, begin to think about aesthetics.

Work With A Remodeling Professional

It's often better and more cost-effective to work with a professional designer or design-build firm. Working with a professional can help you to create a more efficient layout that will maximize the space available and give you a great looking space. They will have an understanding of what is possible in terms of closet systems, and the ability and expertise to create custom cabinetry if your budget allows.

When you work with a professional designer, they will work with you to understand your needs and your lifestyle. They'll then take measurements and create a precise professional plan. A professionally designed and installed closet can take from four to six weeks to complete from design through completion. However, if there is custom work involved, it may take a bit longer.

The cost can vary widely depending on the room size, the scope of work, and the quality and complexity of the closet conversion. That being said, if you have the budget. The sky is the limit. A high-end set-up with extra features, like an island, or a seating area, or fancier finishes, will cost more. With a mid to high-end conversion, you can expect to pay $5000 or more.

What Makes For A Good Walk-in Closet?

An excellent walk-in closet will meet your specific needs. Most professional designers offer a free consultation, ask you a series of questions and take inventory of shoes, long, medium, and single hang items. They will ask men if they prefer to fold their pants in half or hang them long, whether the homeowners have a lot of jewelry, and would like velvet-lined drawers for storage. In short, they will get to know and understand your lifestyle and how you'll use the space when it's completed.

Other Walk-In Considerations...

If you're doing a straight conversion and simply adding clothes racks, drawers, and shoe storage, you most likely will not need to pull a permit for the job. However, you will probably need a permit if you are adding lighting or outlets, altering plumbing to accommodate an ice machine or coffee bar. A professional contractor will understand your local building codes and will make sure that you have the appropriate permits in place before you begin the project.

Lighting is another critical element of a properly designed walk-in closet. The best option is always natural light. If your space has a window, it can be beneficial. However, direct sunlight can cause clothes to fade. If you're doing a full conversion, you might want to consider replacing any windows with a Low-E coated replacement window. Low-E coatings allow the sunlight to enter the space but filter out the harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can damage fabric over time.

In addition to natural light, your contractor should develop a lighting plan that incorporates three types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. This can not only add to the room's aesthetic beauty but improve its functionality. For example, including task lighting in the dressing area w make applying make-up and matching clothing easier, a chandelier to create an ambiance, and under-shelf lighting to make finding the right dress easier.

If you choose to work with a professional, the best time to schedule your project is in the early spring or late fall. Summer is often the busiest time of year, so if you want to minimize wait times, you will need to consider this. A spacious closet requires a surprising amount of material. You will need to keep walkways clear if you're building your closet in the Winter. If you're painting or building walls, sheetrock and paint will dry more quickly when the weather is less humid or rainy. Contact us to learn more about our process and to schedule an in-home meeting to discuss all of your options.

Adding a walk-in closet to your home is a great way to improve your quality of life. It gives you a space to organize your clothing, and if large enough, to relax as you prepare for work or a night on the town!

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area, why not give the award-winning designers at Degnan Design Build Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Since 1981, Degnan has been helping Madison area homeowners achieve their creative vision and craft the perfect living space through their innovative designs, professional communication, and true craftsmanship.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 8/23/2022

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