How to Turn a Bedroom into a Closet

Want to turn a bedroom into a closet that'll become the envy of all your friends and neighbors? Here's how:

Determine How Much Space You Need

Home and Gardens states most walk-in closets are at least 8 x 5ft. Also, their ceilings should be 7ft 3in or taller to “allow for double rails of hanging space.” While ceiling heights vary, a small bedroom must be at least 10 x 7ft, so you won’t run into any trouble there.

Figure out your spacial requirements by making a checklist of everything you want to put in it. You can be as pragmatic or imaginative as you’d like, though it would help if you measured the bedroom you're looking to convert first. Here are a few basics to add to the list:

●     Shoe racks

●     Separate sections for your stuff and your partner or spouse’s

●     Hanging space for long coats and dresses

●     Space for a vanity or dressing area

●     Dual rails for shirts and pants

●     Dedicated space for a safe to store valuables

●     Shallow drawers for smaller items

●     Off-season clothing

●     Boxes of holiday decorations and other storage bins

●     Spare bedding

●     Extra towels

●     Luggage

Also, don’t forget that your master bedroom already has closet space. What items are you planning on leaving there, or do you have different plans for it altogether?

You should also think about the general design of your closet while writing this checklist. Will it be in a U-shape or an L-shape, or will there be two parallel rows on opposite ends of the wall? Maybe a single row is all you need, and then you can repurpose the rest of the closet as a makeshift home office.

You have plenty of options, but consider what’s already in the room. Speaking of…

Take Advantage of Natural Light

When you turn a bedroom into a closet, you can keep your windows. Before getting rid of them (which can be a costly mistake if you want to resell), think about their potential benefits.

Natural light adds functionality to your closet. It’s a perfect place to add a vanity or a daybed. You can even place a bench seat beneath it to store your shoes. If you're going the home office route, a window to peer outside can substantially improve your mood. If you’ve ever worked in a windowless space, you’ll know what we mean.

Include Furniture

Spacious closets are the envy of many. Take full advantage of your space by adding a futon or chaise lounge. This room is likely to be your sanctuary, so decorate it accordingly. You can even add a bar cart if you'd like for a mid-afternoon cocktail! If you want to turn it into a guest room, you can also get a convertible futon or a Murphy bed. Your options are plentiful.

Think Before You Act

Do you want to turn a bedroom into a closet? It could be a great way to rearrange your space, but you should think before you act. Transforming a bedroom into a sizable walk-in closet could impact the future resale value of your home.

As a general rule of thumb, most designers suggest making the conversion reversible if a prospective buyer prefers the extra bedroom instead. This is definitely the case if you have three bedrooms or fewer. If you have more and one of the smaller bedrooms shares a wall with your master bedroom, permanently turning a bedroom into a closet is a much more viable option.

Are you still figuring out if converting your bedroom into a closet is the right idea for you? Give us a call! We can help you discuss your options.