Getting dressed is serious business! Most people run out of space before they run out clothes which isn’t necessarily the worst thing, but still isn’t good. It’s tiring rotating clothes each season in and out of storage and vacuum-sealed bags, it’s also bad for your clothes.
It’s not surprising so many of us need a walk-in closet. Get this, It’s estimated that women spend approximately $125,000 on clothing during their lifetime totaling 3,100 apparel and accessory items.
But it ain’t just women spending big bucks on clothes. Survey results reveal men spend on average $1,020 per year on clothes. I actually think that’s a low figure. I suspect many men spend $5,000 or more per year if they require suits for work.
Where does all this stuff go?
You guessed it, a walk-in closet… hopefully you have one or are planning to get one. The fact is a walk-in closet is very handy.
Walk-In closets (or armoires) come in all shape and sizes. They can range from 25 square feet to the size of a whole room, 100 square feet or more.
These types of armoires have room to hold jewelry, shoes, clothes, linens, and really anything else you’d like to put in there. But, there are certain things that make a walk-in wardrobe more desirable than others.
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Awesome Walk-In Closet Photo Gallery
A walk-in closet should highlight style and functionality, and this design is a perfect representation of these characteristics. From an elaborate shoe rack, tie-rack and multitudinous drawers to regular cloth-hangs and a mirror, this walk-in closet has everything to up your dressing game. An elegant chandelier and a round ottoman turn the style and functionality up a notch.
This wood-themed walk-in closet is every fashion lover’s dream come true. The two-toned wood panels add sophistication and grandeur while lots of shelves and drawers ensure that you have ample amount of space to store all your clothes, shoes and accessories. Warm yellow ceilings lights provide the necessary lightning besides adding more elegance to the place.
This walk-in closet design embraces open-storage in every possible manner. The island provides extra storage space for folded clothes while there are plenty of hangers to hold all the ironed shirts.
Besides providing the essential storage space, this walk-in closet is more about grandiose. The pristine white-wash walls and Roman-style pillars that contrast against the deep hazelnut wooden floor add a stately beauty to the house in a subtle way.
Although this walk-in closet is not as grand as walk-in wardrobes usually are, it still doesn’t miss out on any storage elements. Be it hangers, shoe-rack, drawers or shelves, this cozy and compact walk-in wardrobe is packed with multiple options. There’s a table mirror to make sure you look spot-on and a mini stool to sit while putting on your shoes.
Simple and practical are two words that best describe this walk-in closet. Everything looks neat and tidy arranged in a proper way, but if you prefer, the closet can be hidden from view by closing the double French doors.
This walk-in closet maximizes its storage potential despite its small size. The sleek wooden armoire and shelves that extend all the way to the top are the ultimate way to house all your clothes and shoes in a small space.
This modern style walk-in wardrobe speaks of the beauty in keeping everything well organized. The shelves are of varying sizes to fit different items while the island in the center add more storage options.
This is a perfect example of turning your unused attic into a modern space with character.
Women are die-hard fans of such a stylish walk-in closet. Under-the-shelf light fixtures illuminate the place besides adding a touch of lavishness whereas the room also has an ottoman and a mini desk that make it feasible for women to apply makeup.
Such a grand walk-in closet can surely house all the apparels and accessories of all the family members. We see an entire wall dedicated to shoe storage while there is also a window seat for additional functionality.
Drenched in milk-coffee color, this walk-in closet is brimming with elegance and is best suited for anyone who wants the maximum space for containing various items.
Seems like a picture of a luxury retail store, doesn’t it? Well, it is actually a residential walk-in closet. With ceiling length shelves and light fixtures embedded within the shelves and racks, this wardrobe is a great example of a beautiful design.
Entering this walk-in closet seems like entering a fine clothing store during the Victorian era. Dedicating an entire room for a walk-in wardrobe like this is a good choice when you have a large family as it saves times and helps with staying organized.
This walk-in closet design is all about minimalism and simplistic living. Covering an entire side with mirrors make the room look bigger than it actually is.
For all art and fashion lovers, this is an ideal walk-in closet design. There are wall hooks for hanging your handbags, fixtures to suspend your headbands as well as a plentiful space for keeping all the shirts and dresses.
This walk-in closet design has everything neatly stashed away in the cupboards. It features traditional reach-in closets and is best for those who do not like the contemporary open-storage ideas.
You can take some smart storing tips from this design. Note the steel pegs on the side of the centre piece for hanging all your ties and belts in an organized manner. It also makes them very easy to access.
A walk-in closet as majestic as this one might not be suitable for every house, but you can take ideas from the use of upholstered ottoman and translucent glass for a pristine look.
This primeval walk-in closet features two gigantic islands and an array of cupboards for storage space that is beyond belief.
A few adornments such as a trendy chandelier and a chic seat can add tons of style to any walk-in closet.
This monochromatic walk-in closet is best for people who own a lot of black apparel and fashion accessories.
This all-black walk-in wardrobe denotes how a bright velvet bench and skylights can bring a modern look to the place.
A plain white design is a good choice for walk-in closets as it counterbalances the cluttered look that often stems from open storage.
This walk-in wardrobe is truly unique. The sleek metallic furnishings provide a contemporary look that is further accentuated by dramatic blue lightning.
This systematized walk-in wardrobe focuses on making the most out of the available space. There are different shelves to place boots, sneakers, and other shoes perfectly.
Several rods allow you to hang all your clothes and keep them wrinkle free while a chest of drawers provide space for keeping more personalized items out of sight.
This mini walk-in closet comprises of two sliding doors to hide the space when guests arrive.
Notice how this design features built-in baskets for keeping toiletries and towels separated from the daily-wear clothing items.
If you prefer dark-wooden furnishings, then pair them with spotlessly white floor and ceiling for a neat and modest walk-in closet.
For homeowners who prefer homeliness instead of extravagance, this modest walk-in wardrobe design will be the ideal fit.
This ostentatious walk-in wardrobe is every women’s fantasy. An island with a glass top is a stylish and clever way to make the items stored therein clearly visible.
This armoire is housed within the bedroom rather than built separately, but still provides inspiration for a walk-in design nonetheless.
For broody men who want style along with sturdiness, this dark wood-inspired yet modern walk-in wardrobe is the definite design.
This fascinating walk-in wardrobe features its own ladder to easily access the high cupboards.
This luxurious walk-in wardrobe comprises of a wide vanity table that women are sure to fall in love with.
Two-tier walk-in wardrobe may not fit in every house, but it will definitely add loads of style and will be a flamboyant addition to your house.
Taken from a different angle, this picture shows the stairs leading up to the second floor, and a portion of the closet fit in underneath the stairs.
Take notes from this design on how to combine open shelves, racks and conventional reach-in closets for an exquisite walk-in wardrobe.
If you have tons of accessories but are running short of space, then use the sides and under-the-stairs space like this nifty design.
This impressive walk-in closet is spread over a wide area in a very open configuration. It comprises of a modern bench and a large center table that serves multiple purposes.
To add an exclusive touch to your walk-in wardrobe that is rustic and modern at the same time, consider a sleek hanging lamp and a upholstered velvet bench such as this one.
This simple and elegant design is the best example of how to turn a spandrel into an open closet.
Use the large attic space in your house as a walk-in closet just like this homeowner has done.
This wood-inspired walk-in armoire pays tribute to the old-world charm with its attractive chestnut hues.
This walk-in closet from a house in Japan is ideal for professionals who own a lot of white clothes as they will balance well against the deep chocolate wooden interior.
This walk-in wardrobe design comprises of certain elements that take it to a whole different level. The built-in desk by the window is best of pensive people while the coral and deep blue suede seating arrangement lets you sit back and relax.
For walk-in closets, it is usually preferred to make the furnishings from one single material as it provides a well-integrated look.
A walk-in wardrobe that is modest, graceful, stylish and immaculate all at the same time.
This walk-in wardrobe that leads to the washroom features two-shaded high-gloss vinyl cupboards and a narrow desk where you can place jewelry and other similar items.
6 Must-Have Features
- Island: Having an island creates a perfect spot for your jewelry. You can install jewelry drawers directly into the island or simply use the surface.
- Mirror: It’s important that you know how something looks before you go out of the wearing it! Place the mirror about 10 feet away from you, that distance allows your to see your full outfit and provides a realistic reflection of your outfit.
- Sitting Area: This one’s easy…ever fall over when you’re trying to put on your shoes or socks?! It also adds a touch of class to an already classic room.
- Space For Shoes & Handbags: I can’t be the only one with a slight shoe addiction. If your shoes and handbags are displayed properly it will be easier to plan an outfit because you can see everything you have (and not have to dig to the back of the closet because you can only find one shoe).
- Drawers: Drawers are useful for both men and women. Women can put intimate items and jewelry in their drawer, while the men can use the drawers for their watches and wallets.
- Lighting: Bad lighting can be detrimental to your perception of yourself. Lighting should be soft & welcoming, not harsh.
3 Optional Features
- Vanity: A vanity is a great feature for a walk-in closet used by a woman. It offers a place for applying make-up and doing hair; a walk-in closet is a fitting place for such activities.
- Desk: I actually find this an odd feature in a walk-in closet, but some do include a desk. It wouldn’t by my first place to do office work, but I suppose if you simply can’t get away from the computer even to dress, it’s necessary.
- Tie-rack: I’m a guy with a load of neck ties. A tie rack is an important feature. I actually think it’s a must-have feature but obviously it’s not necessary for women’s walk-in closets.
Instead, make life grand and luxurious for yourself by getting a wardrobe you can walk into and relax. Below you’ll find 29 pictures of luxury designs… some may be preferred by women while others by men, but they’re all incredible.
Do Walk-in Closets Increase a Home’s Value?
I don’t think too many people get a walk-in closet for resale value. It’s a nice feature to have and for some people it’s a must-have feature.
In fact, storage in our consumerism society is a premium. We have so much stuff including clothes and shoes.
However, if you’re a numbers person, you probably want to know if investing in a walk-in closet makes financial sense?
While I don’t have empirical evidence (it’s a very difficult thing to assess), my hunch is that investing up to a certain point makes sense. I think also how much you invest in a walk-in closet depends on the luxuriousness of the house.
For example, if it’s a 2,800 square foot house costing $350,000, investing $5,000 to $10,000 in a walk-in closet in the primary bedroom is well worth it. People shelling out $350,000 for a home will appreciate the luxurious closet.
However, it wouldn’t make sense to shell out $50,000 for a closet for the same house. Nobody with a $350,000 budget would be willing to pay an extra $50,000 for an outrageously awesome closet.
On the flip side, if the home is 12,000 square feet and valued at $3 million dollars, a $50,000 walk-in closet (i.e. room) makes sense.
All in all, as long as you invest in a walk-in closet an amount relative to the scope of home, it more often than not makes sense to invest in a walk-in closet. I’m not alone in this assessment.
Should You Convert a Bedroom Into a Closet?
This is a very tricky question.
If you have a unique home with 5 bedrooms, converting one into a closet isn’t too bad of an idea.
If you have a 3 bedroom home, it’s unlikely converting one bedroom into a closet will work out financially. There’s big demand for 3 bedroom homes and it’s worth more than a 2 bedroom home by quite a bit (all else being equal). In other words, that third bedroom is more valuable than a walk-in closet.
Not All Decisions Should Be Financial Decisions
I think sometimes homeowners miss the forest from the trees and get too wrapped up in resale value. Remember, you need to live in the home and if you’re planning on living in a home for a long time, you shouldn’t base every decision on resale value.
There’s personal value and enjoyment in creating the home you want. If it’s 2 bedrooms with a luxurious walk-in closet, go for it. Years of enjoyment is priceless. You only live once.
For instance, if your kids recently left home and it appears like they aren’t returning and you plan on staying put for another 10 to 20 years, why not invest in your wants, assuming you won’t compromise your retirement doing so. 10 years enjoyment of a walk-in closet, even if it impacts resale value is well worth it in my view.
You’ve probably done without raising kids so there is no harm in splurging here and there. The key is being aware of the costs and benefits of such decisions and to not discount your wants all the time for the sake of your bank account.
