Plan to create a walk-in closet? Here’s all you need to know
Many of you may recall the opulent and expansive walk-in closet of Carrie Bradshaw from the movie Sex and the City, meticulously arranged with designer garments. Does it make you dream of having one like that? Indeed, a walk-in closet or walk-in wardrobe is the ultimate storage solution. As the name suggests, it offers ample space for a person to step inside and stand comfortably. In fact, fashion enthusiasts are known to have walk-in closets larger than the master bedroom itself, as mentioned by Pankaj Poddar, co-founder of Hipcouch.
Poddar remarked, “Walk-in wardrobes are gaining popularity in India due to their convenience, spaciousness, and ease of keeping belongings organized, unlike regular wardrobes or cupboards. The extra space in a walk-in closet streamlines the process of getting ready, allowing you to easily sort and access your items. Additionally, it facilitates organization and compartmentalization, making everything readily accessible.”
You can incorporate a walk-in closet into your city apartment, whether you have a dedicated space or not, without draining your finances. All you need are a few clever and practical ideas to bring your dream walk-in closet to life. Here’s how:
1. **Transform a Spare Room into a Closet:**
Convert a spare room into a spacious and stylish walk-in closet that can serve multiple purposes. This room can be used to fold, hang, and store your clothing, jewelry, makeup, and more, doubling as a dressing room. Design the space to accommodate specific items, such as bags, dresses, kurtas, shirts, shoes, and scarves, with a combination of wall-mounted cabinets, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, full-length mirrors, shelves, benches, jewelry drawers, valet rods, seating arrangements, an ironing table, and a dressing table. Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation.
2. **Utilize Corners as Closets:**
Maximize tight or awkward corners by creating cozy walk-in closets with custom-made units, efficient lighting, and orderly arrangements. Use rods to neatly organize your shoes and employ wicker baskets, coat racks, shelf dividers, and modular shelving to maximize space. Consider using sliding doors or curtains as space-saving closet doors.
3. **Convert Reach-In Closets into Walk-Ins:**
Remove the doors of your existing closet to transform it into a walk-in closet. You can use a fabric or bamboo curtain to keep it closed if desired. If you need more shelving, explore options to expand the closet vertically.
4. **Embrace Cubby Closet Designs:**
Wooden cubbies offer both a classic and trendy look for walk-in closets. You can enhance their style with wood paneling, creating a boutique-like atmosphere.
5. **Prioritize Adequate Lighting:**
Lighting is essential for any walk-in closet, whether spacious or compact. Good lighting can enhance the functionality of your walk-in closet and add warmth while keeping pests at bay. Consider LED and pendant lights instead of overhead lights to avoid unflattering shadows. Strip lights along the sides of the mirror not only add glamour but also provide ample illumination while dressing up.
6. **Embrace Minimalist Design:**
Optimize available wall space by installing a mix of open and closed shelves. Use open shelves to display essential items and closed ones to conceal less frequently used items. A simple coat hanger, hanging fabric shelves, and baskets can create a small yet inviting walk-in closet. Don’t forget to add a separate plug socket for your hairdryers and other electrical devices.
7. **Incorporate Chests of Drawers:**
No walk-in closet is complete without a chest of drawers. They offer abundant storage and contribute to a sleek and organized appearance. Dressers help maintain order, as each drawer can house specific items, preventing clutter. You can choose ready-made dressers or have custom ones built to fit the available space.