Want To Add A Hall Closet? How To Determine If You Have The Room

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While there are some items you should stop storing in your hall closet, it's often a catch-all tray for the entire house, storing everything from winter coats to your growing tote bag collection. Folks without a hall closet can attest to the struggle of storing bulky items like blankets and vacuum cleaners, but it is possible to add a closet to your home, provided you have the space. Luckily, determining if you have enough room for a hall closet is as simple as using a measuring tape.

Hall closets are usually what's known as a reach-in closet, which means they're just deep enough to fit items, not people. In order to fit one of these closets into your house, you'll need a free space that accommodates 2 feet in depth and 3 feet in width. You also need to consider location. It's best to install a closet in the middle of a wall instead of an outside corner, since it requires less change to the building's structure. Before making any final decisions about closet placement, be sure to account for the swing and trim space of the door you want to install.

One may assume that making a hall closet a little shallower than recommended wouldn't be too bad, but the issues it would cause wouldn't be worth the renovation cost (which averages around $2000, according to Home Depot). Clothes on hangers won't fit in a closet that is too shallow unless you stow them at an angle, which cuts down on storage space. Additionally, a closet that's too narrow won't be able to fit a lot of items or organizational structures, so you wouldn't be able to install this sleek built-in storage DIY. Remember that when we mention width, we're talking about the measurement from the inside of the closet, not the doorway.

It's possible to achieve the convenience of a hall closet without an entire renovation project by using a large wardrobe. Wardrobe closets are available in the same dimensions as a normal reach-in closet, making them a good option for renters or those who want their closet to be a part of the decor. You may also be served by a low-profile coat rack or console table that can provide storage without taking up too much floor space. And if you decide to install a hall closet after all, you can make the most of the space with clothing rods and shelves, or a custom, budget-friendly closet system.