The standard closet size is going to depend on where you are in the world and what type of closet you are looking to build. There are reach-in and walk-in closets, which each have their own standard size.
The standard reach-in closet is 24 to 96 inches (61 to 244 cm) wide, 84 to 96 inches (213 to 244 cm) tall, and 24 to 30 inches (61 to 76 cm) deep. The standard walk-in closet has a minimum width and depth of 4 feet by 4 feet.
Reach-in Closets
Reach-in closets are the most commonly utilized type of closet and can serve various purposes, from storing clothes to functioning as a pantry. As the name suggests, accessing items in a reach-in closet involves reaching in rather than stepping inside.
For optimal functionality, the ideal depth of a reach-in closet is typically around 24 inches. However, if you need to accommodate bulkier clothing items like winter coats, increasing the depth to approximately 30 inches can be beneficial.
Another crucial aspect to consider when determining the dimensions of your reach-in closet is the presence of return walls. These are the walls on either side of you when you stand in front of the closet. Ideally, return walls should be 12 inches deep or less, allowing for efficient use of space and easy access to stored items.
Walk-in Closets
The minimum size for a walk-in closet is 4 feet by 4 feet (1.2 meters by 1.2 meters). This will allow you to walk in and access hanging clothes and have basic storage. You will need to factor in hanging space, shelving layouts, seating areas, lighting, and a few other options into account what you are looking to build out your ideal closet. You can read our other article What is the Minimum Size of a Walk-In Closet? to see all of the items that you should consider before building your dream walk-in.
