If you are installing a coat closet or planning a new home layout, knowing how much space the typical coat closet takes up helps. Generally speaking, all coat closets have certain measurements. Some of the measurements change depending on the space available in your home; others will not change.
Height
The height of the interior of the coat closet is usually the same height as the ceilings, which makes framing the closet easy as the closet walls are simply installed from floor to ceiling. The height of the closet door is also the same as other interior doors, which is around 80 inches tall.
Depth
All coat closets are at least 28 inches deep, which allows large coats to hang in a vertical orientation without brushing against the walls or door. The depth of the coat closet is one measurement that changes with available space. In large homes, more depth is allowed for additional storage or to allow the coats to hang along the side walls, not just the back wall. If the coat closet is a walk-in style, it may be as deep as 6 feet, although this is uncommon. If coats only hang across the back of the closet, making the coat closet deeper only adds limited storage space.
Width
The width of the closet depends on the size of the home and how many coats are stored inside. About six jackets hang per foot of closet space, which means in a family-size home with six people, each owning three coats, 3 feet of closet space is required. Typical coat closet widths range from 3 to 6 feet. Allowing more room for thick winter coats and jackets is advisable. Thick winter coats take up about 4 inches of closet width, depending on their size, which means a closet width of 4 to 6 feet will grant more space and convenience.
Rod Height
The rod height in a coat closet is another important dimension. Rod height is the height of the closet rod from the floor of the closet. Since overcoats take up lots of vertical space, a coat closet rod needs to be higher from the ground. Anywhere from 60 to 65 inches high is an ideal height for your coat closet rod, which gives enough space for overcoats and long rain jackets and is still easy to reach. If you are unsure, determine the height of your rod by measuring the length of your longest coat or garment and adding 2 to 4 inches to provide space under the garment for shoes and boots. Ensure the rod height is easy to reach before hanging it.
FAQs
A depth of 24 inches is the standard minimum for a reach-in closet, but if you plan on hanging bulkier items like coats, a depth closer to 28 inches is ideal. The standards for reach-in closet length are somewhat looser, but 6 feet is generally accepted as the norm.
Is 20 inches deep enough for a closet? ›
A clothes closet should have a minimum depth of at least 24 inches deep, so the clothes can clear the back wall. Shelves for women's shoes should be spaced about 6 to 7 inches apart.
How deep do you need a coat closet? ›
Ideally, the depth of the closet should be around 24 inches deep. For bulkier clothing items like winter coats, the closet depth can be as much as 28 inches. Another factor to consider for your reach-in closet dimensions is the return walls.
Is 7 feet wide enough for a walk-in closet? ›
Determining the Measurements for Your Walk-in Closet
A standard full-size walk-in closet for two people should measure a minimum of 7 by 10 feet. It should preferably have an area of 100 sq. ft as this allows you to have storage units on all three walls with even a sitting area in the middle.
What is the most efficient closet size? ›
The standard size of walk-in closets starts at about 6 x 10 feet or 7 x 10 feet for two people. In general, 100 total square feet is ideal for adequate storage and easy navigation. Plus, this size will allow you to create storage on all three internal walls as opposed to just one or two.
Is 3 feet wide enough for a closet? ›
Standard walk-in closet width: 4-5 feet for single, 6-8 feet for double-sided. Minimum walk-in closet size: 5 x 5 feet (just enough room to turn around). Standard closet width: 24 inches deep so garments don't touch the wall.
How shallow can a coat closet be? ›
The comfortable recommended depth of a closet is 24” (61 cm), but closet depths as narrow as 20” (50.8 cm) can be used if desired. Shelf depths of 12” (30.5 cm) should be used for shoes and smaller clothing elements.
Is 12 inches deep enough for closet? ›
The ideal depth for a reach-in or wardrobe closet tends to be 10 to 12 inches for a closet that is 26-inches deep. A shelf depth of 12 to 14 inches can still be manageable for a reach-in closet that is more than 28-inches deep.
Is 22 deep enough for a closet? ›
How deep should a closet be? A closet should be at least 24 inches deep to allow enough space for clothes to hang without touching the back wall.
Is 6 feet wide enough for a in closet? ›
Typically, the smallest size for a functional walk-in closet is 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep. This size offers just enough space for hanging clothes and some storage options. However, if you want to hang clothes on both sides of the closet or include built-ins, the width should be at least 6 to 7 feet.
The size of a luxury closet can vary greatly depending on the available space and the homeowner's needs. However, a luxury closet typically ranges from 100 to 200 square feet or more, providing ample room for custom cabinetry, display areas, and comfortable seating.
What is the standard closet size? ›
1. What's Your Closet Type?
| Closet Type | Dimensions |
|---|
| Reach-in | 6 ft. x 8 ft. x 24 in. |
| Small walk-in | 4 ft. x 8 ft. x 4 ft. |
| Medium walk-in | 7 ft. x 9 ft. x 6 ft. (up to 12 ft. wide) |
| Large walk-in | 12 ft. x 14 ft. x 7 ft. |
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The size of a luxury closet can vary greatly depending on the available space and the homeowner's needs. However, a luxury closet typically ranges from 100 to 200 square feet or more, providing ample room for custom cabinetry, display areas, and comfortable seating.
How big should a clothes closet be? ›
1. What's Your Closet Type?
| Closet Type | Dimensions |
|---|
| Reach-in | 6 ft. x 8 ft. x 24 in. |
| Small walk-in | 4 ft. x 8 ft. x 4 ft. |
| Medium walk-in | 7 ft. x 9 ft. x 6 ft. (up to 12 ft. wide) |
| Large walk-in | 12 ft. x 14 ft. x 7 ft. |
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A hanger is 18 inches wide, the width of an average man's shoulders, and the garment needs breathing space. Allow 36 inches from the top of a clothing rod to the top of another clothing rod when creating double hanging space.
How much space do you need for a coat? ›
For long dresses and overcoats, allow 178cm/ 70" of hanging space. Men's suit jackets will typically be longer than shirts/ women's tops. Allow a little more space for these items. We recommend 128cm/ 50".
