How to Design a Custom Closet
Whether you are considering a closet redo or the installation of a custom closet in a new home, Bernhardt’s design team can help you plan and build one essential to your needs by taking every requirement into consideration. Be it a walk-in closet or any other configuration or type, many factors need to be taken into account.
Our designer will begin by asking a number of questions. Here are some examples of what goes into the planning phase:
Take an inventory of your current closet and sort through what you no longer need to keep, such as shoes, handbags, sweaters, dresses, shirts, etc.
Determine the storage needs for each person that will be using the new closet. Roughly determine how many linear feet of hanging space will be required for longer items like dresses and coats, as well as for items which only take up half of the length when hung, such as jackets, blazers, shirts, blouses, skirts and trousers.
Count your pairs of shoes and other footwear such as tall boots. Don't forget to take into account items such as handbags and suitcases, and miscellaneous accessories like hats, scarves, belts and neckties.
Consider other types of storage in your planning process. Do you have dressers in your bedroom that hold some of your wardrobe? Perhaps some of these items–or the dresser itself–can be relocated to your new closet, freeing up some space. Solutions for drawer space in a closet can include a dressing table, a storage island or perhaps a bench for taking shoes on and off. But keep in mind that with these components, you will need to determine if there is enough room to walk comfortably through the closet. Your designer can help you determine this, but as a rule of thumb, a minimum of three feet of clearance all around the island would be ideal.
Size yourself up. How high can you reach a hanging bar or a mounted shelf above your head? A good baseline is about six feet. You can measure this by holding a hanger up, and then dropping it down five inches. This will be your mounting height. Some shelves can be mounted higher, but they would not be used for everyday access.
Custom cabinets can take on a custom look with many finishes and styles to choose from. This investment not only increases the value of your home, but provides years of beauty and convenience.
Contact us today for a free design consultation to discuss your custom closet needs.