I’m turning the spare bedroom into a walk-in closet!

5 years ago

Hello! My boyfriend and I are moving into our first house soon, and we’re planning to turn the spare bedroom into a closet/dressing room. The room has slanted walls and a low ceiling, so I’m not sure what to do about storage units, wardrobes, etc. I’d really appreciate some advice!

Featured Answer

artistsharonva

5 years ago

A local closet design company can do wonders. They often have superior product compared what's available in stores or online. I have had problems ordering big material online,because it often comes in damaged.

I have design closets for over 10+ years for several companies. The prices truly are different for the same materials. The smaller business usually have less overhead & pay less in franchise fees.

I prefer the 3/4" High Density MDF hanging systems instead of the build from ground up material. That way if I want to go down to floor it's because I choose to. The build up from floor systems make it so big things can't slide under, if you need that.

The hang system is very strong metal brackets & it is secures through all the studs.

Determing enough hang space for current clothes & future shopping.

In order of costs.

$ double hang

$$ long hang

$$$ shelving

$$$$ drawers

Avoid wire. more of a nuissance.

Best successes to your project.

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Comments (26)

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Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
You might want to enlist a cabinet maker to make the best use of the space , but it is a good plan.
Judy Mishkin
5 years ago
how many other bedrooms are there? if fewer than 4, you might want to be able to move everything out of this and make it a bedroom again at sale. and be able to take freestanding units with you.
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That layout sounds kind of like what the 2 bedroom units in the HOA I lived in when we were still in SoCal was like...The vanity area of the bathroom had a closet facing the vanity/sink side that was the two sliding door type, with a door to the toilet/tub+shower part of the bathroom to the right (left if you're coming in the door from the master bedroom) and a door to the master bedroom on the left (right if you're coming in from the toilet/tub+shower part of the bathroom) - another double door slider closet was in the master bedroom. They almost always painted all of the walls, the closet doors, and the doors in/out of each space the same color as the master bedroom because it was adjoining. The smaller bedroom accessed the bathroom through another door off the upstairs hallway, so sometimes that smaller bedroom would be painted a different color but not always. White (the same one as was used elsewhere) was a popular and sensible choice, you can always add color with accessories and art! White bedding can start to look dingy if you don't wash it in hot water (occasionally adding bleach to go into the load while it's running), so think about how much 'maintenance' you're willing to do before buying all the bedding in white (sheets and pillowcases in white aren't as big of a deal because you typically have 'decorative' pillows and a comforter/duvet covering them when you get the bed made each day). :) When we had the house on the market the 'stager' had us buy one of those cheap bed-in-a-bag comforter/shams/decorative throw pillow sets in white with a little area of patterned print down at the part that goes on the foot of the bed, which I thought was totally impractical given that our dog loves being on the bed and washing the thing would have made the fiberfill migrate around so it would be lumpy when it went back on the bed! At least the place sold in less than a month after being listed so we didn't have to worry about it for very long. :P
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Kim Q
5 years ago
I’ve done this in a few places we have lived that had tiny closets. I just created my own dressing room and left my husband with the little master closet. I would set up a vanity table and bring in a dresser and then use the existing closet for hanging. If needed a bookcase can be used for shoes and bags and you can get a freestanding clothes rack. I wouldn’t do anything permanent though. I would also store the ironing board and steamer in there.
RaiKai
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I’ve done this in a small house before. It is a great solution if you don’t need all the bedrooms as bedrooms. Just stick to removable units so when you leave it can be a bedroom again for next person who needs an actual bedroom (though you may need to do some patching!)

IKEA has lots of great affordable options for storage units. I would put low cabinets or shelving around sides. You can even take advantage of your angled walls with IKEA systems:

https://m.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/spr/59906345/

For hanging, you can set something like this up in all that space:

https://m.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/art/50231630/

Even better if you can find them for a good price: I have used rolling racks that wedding dress stores use. Super sturdy and smooth. If you can find a store selling them off at a great price they are worth it! You can set something up like that in middle of the room and move them around as needed or desired to make room.

Also consider leaving the sun blocked during the day at least - a lot of sun on your clothing, shoes, bags will cause fade over time. Find some pretty drapes maybe :)
Reece C
5 years ago
I had the same dilemma. I also wanted to be able to put on my makeup in my dressing room since my husband and I have to share a small bathroom (though I keep a small stash in there too, lol) Here are some of the things I used. I opted for very functional over a showpiece since this room is only for me.

Desk with cubies

Shelf

There are several pieces in this line of furniture in different sizes.
Garment Rack

This garment rack is available in a quite a few heights, depths and widths. Also with casters. Very heavy duty. I started with a couple on amazon but they were too light duty in my opinion.
Dresser

Because I loved it and needed a place for socks, under garments, etc.

I even have sloped walls! I screwed c type hooks into edge of the ceiling and hung larger handbags and backpacks.

The small closet in my dressing room holds all long garments and my collection of taller boots.

Agree with Rai Kai above, you must keep find something that will help block light through the window.

Good luck and have fun! I got a quote from the custom closet designer I used for the walk in in my previous home and to get what I wanted was jaw droppingly expensive. I really ended up enjoying piecing mine together.
Caitlin
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks so much for your advice and links! They’ll be incredibly helpful during my planning process :) You guys are great!
summersrhythm_z6a
5 years ago
I am planning to do the same thing to turn a bedroom into a walk in closet with a lot of portable clothing racks. I will make some pipe clothing racks myself.

https://homemadely.com/organization/diy-clothing-rack/
J J
5 years ago
Following because that will be my next project! Have fun.
suezbell
5 years ago
Some storage (such as drawers and/or base cabinets w/shelves and solid doors) could be built in where the ceiling height is low beneath the eaves -- where the bed is shown

https://www.google.com/search?q=built+in+attic+eave+storage&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjF4bKQid_cAhUjc98KHeadDb0Q_AUICygC&biw=1366&bih=650

to keep your options for future use of the room open -- such as a possible nursery -- individual wardrobes are well worth considering for hanging items.

Sometimes the older, deeper solid wood analog tv stands can be found at a bargain price at Habitat for Humanity Restore Stores (and/or thrift stores and other used stuff places) -- many with doors and drawers on the front. By replacing (or just covering) the back w/a solid piece of plywood to close the holes used for cable and electric wire access, these make good storage for bed/bath items and even folded jeans and sweaters you might not want to hang up.

While the wheeled garmet racks certainly can be useful temporarily, many are easily knocked over and any open storage can enable your clothes get dusty -- and having drapes/curtains in the room wouldn't help. As a temporary measure, you could drape a beach towel or small blanket over them and wash that towel or blanket as needed. Would not want them as a permanent solution; however, if you'll be using them at all, look for those with a single or double centered rod(s) -- not a rod extending from each side (w/balance issues) and look for one with a bottom shelf where you might add a board or row of storage containers for additional (low centered) weight.

Consider either white mini blinds installed within the window frame. or adjustable plantation shutters for your windows.
artistsharonva
5 years ago
cpaul1
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
So, houses that have huge walk in closet "rooms" also have huge square feet. Small houses like your's don't have huge walk in closet "rooms". All houses need the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to sell. So if you personally don't need this extra bedroom and you want to make it a closet great go for it. But I would not pay a lot of money for custom cabinetry or on renovations to take a "bedroom" and turn it into a "closet" when that is going to lose you money when you try to sell it. Use it as a dressing room while you live there without making any major changes. Do free standing shelves and wardrobe racks, etc, that can be removed and taken with you when you turn it back into a bedroom to sell it. Why does this post make me want to say the word "millennials" and roll my eyes.
summersrhythm_z6a
5 years ago
I'd use portable clothing racks, bookcases and dressers. You could use ballet barres as clothing racks too, those are really strong, great for winter coats. I see cpaul1's point, you'd need to change the closet room back to bedroom when you sell the house. "portable" is the key.
Kathi Steele
5 years ago
following
kitykat
5 years ago
In a former small 1100sf home, I took the third bedroom and made it into a built-in closet, using an online product, everything attached to rails... attached to studs. When selling, several realtors advised to turn it back into a bedroom. I declined.

The house sold in one day, in 2013, with four offers... three over the asking price, and one for cash... no inspections. This was in a modest, not high demand midwest neighborhood.

All offers referenced the wonderful closet! I respect realtors, but they are not all knowing!
artistsharonva
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
kitykat, that's great news the house sold so well. good job. Do you recall if the Realtor listed the room as a bedroom, a closet, or something else? Whoever did the listing, obviously did a great job.

I use to be a Realtor who listed homes on MLS systems. On the back side, this is how it works. There's a online list of items in a home where the Realtor checks off what each room is. A good Realtor knows which checks to check off to attract more buyers. Whenever a home is listed, highly suggest looking it over to make sure things are all listed correctly. I have seen plenty of homes on market with items missed or over stated which can cause a home to be overpriced or underpriced. It's true Realtors are not all knowing. There's a lot of good Realtors out there, but there is some not as good.

In regards to the closet rooms, I have seen them mostly add value when buyers see them in a home. If the new buyer wants to convert it back to a bedroom, it's easy to do. I never had a buyer not buy because the bedroom was now a closet, surprisingly the opposite.

A lot of things have changed in how home rooms are used. Extra bedrooms or turned into offices, closets, home gyms, etc. Kitchens and dining room are opening up & being combined. Extra storage is wanted. A nice kitchen and bathroom suggested.

So, I say go for what you need in your home when you live there. When time to sell, stage well, listen to what people say when they come to showings, it usually sells as is, if not, then adjust to what the feedback is.

The main reason I see a home not sell is it's overpriced or there's a lot of functional problems & needs too much work due to neglect. Obviously, location is important.

A bedroom turned into a closet, would not stop me from selling a good home in a good location priced right according to the current market ; )

Hope that helps.
summersrhythm_z6a
5 years ago
I think it’s depends on the size of the house.
richfield95
5 years ago
What is your DIY skill/desire? When we did our master closet, I got a quote from a chain closet company. For a 6.5’ long by 7’ high shelf unit with 6 drawers, the final cost was around $1,800. I didn’t really have a budget going in to the project, but I knew that’s more than I wanted to spend. Especially considering that their ‘solid wood’ claims actually meant it was particle board

Instead, we bought the individual components from Home Depot and built it ourselves in a day.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/3-4-in-x-15-3-4-in-x-8-ft-White-Melamine-Drilled-Panel-371693/202089062

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Martha-Stewart-Living-8-in-x-24-in-Classic-White-Deluxe-Drawer-Kit-W9/202060759
kitykat
5 years ago
to 'artist'... the house was listed w/3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath. The system used was EasyClosets.com. Was it cheap? No, but much less than having a national company do the work. Our bedroom was 8 1/2 x 13, (54" closet) with no room for even a dresser! We had clothes stashed all over the house.

When building my current 1300 sf home, we had the builder leave the Master closet blank, and we ordered from easy closets again. No wasted space, tons of storage for what you have. (Better than the builder single rod on one side, double on the other.) EasyClosets will offer free design critique. Also used it for my laundry area!

As for selling with a reconfigured bedroom, it comes down if you choose or need to. All you need to do is take it apart, and fill in the stud holes from the rail... a not impossible task. The parts are HEAVY however, 3/4" melamine.

I cannot recommend the product enough. It's like the bed you sleep in daily, the kitchen faucet you constantly use... some things are worth a little extra $$$.
Ana Kinra
5 years ago
I’ll simply echo what’s been said already - the ROI for this will depend in part on the total number of bedrooms in your new home.
artistsharonva
5 years ago
kitykat, thanks for sharing :)
artistsharonva
5 years ago
I highly suggest 3/4" mdf for closets. anything thinner usually warps
adv1984
5 years ago
We had a similar space and I just completed a DIY renovation. my wife loves it and really maximized the space!
Closet · More Info

Closet · More Info

Closet · More Info
dani_m08
2 years ago
Warning - two year old post!

@adv1984 - your closet renovation looks amazing - hard to believe it was DIY. You must be an experienced DIYer! My master closet appears to be similar to yours. It’s a little over 7.5’ wide (as currently finished + 5-6‘ of eave space behind current walls) x 18’ deep. While I wouldn’t do the work myself, I’m interested in hearing some details - if you wouldn’t mind sharing.

First, what are the dimensions of your closet?

Did you build everything or use some sort of system? I know that some people have used somehing like IKEA Pax and customized it (and made it look buil-in). My guess is that you made custom pieces to fit into the space.

Is the space along the top separately finished for each set of doors - or - did you frame out one continuous space + add sets of doors to access space?

Also, I am very interested in how you finished the space behind your built-ins. It appears that you have eave space that runs along both sides of the closet based upon the access doors behind your hanging bars on each wall ( shown in the second and third photos).

Does the eave space run along the entire length of your closet walls? I’m trying to get a feel for how many access doors I would need along 18’ wall (if I want to use the entire 18’ of space under the eaves on each side). How long/deep is the space that can be accessed by each door?

Wish you lived near me so I could hire you!

Thanks!
adv1984
2 years ago
Thanks! it was a fun project and my wife loves it.

When we moved in the room was already drywalled and had the knee walls on either side. It also had the access doors, theyre about 30” wide and the other side of that knee wall is unfinished and runs the whole length. One door thats big enough works fine for us, I wouldnt waste the space with more than 1 personally.

The room is 17’ deep by 11’ wide. And I just made them from MDF which is great for painting, is inexpensive and doesnt expand or contract. They are just boxes basically, the side walls go all the way up and I used dado’s to slide in the horizontal pieces which created the upper space.

I attached some pictures, hopefully they help explain. Good Luck!

Closet · More Info

Closet · More Info

Closet · More Info
adv1984
2 years ago
Ah edit that, I just looked at the pictures and realized that is not MDF. Sorry its been a few years, but now I remember I got a bunch of cabinet grade plywood for this project. At the time it was pretty reasonable, now it will be a fortune with lumber prices - Id use MDF for the ”boxes” to save money, noone can tell when theyre done and as long as the front frames are wood they will be durable.