We ended up not getting Elfa in our last apt because the 3" increments would not have maximized the space in one closet that was oddly-shaped. We also preferred the more finished-looking CA Closet-type systems. We ended up getting Easy Closets, which was a great compromise. It is fully customizable and with a coupon, priced out the same as regular price Elfa. It looked like new after several years of use, although I wonder if it would have held up so well in a pantry. I have not seen CA Closets in person, but I'm guessing it looks nicer than EC, although we had no complaints about the look of EC. Back then, CA Closets quoted us double the cost of EC. We recently moved and wanting to go "higher end," we called CA Closets again. Their quote for our walk-in closet of 17' linear feet came out to an eye-watering $7K. I priced out one of the smaller closets and once again, CA Closets came out double (actually, more than double) than EC. One benefit of custom closet makers such as CA Closets is that the work is considered a "capital improvement," meaning you can add it to the cost of your home when computing taxable gain on sale. Also means no sales tax. Easy Closets charges sales tax (at least in NY), which in reverse logic tells me that it is not considered a capital improvement, but I'm not 100% sure on this.

"We hang the canvas pockets inside each kids' closet door. Right now each pocket holds a Beanie Baby from an auntie who gives the kids three or four every year. Not sure when or how this tradition will end." If your kids are like mine, they will tire of their Beanie Babies when they become teens. Between the 3 of them, we had quite a collection. Quite a few went to my preschool, and the others to charity. I have to say, I don't miss them - but it sounds like you found a great solution for storing them! Sheryl

The closet in my master is 29 inches deep. Then I have 3 other closets upstairs like this in my sons' rooms and the guest rooms. Those closets are 22, 23, and 24 inches deep. I'm standing in front of them now and thinking that if I had shelves on the sides and a bar across connecting them....well, if they were jammed packed like I have some of these closets then it might be annoying trying to move past the hangers to reach the shelves. It depends on how much stuff is in there. Looking at it now, I think I have actual "dead space" above my bar. There is so much room between the shelf above the bar and the ceiling that if I was to change my closet right now I might just keep the bar across and add cubbies above the bar for my bulky sweaters. I really don't find reaching into the side space to be that annoying. I noticed in my husbands closet he has his suits in the side space. He only wears suits at weddings and funerals. He also keeps the ironing board in there. We don't iron often. Apparently I never do bc I just now learned that's where we keep it. Lol. I don't think that little bit of "wasted space" is worth such a huge overhaul. As long as it's lit well and the doors are good (I can't say enough how much of a difference it was going from sliders and bifold doors in my last house to doors that swing open). And we have good lighting in the closet which makes it easier to see all the way into the side space. For the record, I hang 90% of my clothes. I only fold sweaters and undergarments. So having just hanging bar isn't so bad for me.

The barn doors completely cover the opening. Ideally you would have a two inch overlap on either side but I have some that have one inch on either side and they still look amazing. The photo that you have pictured just shows them opened. If you have room on either side of the door for them to slide open then you could have the doors on one rail; which is a lot cheaper. Otherwise you will need a bypass door which is more $$. I got my rails and doors for two closet at rusticahardware.com but I just installed another one today (partially done in my basement where my furnace is as there was no other option) These were significantly cheaper and I bought them at homedepot. Something new that they carry. I'll be making the doors tomorrow. Hope you decide to do it. I love the look!