There are many benefits to building a closet in a room. Closets can help to organize and store belongings, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. They can also help to save space, especially in small rooms. And, they can add value to your home, especially if you choose to build a custom closet.
Building a closet in a room is not a difficult project, even for beginners. With the right tools and materials, you can build a closet that meets your specific needs and requirements. Here are the steps involved in building a closet in a room:
1. Plan your closet. The first step is to plan your closet. You need to decide where you want it to be located, how big it will be, and what style you want it to have. You also need to take into account the existing layout of your room and the items you will be storing in the closet.
2. Gather your materials. Once you have a plan, you can gather the materials you need. You will need lumber, drywall, screws, nails, and other hardware. You may also need to purchase closet doors and shelves.
3. Build the frame. The next step is to build the frame of the closet. The frame will support the walls and shelves of the closet. You can build the frame using 2x4s or 2x6s.
4. Install the walls. Once the frame is built, you can install the walls of the closet. You can use drywall or plywood for the walls.
5. Install the shelves. The next step is to install the shelves of the closet. You can use adjustable shelves or fixed shelves.
6. Install the doors. The final step is to install the doors of the closet. You can choose from a variety of door styles, including sliding doors, hinged doors, and bifold doors.
Planning the Closet’s Dimensions and Layout
Determining the Ideal Size
The size of your closet will depend on the number of items you need to store and the available space in the room. A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least 10 square feet of floor space for each person using the closet. This will provide enough room for hanging clothes, storing shoes, and organizing accessories.
Consider the height of your ceiling and the height of the items you plan to hang. Most hanging rods are designed for clothes that are 5 to 6 feet long, so a standard closet height of 8 feet is often sufficient. However, if you have a lot of long dresses or coats, you may want to consider a higher ceiling.
The depth of the closet should be wide enough to accommodate your clothes comfortably on hangers. A depth of 24 inches is typically adequate for most hanging items. However, if you have a lot of bulky items, such as sweaters or blankets, you may want to consider a slightly deeper closet.
Creating a Functional Layout
The layout of your closet should be designed to maximize storage space and functionality. Here are a few tips for creating an efficient layout:
- Hang the most frequently used items in the most accessible location, such as the front of the closet or at eye level.
- Group similar items together, such as hanging shirts, pants, and dresses separately.
- Use shelves and drawers to store accessories, shoes, and other small items.
- Consider a closet organizer to help you maximize space and keep your clothes wrinkle-free.
| Item | Recommended Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Hanging Rod Height | 8 feet |
| Rod Depth | 24 inches |
Constructing the Closet Frame and Shell
After constructing the floor, it’s time to create the closet’s frame. Begin by building two side walls. Cut two pieces of plywood for each side wall, making them the desired height and width of the closet. Connect them with 2×4 studs placed at 16-inch intervals. Secure them with screws or nails.
Next, construct the back wall. Cut a piece of plywood to the height and width of the back of the closet. Attach it to the side walls using 2×4 studs placed vertically. Secure them with screws or nails.
Installing the Shelves and Hanging Rods
The number and arrangement of shelves and hanging rods will depend on your storage needs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install them:
Shelves:
| Material | Cut Length | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood or MDF | Width of Closet – 2 Inches | As many as desired |
| 2×4 Studs | Depth of Shelf | As many as needed for support |
| Wood Screws | 1 1/2 Inches | Sufficient for all shelves |
Instructions:
- Measure and cut the plywood or MDF to the desired shelf length.
- Attach 2×4 studs to the side walls of the closet as supports, spacing them evenly apart.
- Place the shelf on the supports and secure it with wood screws.
Hanging Rods:
| Material | Cut Length | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Closet Rod | Width of Closet – 6 Inches | 1 or 2 |
| Closet Flange Brackets | As needed | 2 per bracket |
| Wood Screws | 1 1/2 Inches | Sufficient for all brackets |
Instructions:
- Measure and cut the closet rod to the desired length.
- Attach closet flange brackets to the side walls of the closet, making sure they are level.
- Place the closet rod on the brackets and secure it with wood screws.
- Choose the location of your closet. The best place for a closet is usually in a corner of the room, where it will not obstruct traffic flow. You should also make sure that the closet is close to the door, so that you can easily access your clothes.
- Determine the size of your closet. The size of your closet will depend on how much storage space you need. If you have a lot of clothes, you will need a larger closet. If you only have a few clothes, you may be able to get away with a smaller closet.
- Build the frame of your closet. The frame of your closet can be made from wood or metal. If you are using wood, you will need to cut the pieces to the desired size and then assemble them using nails or screws. If you are using metal, you will need to weld the pieces together.
- Install the shelves and rods. The shelves and rods in your closet will provide you with storage space for your clothes. You can install as many or as few shelves and rods as you need.
- Hang the door. The door to your closet can be made from wood, metal, or fabric. If you are using wood, you will need to cut the pieces to the desired size and then assemble them using nails or screws. If you are using metal, you will need to weld the pieces together. If you are using fabric, you will need to sew the pieces together.
Installing Shelves, Drawers, and Other Organizers
Once you have the basic structure of your closet in place, it’s time to start adding in the shelves, drawers, and other organizers that will make it functional. Here are some tips for installing these components:
Shelves
Shelves are one of the most important components of any closet. They provide a place to store clothes, shoes, and other belongings. When choosing shelves, it is important to consider the weight of the items you will be storing on them. You will also need to decide how many shelves you need and how high they should be.
| Shelf Height | Suggested Use |
|---|---|
| 12 inches | Shirts and blouses |
| 18 inches | Pants and skirts |
| 24 inches | Dresses and coats |
To install shelves, you can use either brackets or shelf pins. Brackets are more visible, but they are also more sturdy. Shelf pins are less visible, but they are not as strong as brackets. Once you have chosen your installation method, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the shelves.
Drawers
Drawers are another great way to organize your closet. They provide a place to store items that you don’t want to be seen, such as underwear, socks, and pajamas. Drawers are also a good option for storing seasonal items, such as winter clothes or beachwear. When choosing drawers, it is important to consider the size of the items you will be storing in them. You will also need to decide how many drawers you need and how they should be arranged.
To install drawers, you will need to first build the drawer boxes. Drawer boxes can be made from wood, plywood, or particle board. Once you have built the drawer boxes, you can attach them to the closet frame using drawer slides. Drawer slides allow the drawers to open and close smoothly.
Other Organizers
In addition to shelves and drawers, there are a variety of other organizers that you can use to make your closet more functional. These organizers include hanging rods, shoe racks, and belt racks. Hanging rods are used to hang clothes hangers. Shoe racks are used to store shoes. Belt racks are used to store belts. When choosing organizers, it is important to consider the style of your closet and the types of items you will be storing in it.
Adding Doors and Hardware Fixtures
Once the closet frame is complete, it’s time to add the doors and hardware fixtures. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Install Door Hinges
Attach door hinges to the inside of the closet frame and the door edges. Use screws to secure the hinges firmly.
2. Hang the Doors
Lift the doors and align them with the hinges. Carefully lower the doors onto the hinges and secure them.
3. Install Door Handles and Knobs
Choose door handles or knobs that complement the style of your closet. Drill holes for the handles and insert them, securing them with screws or bolts.
4. Install a Lock (Optional)
If desired, install a lock on the closet door for added security. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
5. Install Drawer Slides and Shelves
Plan the layout of your drawers and shelves within the closet. Purchase drawer slides and shelves that fit the dimensions.
| Component | Installation Steps |
|---|---|
| Drawer Slides | Attach one slide to the bottom of the drawer and the other to the closet frame. Insert the drawer into the slides. |
| Shelves | Cut shelves to size and insert them into the closet frame using shelf brackets or pins. Level and secure the shelves. |
Finishing the Closet’s Interior
1. Adding Shelves and Rods
Install shelves using brackets or shelf pins to create horizontal surfaces for storage. Mount clothing rods parallel to the back wall of the closet for hanging garments.
2. Installing Drawers
Add drawers to the bottom of the closet or in designated sections for additional storage. Drawer slides allow for smooth opening and closing.
3. Creating Shoe Racks
Utilize vertical space by installing shoe racks. Angled racks or foldable trays help organize and display shoes.
4. Enhancing Lighting
Incorporate lights into the closet’s interior to illuminate the space. Motion-activated or dimmable lights provide convenience and adjustability.
5. Utilizing Hooks and Baskets
Mount hooks on the closet’s back wall or door for hanging accessories, scarves, or bags. Woven baskets offer a stylish way to store miscellaneous items.
6. Customizing Organizers
Maximize storage potential with custom organizers. Adjustable shelves, drawers, and compartments allow for personalized configurations based on your specific needs.
| Organizer Type | Description |
|—|—|
| Hanging Shelves | Suspended from clothing rods for additional storage without taking up floor space |
| Pull-Out Drawers | Mounted in the lower section of the closet, providing easy access to frequently used items |
| Tiered Shelving | Multi-level shelves that create vertical storage and allow for grouping similar items |
| Adjustable Rods | Adjustable to different heights, accommodating various garment lengths and optimizing space |
How to Build a Closet in a Room
Building a closet in a room can be a great way to add storage space and organization to your home. By following these steps, you can create a custom closet that meets your specific needs.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to build a closet in a room?
The cost of building a closet in a room will vary depending on the size of the closet, the materials used, and the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a custom closet.
How long does it take to build a closet in a room?
The time it takes to build a closet in a room will also vary depending on the size of the closet and the complexity of the design. However, you can expect to spend between 1 and 3 days building a custom closet.
Is it difficult to build a closet in a room?
Building a closet in a room is not difficult, but it does require some basic carpentry skills. If you are not comfortable working with tools, you may want to hire a professional to build your closet for you.
