Deciding to go with a walk-in vs. reach-in closet can be a tough decision when remodeling your home. There are many important considerations when it comes to choosing the perfect custom closet solution. Both walk-in closets and reach-in closets offer different advantages when it comes to functionality and design. This post will help you determine which one is better suited to your needs.With spring cleaning in full swing, there is no better time to get organized, starting with your closet. Here is everything you need to know about choosing a walk-in closet vs. a built-in closet.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Walk-In vs. Reach-In Closet
When it comes to closets, one size does not fit all. Every household has unique needs when it comes to storing clothing and accessories. Here are three important things to consider when renovating or remodeling your closet space:- How much room you have available
- Your storage needs
- Your budget
What is a Walk-In Closet?

What is a Reach-In Closet?

How Much Room Do You Have Available?
Naturally, walk-in closets require a lot more room than reach-in closets. Walk-ins can vary a lot in size, with standard walk-in closets ranging anywhere from 25 to 100+ square feet. With walk-ins, you also have to consider lighting and electrical wiring. On the other hand, reach-in closets are typically about 6 feet long, 8 feet high, and 24 inches deep. Additionally, you can maximize the space with small living solutions, like installing hanging organizers, shelving, and sliding drawers.Take note of how much room you have to spare when choosing a walk-in vs. reach-in closet.What Are Your Storage Needs?
Another thing to consider is how much stuff you need to store in your closet. Reach-in closets are well-suited for one person, but might be a tight fit for two, especially if you both have a lot of clothes. Walk-in closets will not only accommodate an extensive clothing collection but can even provide enough space to store other items, like ironing boards and steamers. Walk-in closets are typically spacious enough to hold more than one person’s belongings. If need be, it can even function as a dressing room for the whole family if space is limited in other bedrooms. Many people opt for a walk-in closet because they want to display their clothing and accessories, not just store them. If you have an extensive shoe or handbag collection that you want to have on display, a walk-in closet is the way to go.What is Your Budget?
Your budget is another consideration. To some, shelling out for a walk-in is worth the money; however, others would rather go for a more economical reach-in and put their money towards other home features. Even after considering your space, storage needs, and budget, choosing the best closet for you can still be a tough decision. Here are some pros and cons of selecting a walk-in vs a reach-in closet to help you decide.Pros and Cons of a Walk-in vs. Reach-in Closet
Walk-In Closet Pros
Walk-in closets definitely have their advantages. Here is a list of the benefits of choosing a walk-in closet:- More room to store clothing and accessories
- Lets you display possessions in a visually appealing way
- Can be completely customized to suit your needs and personal style
- Also functions as a private dressing room
- Can easily be shared between two people
- Complete control over how you want to organize items in your closet
Walk-In Closet Cons
Walk-in closets have a few drawbacks. Here are some of the downsides of choosing a walk-in closet:- They are more expensive to install
- They can take up a lot of space
- You need to consider lighting and electrical outlets when building a walk-in closet
- Staying organized is a must, or else they will quickly become a mess.
Reach-In Closet Pros
A well-designed reach-in closet can offer several benefits:- Takes up less space and can fit conspicuously into small spaces, like under stairs or along hallways
- Less expensive and easier to install
- Simple and functional; you can see all your options in one place
- Less space means they are easier to keep clean and organized
- Great for minimalists or people looking to down-size/declutter their current wardrobe
- They allow you to maximize storage in a small space by using closet organizers
Reach-In Closet Cons
As appealing as reach-in closets seem, consider some of their downsides:- Limited space means it’s difficult to share one closet between two people
- They are not ideal for individuals who need to store a lot of seasonal items
- They can easily get overwhelmed with clothes if you don’t regularly declutter or donate unworn items
- There are limited ways to customize a reach-in closet to fit your style and needs