Usually found in bedrooms and hallways, reach-in closets are common in nearly every home and are often used to hold clothes, shoes and linens with easy access to grab items when needed without taking up a lot of space. Maximizing every inch (including the height) is most important with reach-ins, making features such as adjustable shelving, drawers, hooks and racks most desirable to keep items organized and visible. Another important consideration is flexibility as you will want to adjust the closet system overtime to accommodate your family's needs. This is especially important if the reach-in is in a child's bedroom, storing clothes that will grow with your little one over time.
At Concept II, we’ve seen reach-in closets in various sizes that serve all kinds of purposes. From small linen closets to guest suites and children’s closets – there is no one-size-fits-all solution for reach-in closets. The design of the space is dependent on your needs and the dimensions of the space – and the way the design is configured to make the most of it. When updating a reach-in closet, consider the following tips to maximize functionality and style:
- Adjustable Shelving – Adjustable shelves are a must for reach-in closets. Whether to accommodate a wide range of items such as linens and cleaning supplies, spare pillows and blankets, or future flexibility to grow with the changing size of your child’s clothes, being able to adjust your shelves to fit the items you need to store now, as well as in the future is important.
- Maximize Height – Consider all of the possibilities for vertical storage. Bring built-ins all the way (or most of the way) up to the ceiling to maximize every inch you have available. Even just a simple shelf at the top can provide extra storage for seasonal or infrequently used items.
- Hanging Rods – Utilize single or double hanging rods to reach the full height of the closet and accommodate various types of clothing such as shirts, pants and dresses. Double hanging rods really amplify the vertical space by giving you two designated sections for hanging shorter garments, while single hanging rods are great for longer items such as dresses and pants.
- Drawers – Add drawers to hold smaller items such as socks, underwear and accessories. Although they are typically more expensive, strategically using a few throughout the space will go a long way in keep everything organized and won’t significantly impact the budget in a small space.
- Baskets & Bins – Leverage baskets and bins for loose items where drawers aren’t an option. These can be perfect for scarves, belts or even small shoes to keep them contained and organized.
- Hooks & Pegs – Add these inside the closet doors or on the walls of the closet to hold bags, scarves and hats. If space allows, you can even install a retractable valet rod that pulls out when needed to temporarily hold hangers or outfits for planning or steaming.
- Accessory Trays – Accessory trays can be added to drawers to keep items neatly organized and prevent tangling. It can also be a beautiful and elegant way to store your valued items such as jewelry and watches.
At Concept II Closets, our team of experienced, in-house designers can help transform even the most clutter-filled reach-in closet into one that you will love and use every day, making your daily routine more enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking to update a linen closet, bedroom closet, or other reach-in closet in your home, Concept II can help make your vision a reality. Get started today with a free design consultation.
View some of our favorite reach-in closet transformations in the gallery below or stop into our showroom to learn more.
