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Space Planning Fundamentals
Types of Closets and Closet Terms
• Reach-in
A Reach-In Closet is generally designed to accommodate one row of shelving and is often
24" deep. It typically has sliding or bi-fold doors. When measuring for a Reach-In closet, you
will need to know the width, depth, height of header and width of return walls. (See below for
"header" and "return walls"). These measurements will help determine the depth and width of
shelving you use. Typically, 12" deep shelving is used in Reach-In Closets where the
shelving must fit behind the "header".
A good place to start is with the "50/25/25 rule", which allocates 50% of the space for double
hang, 25% for long hang and 25% for stacked shelves or O-Boxes. Using this rule for a
typical 8-foot Reach-in closet, you would allow 4 feet for short hang, 2 feet for long hang, and
2 feet for stacked shelves or O-Boxes.
However, with freedomRail, it is very easy to move beyond the 50/25/25 rule. For example, in
a man's closet, there may be little need for long hang spaces, so revise your plan to
accommodate a higher percentage of short hang garments.
• Walk-in
A Walk-in Closet has enough depth to allow the user to walk inside. A variety of door styles
may be used. While you may start with the 50/25/25 rule (see above), the extra space in
most Walk-in Closets gives you more freedom to accommodate different wardrobe
requirements - custom designs are easy with the adjustability of freedomRail.
• Child Reach-in
In a Child's Reach-in closet, you may choose to create a "triple hang" space because of the
small size of the clothing. Mount shelves at 28 inches, 56 inches, and 84 inches from the
floor. As the child grows, the adjustability of freedomRail allows the consumer to easily adjust
components. A pre-teen may use shelving at 32 inches, 64 inches, and a storage shelf at 84
inches from the floor providing two short hanging areas and added storage above. Children's
closets should include a large percentage of shelving space for folded clothes, games, toys,
and books.
• Bypass Doors
Bypass doors leave the center of the closet somewhat cumbersome to access. Avoid
positioning O-Boxes or Stor-Drawers in the center. Instead, plan less frequently accessed
areas, such as long hang, in the center.
• Return Walls
Reach-in closets often have return walls on either side of the door. These walls may interfere
with access to O-Boxes or Stor-Drawer units.
• Headers, or Above Doors
Remember that once you get above the door frame, the wall above the door frame may
restrict access to shelving. If the closet is 22" deep, for instance, once you are above the
door height (80"), a 16" deep shelf will leave you only 6" of space to place items on a shelf.
Use 12" deep shelving at the top of the closet for better access.
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