The walk-in closet

Having established itself for a few decades as a useful solution for maintaining order, the walk-in closet is now considered a highly sought-after element, capable of optimizing space. Dimensions, shapes and materials vary depending on the available square footage and personal tastes, but in any case, this alternative to classic built-in wardrobes is appreciated by everyone. Before inserting the walk-in closet into the chosen environment, it is necessary to pay attention to some elements in order to make the best typological choices.

Placement

In order to obtain a functional and aesthetically satisfying result, it is necessary to start from the dimensions of the house and specifically those of the sleeping area to best place the walk-in closet. If space allows, it can occupy an independent space from the bedroom: a real room used to house personal clothing and accessories. Once upon a time, solutions of this type were almost only found inside very large and luxurious residences, today however, thanks to measures that optimize space, it is possible to create an environment dedicated only to clothing even in common homes. The choice of placing the walk-in closet inside the bedroom, however, turns out to be very practical and more intimate than a separate space. In this case it is appropriate to consider the floor plan of the room: if the room is rectangular, the wardrobe can be inserted on the short side so as to re-proportion the whole, if the room is square shaped you can choose a corner wardrobe distributed on two sides, finally if we find ourselves in an irregular space, the custom-designed modules can be placed in the smallest corners thus solving any space problems.

It is important to point out that the different choice of installing the walk-in closet in the bedroom or in an independent space will also determine its function. In fact, in the first case you will only find yourself in front of a wardrobe in which you will choose the clothes to wear, in the second case instead, placed near the toilet, it can be used as a filter between the living area and the sleeping area or as a dressing room. Sometimes, it is decided to place the walk-in closet inside the bathroom, always provided that it is generously sized. In this last case it is mandatory that direct access is provided only and exclusively from the bedroom.

If you have residual spaces that are apparently not very usable, a walk-in closet is the perfect solution. Examples include custom-designed shelves to fill the underside of an attic or wardrobes designed to the centimeter and inserted into irregular corners and walls. To obtain a truly functional result, you need to pay attention to differences in level and slopes, in order to make it easy to open doors and use each individual shelf.

Types

Once the position has been established with respect to the sleeping area, it is important to study the spatial conformation and choose the type of walk-in closet that best adapts to the space available. The first element to consider is represented by the modules that will make up the walk-in closet, in fact it is possible to close it with panels and sliding doors but also leave it open onto the bedroom without separation filters.

Let's now see what typological differences are capable of creating very different environments.

THE LINEAR WALK-IN CLOSET

This is the one with the simplest structure but the most complicated to insert, because the room must be at least 4 meters deep. It can be placed on the largest or smallest wall depending on specific needs, in front of or behind the bed, for an opposite but functional effect in both cases. In fact, in the first case you get a more traditional, comfortable and accessible composition, in the second case the result is more original and can be an element of strong personalization of the environment.

A dividing element that coincides with the headboard of the bed, creates an internal and unexpected path thanks to which, in addition to creating a clearer division of functions, ensures a cozy area where you can get dressed while respecting privacy. As for the screening element, it is possible to choose different shapes, thicknesses and materials depending on whether you want to make one area more or less permeable compared to the other.

THE CORNER WALK-IN CLOSET

It is the most suitable for large and square-shaped rooms, it can be placed behind the bed if it occupies a diagonal position. This is a rarely used solution because it uses a lot of space and implies precise choices for the type and position of the furniture that do not always meet the tastes and needs of the user. If you have the possibility of obtaining a space only for wardrobe use, the walk-in closet equipped on three sides is the perfect choice.

THE WALK-IN CLOSET IN RESIDUAL SPACES

In the absence of more than generous square footage and walls completely free of clutter, you can exploit all those spaces considered "residual" and rarely used for other functions. An example of this are the corners of the house near the bathroom or in the corridor that leads to the sleeping area and even the portions of wall adjacent to the entrance of the bedroom. In this case, the walk-in closet becomes an excellent solution to exploit and make more functional an environment that would otherwise have presented narrow and unused spaces. As already mentioned, all the spaces corresponding to the attic that do not have the minimum habitable height fall into this category.

THE CABIN FLUSH WITH THE WALL

A recent trend, increasingly in demand, is the flush-to-the-wall walk-in closet, with a minimal and contemporary look. This solution is free of protrusions, thanks to the system integrated into the masonry and the absence of frames and architraves. It is the perfect solution if you want to hide the room completely, creating a surprise effect when you open the door that divides it from the adjacent room. As for the closure, the most used is the pocket or disappearing one, capable of changing the use of the space when opened according to a quick sliding.

Sizes

As we have seen, there are various types of walk-in closets that best adapt to the spatial conformation of the room that will accommodate them. Although the market today offers countless solutions that are shaped on specific needs thanks to modular units and custom-designed projects, there are some rules that must be respected in order to obtain a good result. In general, the walk-in closet must ensure a depth of 60 cm to which another 60 are added for the passage of a person and a width of 240 cm.

Depending on the solution you choose:

• Equipped cabin: on 2 sides > 130 x 150 cm on 3 sides > 160 x 220 cm
• Linear > 350 cm of wall extension to fully develop the wardrobe
• Corner > 220 cm per side to obtain the space needed to accommodate welcoming modules
• Residual spaces (next to the entrance door of the room) > 120 cm

In the latter case, of course, you will have to adapt as much as possible to the available space.

Elements

Composed of several elements, the walk-in closet can be very simple but also full of functional modules, designed for specific needs. There are many solutions on the market but the most used are the modular rack ones and those without doors; the first ones have the advantage of being very flexible thanks to the possibility of attaching the modules to the structure and varying the composition according to the specific need.

As for closed cabins, sliding doors are often chosen because they save precious space and are more aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, they can be custom-designed and then mounted with coplanar sliding, with one panel overlapping the other.

A valid alternative to sliding doors is constituted by “package” closures formed by modules that fold on themselves. If, however, you enjoy large spaces and you are faced with a corner walk-in closet, traditional hinged doors are the most suitable. In any case, since the closures constitute the external part of the walk-in closet, it is optimal to choose doors that can be replaced over time so as to adapt to the aesthetic changes of the room.

From the point of view of the internal layout of the wardrobe, there are various sections studied down to the centimetre to ensure order and ease of use. It is important before making any choice, to determine the functions and divide the compartments according to what they will contain. The longitudinal modules are designed to accommodate dresses and outerwear, while the horizontal ones are dedicated to shirts and trousers. The former must ensure a minimum height of 160 cm, while the latter can vary the depth and length depending on the specific function. Then there are the drawers for underwear and the shelves to accommodate shoes and accessories.

Let's now look at the individual components in detail.

The first and essential one is constituted by theclothes hangers: classic or tilting, the important thing is that it adapts to everyone's needs: roomy enough to accommodate coats, evening dresses and trousers at different heights. The advantage of the tilting type lies in the practical "up-down" mechanism that allows you to reach even the clothes positioned in the highest section with a simple gesture. Another component of fundamental importance is characterized by the shelves: better those that can be moved because they guarantee flexibility and adaptability to variable needs. Perfect for jeans, sweaters and t-shirts, they are practical and allow you to store folded and overlapping garments; the advice is to divide the clothes by color so as to find what you are looking for more easily.

Then there are the shoe shelves, for all those who prefer not to keep them inside their boxes; for high-heeled shoes, raised strips are recommended, thanks to which they are fixed without slipping. The most suitable depth for shelves is about 35 cm. Last but not least, drawers with internal partitions are a very useful element that completes the wardrobe. Lately, not only in showrooms but also at home, those designed to store belts and jewelry are enjoying success: you will find what you need without a doubt. Finally, it is possible to place boxes and containers in empty spaces that will allow you to store the most delicate garments away from the threat of dust.

What is really important is to maximize the space intended for use as a wardrobe, trying to store as many clothes as possible. In this regard, some elements that can be easily inserted inside the wardrobes are very interesting; one of them is the pull-out men's trousers holder, capable of containing numerous pairs in a few centimeters. Even drawers and shelves, if chosen carefully, can contain accessories and small objects, ensuring order and saving essential centimeters inside the wardrobe. To help belts, ties and scarves, there are instead hooks and rotating hangers thanks to which you can quickly and conveniently choose the most suitable accessory at the moment.

Materials

As for the material used for the construction of a walk-in closet, it can vary depending on the chosen structure: for fixed walk-in closets, masonry will be used, while for the removable rack-type ones, a metal frame is usually used on which to mount panels of various materials. The latter can be made of plasterboard to facilitate assembly without difficulty and without making a mess. Once the framework has been established, the components that will complete the solution can be made of different materials.
The most commonly used doors are sliding, hinged and folding, and can be chosen in glass for a very modern effect, in lacquered wood for a classic style, in rice paper for lovers of exotic style and even with mirrors to enlarge small spaces. If you love the aesthetic effect of glass, you should choose tempered glass, otherwise there is the possibility of opting for synthetic glass, which is durable and very resistant.

If natural fibers such as wood are used, a valuable result will be obtained both from an aesthetic and qualitative point of view at a slightly higher cost. However, if the budget available does not allow the purchase of a wardrobe entirely in wood, on the market there are many in synthetic fibers, some of which reproduce the natural effect very well. An example of this are those in laminate, made of MDF covered with a film of plastic material. They are very resistant to wear over time, faithful to wood in imitation and very economical.
The choice of material and specifically of the closing of the walk-in closet, if it requires it, is important because it determines the appearance of the room and the durability of the elements over time.

Lighting

In order for a walk-in closet to be comfortable and functional, it is essential to equip it with appropriate lighting. If there is an integrated system inside it, you will be able to enjoy more precise light than that of the environment and you will avoid disturbing the sleep of people who share the house and have different working hours. This solution may include the insertion of internal devices with precise lighting, positioned in the upper part of the closet or to the side of drawers and compartments. It is important to choose low voltage light bulbs that do not heat up since it is a closed element and that do not distort the real colors of the clothes in order to make the best choices for your personal outfit.
You can choose between the following types of light sources:

• Led Modules > inserted in the ceiling and under the shelves, they avoid overheating and do not alter the colours
• LED strips > they are easy to install, take up little space and are safe
• Spotlights > inserted into the ceiling or wall, they can be built-in or adjustable

In addition to the traditional lighting solutions, there are also motion sensor lights: practical and fast, they are perfect for saving energy. Thanks to infrared rays, movement in the dark is detected and the light is activated, which will turn off after use in just 15 seconds. These devices can be inserted in correspondence with shelves and drawers so as to distribute the light beam in a timely manner and activate it according to the specific need. Finally, for those who want to continuously illuminate details and internal areas of the walk-in closet, there is the possibility of opting for profiles with integrated LEDs.

It is light strips inserted into the shelves and the clothes hanging rods that give a particular elegance to the whole. If the walk-in closet is a separate room, a useful idea is to insert a mirror equipped with low-consumption lamps: in this way it can also be used as a small room in which to change and admire yourself before leaving the house.

Customization

Who said that the walk-in closet is a functional space accessible only to those who live in the house? Sometimes it could be the "strong point" of the apartment, a space coveted and envied by friends and relatives. Precisely for this reason it will be useful to make it appreciable from an aesthetic point of view and perhaps make it a mirror of the personality of those who use it. To this end there are various choices to be made: materials, finishes, components and accessories.
Some useful tips to give an “extra touch” could be:

• Plan a wallpaper insert that is consistent with the style of the other interior spaces and that satisfies personal tastes
• Insert a pleasant-to-touch rug to make barefoot changing comfortable
• Arrange a mirror that is also useful for enlarging the space
• If the room is generously sized, include a “beauty corner” for the fairer sex.

In any case, it is important to give free rein to creativity without losing sight of the structural constraints of the house plan and the square footage available.

Benefits

There are many benefits for those who are lucky enough to have an area dedicated solely to personal clothing and garments. First of all, the absence of regulatory constraints in terms of ventilation and therefore the non-obligation to have windows. As regards spatial organization, the walk-in closet can be inserted in areas that are not very adaptable to other uses and therefore guarantees the functional maximization of the areas of the house and a consequent rationalization of the floor plan. Last but not least, the closet that emulates a real showroom constitutes an unconditional added value for the private residence. In fact, if the size allows it, the walk-in closet can be shared by the couple or even house the clothes of the whole family. The male portion must respect the dimensions necessary to accommodate long dresses and coats and the lights must clarify the shades of the elegant suits that all appear very similar. The female area must satisfy the most varied needs: from makeup to clothes, everything must be tidy and in its place. In the latter case, in addition to obtaining an area of ​​the house with a specific function, you will have a vital hub where all the members of the family will learn to share a specific space while respecting others.

Machine maintenance

In order to ensure order and cleanliness over time, the walk-in closet must be equipped with solutions that protect the surfaces from the accumulation of external dust. The choice of material and finish can help in this sense: avoid concave sections, grooves and decorations that can become a receptacle for dirty substances. For this reason, vacuum cleaners that can be conveniently used when necessary are ideal. Another "anti-dust" measure consists of practical draught excluders available on the market and sold in reels, often combined with transparent door seals. To combat bad odors, there are classic air fresheners, available on the market in countless fragrances.
It is important to always keep in mind that the walk-in closet, as a real room that the inhabitants of the house have access to, requires the same care as other rooms and consequently it is necessary to ensure constant cleaning.

Flexibility over time

We talked about the internal structures of walk-in closets and the storage elements that complete them without specifying how they are very flexible today with respect to changing needs. In fact, thanks to the possibility of moving, removing or adding shelves, drawers and shelves, the walk-in closet becomes moldable to the particular needs of the moment. In this way, each garment and accessory can find space at different heights and in freely determinable depths. It is also necessary to be aware that in most cases, the clothes are destined to increase over the years and for this reason it is good to meet this need by providing for an increase in the elements that will contain personal effects. But flexibility does not only concern the functional aspect of the walk-in closet, in fact the possibility of replacing doors and panels will allow you to change the appearance of the wardrobe structure which can thus follow the styles chosen for the home in step.
This is how the solution we have talked about so far also becomes a reflection of an increasingly demanding society with ever-evolving needs.

MOODBOARD

Below you can consult some moodboards, real visual narratives that can guide the user in drawing inspiration, practical advice and useful suggestions to find the solutions best suited to their needs.

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