Get the Most Out of Your Walk-In Closet With These Key Features

by Ann Hayward 11/21/2021

Walk-in closets are an incredibly popular feature and often featured on homebuyers’ wishlists. If your home does not have a walk-in closet already, there are some clever ways to build one with some remodeling. Whether you have a walk-in closet already or are thinking about adding one, there are some key features you should be sure to include.

Here are some things every walk-in closet should have:

Closet Island

If the space allows, make sure your closet has an island. A closet island functions just like a kitchen island: providing additional storage, surface area and design interest to the space. Your closet island could have built-in drawers or shelves, depending on your preference. The top surface is useful for quick folding, organizing or temporary placement of items before you put them away.

Full-Length Mirror

If you want your walk-in closet to function like a dressing room, you’ll need a full-length mirror. There are lots of options for how to include a large mirror in your closet space, including free-standing mirrors and mirrored cabinet doors. You can also dedicate an entire wall to mirror space and create the illusion of a much larger room at the same time.

Built-In Laundry Receptacle

Have a hamper or other receptacle to gather dirty laundry with zero effort. Rather than go to a separate room or let your laundry accumulate on the floor or other surfaces, fill a basket or hamper right in your closet. One popular way to include laundry storage in walk-in closets is with built-in drawers deep enough for a laundry bag. You can also mount a hamper or basket to the wall to keep floor space clear.

Proper Lighting

Good lighting is essential to a functional walk-in closet. Having adequate lighting makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for. It also can make organizing and putting things away much simpler. You want the lighting to be comfortable and flattering as well as functional. The best way to light a walk-in closet is with the combination of overhead recessed lighting, task lighting for drawers and shelves. You may also add a fun lamp or chandelier to add character and personal style.

Dedicated Shoe Storage

Of all the items in your closet, shoes have the greatest tendency to take up unnecessary amounts of space—no matter how many shoes you have. Setting aside a dedicated space for shoe storage is crucial to a good walk-in closet plan. Try a vertical storage system for hanging shoes or reserve a specific shelf for footwear. Keep the shoes you commonly wear readily available to prevent digging through the collection to find your favorites.

Walk-in closets can vary dramatically in terms of storage, style and ambiance. No matter what you choose for your space, make sure you include these key features to get the most out of your closet.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]