This is for all our homeowners who have too many clothing items and not enough places to put them. Instead of that spare bedroom you have that holds nothing, we want you to put it to good use as a walk-in closet. Read this guide to learn how you can transform your spare bedroom into a walk-in closet.
Consider the Amount of Space You Need
Most dressing room ideas or walk-in closets require at least 8 x 5ft (2.45 x 1.53m) of the area to work with. Even rooms with difficult spaces, such as alcoves or a slanted ceiling, may benefit from bedroom storage solutions like shelves, drawers, and hanging space. A high ceiling is not required, but one that is 7ft 3in (2.2m) or higher provides for double rails of the hanging area. A bigger room, containing a freestanding drawer unit, a vanity, space for ironing and pressing clothing, or a nice recliner, may be the envy of your neighbors.
Work With Windows
Taking away all of the bedroom windows in favor of blank wall space is an expensive job that is unlikely to provide a decent return on investment. Instead, incorporate the windows into the design of your closet. A bench seat under the window may be the ideal place to put on your shoes, increasing the closet’s utility. Alternatively, the natural light offered by the window is great for installing a closet workstation or vanity – a widely desired feature in luxury closets.
If owing to space restrictions, you must utilize a part of the wall with a window for shelves or hanging clothing, hide the window from the inside rather than removing it. First, clean the entire window and outfit it with an appealing window treatment (such as closed blinds) that looks excellent from the outside, as it will still be visible from the outside. Next, apply a shrink wrap film designed for insulating leaking windows to keep the window clean and clear of cobwebs over time. Simple kits are available for this purpose at any hardware or home improvement shop.
A new floor-based closet system may then be constructed, with a backer board covering the undesirable window on the interior of the room. If you use a full floor-to-ceiling closet system, you won’t even notice that there was an opening in the first place. However, if the necessity arises, returning the window to the space will be rather straightforward.
Think About Your Storage Options
Taking an empty spare bedroom and turning it into a walk-in closet means, you most likely have limited or no storage options at all in the space. Typically, your normal closet will have hanging racks for you to hang your clothing. Some closets may have additional storage options like built-in cabinets, drawers and more. When building your closet in a spare bedroom, you will want to add these features and even more. For inspiration, we recommend perusing Pinterest.
Plan Out the Construction
Before you begin any remodeling or renovation project, you need to plan out the construction. Here are some questions you should answer to help plan out your construction:
- What all do you want and need?
- What is your time frame?
- What is your budget?
- What storage options do you want? Where do you want them to go?
- Do you need to replace or repair the floors, walls, windows or doors?
- Are you doing this on your own? Or do you want to work with a team of professionals?
Once you answer these basic questions, then you can start to draw up your game plan.
Include Lounging Areas
When done correctly, the addition of a comfy chaise lounge chair or other seating can convert even the most basic walk-in closet into a private retreat. It might serve as a temporary retreat to contemplate or recuperate. You will also have a sleeping room for the occasional visitor. Cabinet doors, whether solid or glass, can conceal all of the hanging and storage areas, giving the closet the appearance of a compact room filled with wall-to-wall built-ins. Storage and adaptability will be provided.
Install a Mirror
Most bedrooms do not come with a mirror installed in them. Since you are using this spare bedroom as a closet, then you need to install a full-length mirror. Essentially, you are creating a dressing room, and all dressing rooms come equipped with a mirror. Plus, adding a mirror just takes your walk-in closet to the next level and is convenient anytime you need to have a mini fashion show.
Follow Your Budget
Just like any other remodeling or renovation project, you need to have a budget that you follow. Expect to invest between $750 and $3,500 to convert a room into a walk-in closet. Of course, you may spend considerably more for a custom build, ranging from $8,000 to $16,000. Budgets do fluctuate, but you want to have a good solid plan before you end up overspending and not getting everything you need to get done.
Follow these steps to transform your spare bedroom into your very own walk-in closet. For even more help, did you know that Valor Home Services can help you? We can help you renovate any spare room into whatever room you would like, whether that be a walk-in closet, man cave, entertainment room or guest bedroom. For more information or to get started, give us a ring.
