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Custom Reach-in Closets and Storage Solutions

Local family owned and operated business. Orlando FL.

Reach-In Closet Design.

Learn about design guidelines and reach-in closet design tips.

Short / Double Hang

The shortest items should be hung on the top rod to avoid overshadowing items on the lower rod. Items with broad shoulders are better placed on the lower rod.

If the client is petite, the lower rod can be used for almost everything. In this case, it works well for taller individuals to use the top rods and shorter individuals to use the lower rods.

Medium Hang

This configuration is mainly for hanging pants by the top or cuff instead of folding them in half. It is important to ask clients how they hang their pants to determine if Medium Hang is necessary.

For petite clients, a Medium Hang can function as a Long Hang.

Half & Half Reach-In Closet

This setup features a rod at 42 inches AFF with shelving above. It is one of the most effective configurations because the short hang is easy to reach and the shelves are accessible. It also prevents the closet from feeling like a “wall” of clothing since everything hangs below eye level.

Long Hang

Always ask whether Long Hang must be included in the closet. Most people have 18 inches or less of Long Hang items.

Adding a Long Hang section can increase cost and reduce the effectiveness of a reach-in closet, especially in tight spaces.

If another reach-in closet can house Long Hang items, the main closet layout often becomes more efficient. Since Long Hang items are not worn daily, placing them in less convenient areas is acceptable.

Avoid designing a narrow 18-inch Long Hang section in a corner where access becomes difficult.

Shelves

Shelving offers many of the same storage benefits as drawers or baskets but at a lower price point, and items are easier to see.

Section Widths

When adding shelving, use standard widths for shelves and reserve odd widths for hanging sections.

Eighteen-inch sections are not ideal for folded items since most folded items are about 12 inches wide. Widths that work best are 24 inches and 36 inches.
Thirty-inch sections are also acceptable, especially when clients prefer larger drawers or fold items loosely.
Eighteen-inch sections work well for Long Hang or a small drawer stack in tight spaces or reach-in closets.
Shelving used for books or heavy items should not exceed 24 inches in width. If wider shelves are necessary, they require a cleat underneath for support.

Section Depths

Deeper shelves are rarely better. Most stored items are small to medium in size, and deep shelves cause items to get lost or forgotten.

The deeper the shelf, the farther apart they must be to avoid creating a “black hole” where items are hidden from view.

Ask what will be stored, how the space needs to function, and what problems must be solved.

Pillows and blankets work well on 24-inch deep shelves.
Shoes and books do not.

When shelving and hanging share the same configuration (Half & Half), shelves should be installed above hanging unless everything is 24 inches deep. Since 24-inch shelves are generally impractical unless they pull out, shelving should remain above.

If doors are placed in front of shelves, ensure items fit fully inside. For example, men's shoes often extend slightly past the front edge. Open shelves can accommodate this, but enclosed shelves require deeper dimensions so doors can close properly.

Finally, avoid installing shelves below hanging. If the system is less than 24 inches deep, clothing will extend past the shelves and hide anything stored below.

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