A closet in the master bedroom needs some walking room.
A large closet is a key component of a . While the closet isn't always a walk-in space, it does need expanded dimensions to enhance a larger bedroom. After all, a master bedroom should provide amenities a standard bedroom does not. Having room for a king size bed, perhaps a master bathroom and closet that is spacious are features any homeowner expects in a master bedroom.
Room to Spare
Home plans show master closets ranging from approximately 6-by-7-foot areas to 8-by-12-foot spaces. Back in 2005, a "Time" magazine article stated the average size of a master closet as 6 by 8 feet. Some master closets are much larger, especially those that are full walk-in closets. A walk-in master bedroom closet is often close to 10 by 12 feet, while some are twice this square footage. A larger closet usually has more door space than a standard closet, too. Having at least two standard doors, one of which may open into another room or hallway, will make the closet more user-friendly.
Walking Space
Visualize the layout you can build. To create true "his and her" spaces inside the closet, plan for at least two long hanging rods on each side with a walkway between them. Room for shelving and several small chests of drawers is handy, too. Larger square footage will allow for a dressing table and full-length mirror space.
Detailed Planning
Use graph paper to sketch your bedroom, its closet and adjacent rooms. Figure out a detailed plan for your closet by using one square of the graph paper to represent 4 inches of real space. Consider removing a non-load-bearing wall to gain just a few inches for the closet. You might, for instance, take out a wall between a bath closet and the bedroom closet to expand the bedroom closet by 12 inches. If the wall is 6 feet wide and 8 feet high, this is a significant amount of new space.
Electrical Considerations
Closet space requires heating and cooling, plus electrical components. As you plan shelving, take ductwork and venting into consideration. You don't want air to blow directly onto a shelf of folded clothes, for example. Figure the need for electrical outlets and lighting. Even a simple master closet functions best with recessed lighting overhead. All of these issues will require fine tuning on graph paper as you complete your plan.
Placement Issues
Avoid building a closet opening directly into a master bath. Steam from the bath may cause moisture problems inside the closet. A smaller closet will have less room for the moisture to dissipate, so take this into consideration if you have a jetted tub or walk-in shower close by. Use an overhead venting system in a small closet, if moisture does become a problem.
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