There are a few common types of closets out there that are often compared with one another as clients consider their options, and perhaps the most common example here is the dichotomy between the walk-in closet and the reach-in closet. How do these two extremely common closet formats compare, and which might be ideal for your closet and storage needs?
At Precision Closets & Garage, we're happy to offer the very best custom closet systems and garage storage systems you'll find around Salt Lake City and Park City, including both walk-in closets and reach-in closets for any bedroom or related space in your home. Here are some basics that differentiate the two types, plus some key factors to consider as you choose between them for various storage needs in your home.
Some of the differences between walk-in and reach-in closets are found simply in their names. Walk-in closets are larger, designed to be entered and walked into for storage needs. Reach-in closets are typically smaller, with a single door that is simply opened and accessed from the front to reach items inside.
Walk-ins will generally offer more space for hanging items such as dresses or coats, plus shelving areas or other storage sections where items can be placed on shelves rather than hung. Reach-ins, on the other hand, are generally more limited in space and may be better served for storing smaller items or clothing like t-shirts and socks.
So how do you decide between them? Our next several sections will go over some important variables to consider.
Naturally, the needs of whoever will be using the closet are important, and will likely be a major factor in your decision-making. If you or someone else simply has a lot of clothing or other items to store that require hanging space, a walk-in closet is often the best choice for this purpose.
However, if you're looking at matters like daily convenience and ease of access rather than sheer volume, reach-in closets may be equally good choices. They're easier to reach into and grab items from, meaning they may be the more convenient choice for daily use.
In addition, you should also consider the overall organization of your closet. Will you need multiple shelves or compartments for different types of clothing or accessories? If so, a walk-in closet will likely provide more room and flexibility for this kind of organization.
On the other hand, if your closet storage needs are more basic and don't require such specific organization, a reach-in closet may work just fine. You can still add shelves or other features, but you'll likely have less space to work with overall compared to walk-ins.
Another key variable here will be the actual space available in your home. If you have a larger area to work with and want more storage options, a walk-in closet is likely the better choice. But if you're working with limited space or need to fit your closet into an existing room layout, reach-in closets may be a better solution.
While both walk-in and reach-in closets can be customized to meet your specific storage needs, you'll have more versatility with a walk-in closet. With the larger space available, you can add custom features like islands, seating areas or even built-in drawers for added convenience.
Now, this doesn't mean you can't customize a reach-in closet – you absolutely can. But keep in mind that space will be more limited and may affect your customization options.
Naturally, cost is a factor for many here as well. In general, reach-in closets will be less expensive to install than walk-ins due to the differences in size and materials used. If budget is a top priority, reach-in closets may be the way to go.
However, if you have extra storage needs or are planning to expand your current storage options in the future, a walk-in closet may be a better long-term investment. It's important to weigh both the short-term and long-term costs when making your decision.
Both walk-in and reach-in closets have their own unique benefits and considerations that need to be taken into account when choosing between them. Consider factors like space available, storage needs, organization preferences, budget and customization options to determine which type of closet will best meet your specific needs.
At Precision Closets & Garage, our team of experts can help you design and install the perfect closet system for your home – contact us today to get started, whether you're in SLC, Park City or any nearby area.
