The Advantages & Disadvantages of Adding a Walk-In Closet to Your Home

by Diana Hellman 10/10/2021

Walk-in closets continue to be a popular trend for home upgrades and renovations. They can be an excellent addition to your lifestyle and a significant selling point for potential homebuyers. However, when determining whether adding a walk-in closet is the best idea, there are many things to consider. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of walk-in closets to help you decide:

Walk-In Closet Advantages

Amazing Storage Potential - When you consider that a walk-in closet is like an entire room dedicated to your wardrobe, it’s easy to see the appeal. With the right layout, you can keep and display an enormous amount of clothing, shoes and accessories all in one place. Walk-in closets also allow you to dedicate a space to more delicate or expensive items, like jewelry, that can get lost in the clutter of daily life. By using a combination of hanging rods, shelving and drawers you can unlock the full storage potential of a walk-in closet.

Customizable - There are entire companies and firms dedicated to custom closet design. There are also countless products and solutions available to DIY your own closet layout, from shelving units to garment racks to drawers and more. Rather than a normal closet, a walk-in grants the opportunity to customize the space to meet your specific needs. Everybody’s wardrobe is different and you can maximize your storage efficiency and take the best possible care of your belongings by customizing your walk-in.

Walk-In Closet Disadvantages

Expensive - Unfortunately, a walk-in closet can be expensive. Even if you already have the space in your home and don’t need to pay for a full remodel, finishing touches can add up. Things like lighting, custom shelving, mirrors and other decor are costly. You can save some money with the DIY approach to perfecting your walk-in closet rather than hire a team of professionals to help, but creating the ultimate closet space has the potential to be time-consuming and expensive.

Potentially Overwhelming - For many, simpler is better for storage. This is especially true for clothing and shoe storage, as these things have a tendency to become cluttered and overwhelming, no matter how fastidious you are in your organization.

However, adding too much space and too many organization options can be the opposite of helpful: instead of helping you bring order to your wardrobe, you may find it overwhelming or more messy than before. It’s important to consider whether you would prefer a simple approach to your closet.

Walk-in closets are a desirable feature and a goal for many homeowners. However, they are not for everyone and every home. Consider the pros and cons if you’re thinking of adding your own to make sure you get the best potential solution for your needs.

About the Author
Author

Diana Hellman

 Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters