Closet Shelf Depths

When it comes to walk in closets these measurements get a little trickier because there isn t necessarily a set standard like you would expect from a reach in closet.

Closet shelf depths.

The header is the area between the top of the closet door and the ceiling. One rod is mounted just below the top shelf and the other rod is mounted 42 inches above the floor. At 7 feet high the top shelf is a stretch for many people. Closet shelves should be at least 11 inches deep to accommodate clothing up to 15 inches max.

Reach in closets have a width of about 48 inches long or larger. A good way is for the first shelf to be 15 inches with 11 inch shelves above will suffice. 16 inches for 28 inch deep closets or more the most common reach in closet is a 24 inch deep closet with a header. Unless your closet uses tall doors or doors that go all the way to the ceiling a 12 inch shelf depth is recommended.

The very top shelf in the closet is commonly 84 inches above the floor level. Shelf depths of 12 30 5 cm should be used for shoes and smaller clothing elements. This allows a double deck arrangement of closet rods below this shelf. Shelves intended to hold exceptionally bulky items such as pillows or blankets should be 24 inches deep.

The comfortable recommended depth of a closet is 24 61 cm but closet depths as narrow as 20 50 8 cm can be used if desired.