Although you won't know the exact details before getting a quote, it's natural to wonder how much your
custom closet system will cost.
Closets are one of the most used areas in a home. Custom closet systems are a wonderful solution to best optimize every inch, and people like to know how much it will cost them. The typical price averages $200 per linear foot.
Ultimately, the cost is dependent on a handful of specific elements relevant to a custom closet design and installation. Here are four of them:
- Size
- Type
- Materials
- Add-Ons
Read on to learn more about how everything from size and configuration to what bells and whistles you might desire play into the price of your dream closet.
Size
Size is one of the biggest considerations in determining the overall cost of a custom closet project. The larger the footprint of a closet, the higher the price range will be with all other variables also having an influence on the end quote. That being said, some smaller closets that have unique dimensions or nooks and crannies may require creative customization that could add to the price tag.
Older homes, in particular, often feature closets that were more of an afterthought when homes were built. Individuals and families didn’t have as many personal items of clothing decades ago. Over time, our homes have required us to accommodate more “stuff," so many closets were not created to be crammed full of apparel, seasonal storage, and so many accessories.
This article by HGTV offers great tips for how to precisely measure your closet’s square footage.
Type
Do you have a standard reach-in closet or a large walk-in one? Are you retrofitting an existing closet or rebuilding or expanding it? Are you overhauling a closet for a child where you need adjustable shelving and hanging rods? Do you need to make the closet work for spouses who share the space? Each of these scenarios has its own particular list of needs.
The complexity of a custom closet system also plays a role in the overall cost. Closets that require working around windows or other existing architectural or foundational elements will require more custom-made components than a closet that has four flat walls.
Materials
The materials you use in your custom closet system can be modest or luxe. You can use laminate, melamine, plywood, or wire, or you can go with solid woods. You can go with stock natural or white colors, or you can match your bedroom, bathroom, or adjacent room décor, which will cost more. There are nearly endless combinations of available base colors, accent colors, and hardware that you can mix and match to meet your preferred style.
You could also choose between smooth finishes or textured surfaces. The former is less expensive. Options abound for flat front drawers or beveled or raised panel fronts. The latter is the pricier choice. You could also choose premium materials like cedar for shelving or counters or frosted glass for drawer fronts.
If your dream closet is more about function and less about being fashion-forward, then keep the materials to a minimum. If you want to go big and you have a healthy budget, then customize to your heart’s content.
Adds-On
Similar to purchasing a car, you have plentiful options for decking out your custom closet. You can keep it simple with rods and shelving, or you can choose a variety of add-ons to help you corral and contain belts, shoes, hats, specialty and seasonal items, and jewelry, to name just a few. The sky truly is the limit.
Drawers, racks, cabinets, hooks, nesting trays, lined inserts, hampers, adjustable shelving, lighting, mirrors…the menu of add-ons is impressive. Remember to reflect on what your requisites are that would remove the current pain points from your existing closet and only choose accessories that make sense for you.
Forbes offers some additional guidance with ideas you might want to incorporate as you go about your custom closet remodel.
Final Thoughts
A custom closet should streamline, simplify, and offer solutions to ease your everyday routine. If your current closet space is not hitting all the right notes, consider the benefit of purchasing a custom closet system. You could end up with a lovely space that checks all the boxes.
Sources
- https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/tips-for-taking-closet-measurements
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/closet-remodel-guide/