--- title: "Adding a Closet Where There Is None" description: "There are many ways to add a closet to your home: build in a wardrobe, opt for an open closet, frame out a new closet—the list goes on." date: "2013-01-15" modified: "2020-09-22" authors: - name: "Joe Provey" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/joe-provey/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/add-a-closet/" categories: - "Interior" - "Storage" tags: - "bedrooms" - "closets" - "DIY" - "organization" - "storage" --- # Adding a Closet Where There Is None ![free standing wardrobe]() *Photo: usona Photo: usonahome.com* It's not difficult to add a closet, but doing so will probably be more costly than reorganizing an existing one. So exhaust all other storage options before taking the plunge. There are several ways to add a closet to your home: purchase a freestanding wardrobe, build in a wardrobe, opt for an open closet, frame out a new closet, or create one from "found" space. The path you take to adding a closet depends upon the amount of space you can afford, the amount of money you wish to spend, and whether or not you need a permanent or temporary solution. Find trusted local pros for any home project [Find Pros Now]() [+]() ![Freestanding white wardrobe with built in drawer storage.]() *Photo: dnginteriors.com* ### FREESTANDING WARDROBES A freestanding wardrobe is a quick and easy way to add a closet; like cabinets, freestanding wardrobes come with the sawing and finishing already done. Small units are only a few feet wide, while multiple units may be used side by side to achieve greater width. Heights range from six to eight feet, but custom units may of course be built taller. Freestanding wardrobes, typically constructed of plywood or fiberboard, can be real space savers. While a conventionally framed closet devotes four or five inches to studs and drywall on three sides (occupying at least six or seven cubic feet), freestanding units waste almost no space on construction. In addition, they can be positioned either against a wall or several feet into a room—divider fashion—effectively creating a walk-in closet. ### BUILT-IN WARDROBES Built-in wardrobes are a more permanent solution. They may be carcass built (like one or more large cabinets), frame built, or built behind a wall of sliding doors. Built-in wardrobes tend to make better use of available space than freestanding wardrobes but are more expensive as well. Multiple built-ins can be arranged in rows or at angles. If used at right angles, plan ahead in order to use corner spaces with maximum efficiency. ![Elfa free-standing storage unit]() *Photo: containerstore.com* ### OPEN CLOSETS Open closets are built using closet organizer components, but they are not enclosed by walls or doors. Open closets are commonly used in [garages](), sewing and craft centers, playrooms, media centers, home offices and [bathrooms](). Organizing systems for making an open closet come in many styles, including coated wire, melamine-coated fiberboard, and solid wood. You don’t have to spend a lot—a closet pole hung from hooks, a back-of-door rack, and a clothes tree can all serve as open closets. ![under stair storage solusions]() *Photo: theorganizerlady.com* ### CONVENTIONALLY FRAMED CLOSETS Conventionally framed closets are permanent and are designed to look like part of the house. Stud walls are erected from floor to ceiling, skinned with drywall, and painted. The opening is fitted with the doors of your choice, while the trim and door hardware are selected to match the surrounding room. If you want this type of closet, however, you will have to brush up on your framing and drywall taping skills. ### FOUND-SPACE CLOSETS It's also possible to add a closet in "found" spaces. This approach is usually less expensive than others, because the enclosure already exists. Common spots include: - [Under staircases]() - At the end of a kitchen cabinet run - In a wall that fronts a void (typically an attic or the eaves) Found-space closets need not be small. If you find yourself with a spare room, you can convert it into a walk-in closet and turn it back into a bedroom should you want to sell the house. [Bedrooms]() typically add more to resale than closets. ## Author Joe Provey is an expert on all things home and garden. His work has appeared in many national magazines, including [Popular Mechanics](), [House Beautiful](), [Better Homes & Gardens](), and [Fine Homebuilding](). Mr. Provey has also written more than dozen books, including [*Convert Your Home to Solar Energy*]() and [*1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization*]()*.* Other titles include *Outdoor Kitchens, Easy Closets, Green-up Your Cleanup, and Design Ideas for Flooring.* Currently, Mr. Provey serves as the president of Home & Garden Editorial Services (HGES), a company that produces books for publishers in the home and garden category. In the past, he has been chief editor to several national home improvement magazines, including [The Family Handyman](), Mechanix Illustrated, and Practical Homeowner. Joe lives in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife MaryAnn, where they have seven children and four grandchildren between them. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()