- The standard closet shelf height is crucial to know when designing your closets
- It can vary depending on what type of closet you have and the setup inside your closet
- You’ll find all the measurements for the standard closet shelf height below!
Are you looking for information about the average closet shelf height? Then, you’re in the right place. I’ll share measurements for the standard closet shelf height. These dimensions are essential to know if you’re planning to install new closets (or DIY them!).
Every home needs several closets – they’re crucial for storing clothes and other items out of sight. Closet shelves allow you to maximize your storage space. And they make it easier to keep everything tidy and organized as a result!
But how high should your shelves be? And what is the acceptable space between shelves? The right measurements will make all the difference when it comes to your closets.
So, read on to find the standard closet shelf height & dimensions.
What are the Standard Closet Dimensions?
Before we get onto the average closet shelf height, let’s look at the overall dimensions. The shelf height within your closets will depend on how large it is in the first place. It can also vary depending on the type of closet you have.
Standard Dimensions for a Walk-In Closet
One of the most common types of closets is the walk-in closet. These closets are the most spacious and also vary in size depending on the build of your house. But generally, you’ll need at least 4.5 feet in depth in a walk-in closet. That will provide you with enough space to easily hang your clothes and access them.
Standard Dimensions for a Reach-In Closet
The other popular type of closet is the reach-in closet. This style is more practical if you’re short on space. It requires less room but still allows you to store and hang all your clothes.
The standard size of a reach-in closet is around 8 feet high and between 4 to 6 feet long. The height will depend on how high the ceilings are in your house. But you’ll rarely find a closet of over 8 feet in height.
As for the length, it may be shorter if you’re tight on space. The depth can also vary between 24 to 30 inches deep.
Of all the dimensions, the height of a closet is the most standardized measurement. Although there can be some variation, it tends to be around 8 feet high.
Generally, most ceilings are around the same height, so closets are built with that in mind. And that makes it easier to know the standard closet shelf height.
What is the Standard Height for a Closet Rod and Shelf?
Once you know the standard height of a closet, you can plan out the inside of your closet. First, make sure you check how high your ceilings are. If it’s around nine-foot, you’re safe to assume that an 8-foot closet will work for you.
The next step is to decide how high the closet rod should be. Most closets have a rod along the top for hanging clothes. It’s handy as it allows you to store lots of clothes without creasing them. That makes it ideal for dresses, shirts, suits, and high-maintenance clothes.
The standard height for a closet rod is 72 inches from the ground. So, you can see if this height would work for your closet. But if you prefer, you can adjust it to be higher or lower.
Ideally, the closet rod sits high enough to hold your clothes without them touching the floor. That depends on what sort of clothes you need to hang. For example, dresses or long coats will take up more space than shirts.
But you also need to ensure enough clearance between the rod and the top of the closet. That will allow you to hang the clothes easily.
You could go for a double-rod system if you only need to hang shirts and shorter items. In that case, install your rods at around 80 and 40 inches in height. Aim for at least 3 feet between the rods to ensure there’s enough space for your clothes.
What is the Standard Height for a Closet Shelf?
So, now you’re wondering how high the shelf in your closet should be. But first, you need to decide whether you want a shelf above the rod or at the bottom of your closet.
Standard Height for a High Closet Shelf
A shelf above the rod can be pretty high, generally sitting at around 87 inches in height. Some people even like to go as high as 96 inches if they have a tall closet.
This kind of shelf helps store things you don’t often need. But you’ll need to check whether you’ll have enough clearance to fit the shelf in your closet. Remember that you’ll also need space for whatever you want to store on the shelf.
If you find that 87 inches are too high, you could install the shelf lower down. But you’ll also need to adjust the height of your rod. And you may find that you don’t have enough clearance to hang longer clothing items.
Standard Height for a Low Closet Shelf
Another option is to have a shelf sitting low in the closet. This design is ideal for storing shoes or folded items of clothing.
If you install a low shelf, you technically have two shelves you can use. You’ll have the shelf itself and the closet floor, doubling the space you can use. So you’ll be able to store even more inside your closet.
The advantage of a low shelf is that it’s easy to access, especially if you’re shorter. You won’t need a stool or a step ladder to reach it. So, that makes it an excellent choice for anything you use frequently. And it maximizes the storage space within your closet.
When installing a low shelf, make sure it’s at least 16 inches from the floor. That will provide ample space below for shoes, boots, or even storage boxes.
You might want to test this out to double-check that it will work for your closet. Make sure you have enough space overall for the closet rod and shelves. Then, check if there is enough clearance between your hanging clothes and the items on your shelf.
Installing Shelves in Your Closet – Distance Between Shelves
You might decide to forgo the closet rod and opt for shelves throughout instead. And that can bring you to the question – how much space do I need between shelves?
Placing your shelves too close together will limit your use of the space. Larger items won’t fit on the shelves, and it will all look cramped and crowded.
But if you put your shelves too far apart, you’ll waste the storage space within your closet. So, how far apart should closet shelves be?
Generally, you should have around 12 inches between shelves. That’s an ideal spacing to get the most out of your closet.
Standard Shelf Depth
Now we’ve covered shelf height and distance between your shelves. But what about shelf depth in your closet? How far should your shelves go back?
The standard closet shelf depth is 1/2 inch (12mm) below the finished floor level. If you have an 8 foot ceiling, your closet shelves should be at least 4 feet off the ground.
The Wrap Up
So now, you should have a good idea of the standard closet shelf height. And you’ll also know if that will work for the closets in your home.
Being armed with this information can help you plan your closets to maximize the space. So, you’ll find it easier to store more items neatly and access them quickly.
Storage is an essential component in any home. So, getting the closet dimensions right is crucial. Let me know how you get on in the comments below!
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