A modular closet system is a great way to upgrade your closet. Most closets have a simple hanging bar, and most of the vertical space goes unused. With a closet system, you can multiply the functionality of your closet space while introducing an elegant addition to your bedroom design.
Of course, no two closets are exactly the same. There are closets that are deep or shallow, wide or narrow, and detailed or plain. That is why measuring your space is the first step to choosing the perfect modular closet system for your closet. Your closet system should fit snugly, while accommodating any built-in features like the closet door, existing shelves, or light switches and outlets.
Whether you’re upgrading for style, organization, or functionality, accurate measurements are the foundation for a successful installation. We’ll walk you through the detailed process of accurately measuring your closet to achieve your ideal modular closet upgrade.
How to Measure Your Space for Your Modular Closet
Measuring to install a modular closet should be done in four stages:
- Gather your supplies
- Measure the horizontal space
- Measure the vertical space
- Account for obstacles and built-in features
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Proper measurements are critical to ensure your closet organizer system fits within the space. A closet system that is too large can’t be installed. But with a precise fit, your system will fit seamlessly into your space with minimal need for adjustments during installation. Good measurements can help to maximize your storage and enhance the overall look of your closet while ensuring you have access to all of its essential features.
- Gather Your Tools
The first step is to assemble the tools you’ll need for the job. Measuring a closet requires just a few items that you likely have already: A tape measure, a pen, and a piece of paper. You can also use a mobile app and it can be helpful to have a buddy.
- Tape Measure – Manual or Laser
- Pen or Pencil
- Paper
- Drawing app
- Buddy for measuring larger spaces
- Measure the Horizontal Space
Next, you will need to measure the width of your closet. This will take several measurements to get the right size. It may surprise you to learn that walls are rarely perfectly square. There are slight variations in surface and angle, so it’s important to measure the narrowest area with precision so that your modular closet system fits snugly without scraping the walls or conflicting with a slightly uneven space.
To do this, we’ll measure at three points:
- Bottom: Along the baseboard
- Middle: In the center of the wall
- Top: Near the ceiling
How to Measure Your Closet Horizontally
Take your tape measure and lay the metal tab flat against the side wall. Extend the tape along the back wall and let the tape bend at the corner to get the full distance. Round the measurement down to the nearest 1/16th of an inch and note the distance on your piece of paper.
If you are using a laser measure, include the height of the device in the measurement (this is usually a mode button) and set the back of your laser measure flat against the side wall. Point the laser at the opposite side wall and take a measurement. Note the distance, rounding down to the nearest 1/16th of an inch.
As mentioned above, you’ll measure in 3 places, starting with the tape measure along the baseboard, then at the middle height, near chest level, and finally measuring near the ceiling or just below the crown molding.
From these three horizontal measurements, you will keep the smallest one. This accounts for any irregularities and helps ensure a neat and efficient closet system installation.
- Measure the Vertical Space
Next, you’ll need to determine the height of your closet. Take your tape measure and place it near the ceiling or just below the crown molding. Then measure the distance to the floor. If you have an upper shelf that cannot be removed, start your measurement there.
Note the height of your closet or vertical space on your paper or in your drawing app.
You should have about 8 inches clearance between the top of your modular closet system and the ceiling.
- Account for Obstacles
The final step is to consider any obstacles or features that are already built into your closet. These might include:
- Doors and door frames
- Windows and window frames
- Outlets and light switches
- Vents and vent covers
- Molding and chair rails
These small details can make a big difference because they subtly reduce the space available for your modular closet system and may need to be included in the design. Make note of any built-in features and include their positions in your sketch of the closet.
Measure the Depth
For things like moldings, chair rails, and door frames, make note of how much each detail extends into your closet space. For example, the average doorframe is 4-7 inches in total depth, but only 1-2 inches from the wall. Baseboards, crown molding, and chair rails will also extend between 1-3 inches from the wall, while light switches and outlets extend less than an inch.
Door Swing Direction
If there are doors to your closet, note which direction they swing. Most closet doors swing away from the closet, but a deeper closet may have a door that swings inward, especially if it has two entrances like some walk-in closets. Note the direction of the swing and exclude the swing radius from your measurements.
Pocket doors, sliding doors, and doors that swing outward will not obstruct the closet, but do note the extension of any doorknobs on the interior side of the closet.
Tips for Success
As modular closet experts, we can share a few success tips from our hands-on experience with these built-in systems.
- Sketch the closet. Label each wall with precise measurements and draw in obstructions.
- Write down each measurement as soon as you take it, and double-check your work.
- Measure and confirm your work one last time before ordering your closet (maybe you’ve heard that woodworker’s saying “measure twice, cut once” and they’re really onto something there).
- For larger closets, ask a friend to help hold one end of the tape measure.
Following these steps will ensure that you have all the information you need to create a customized modular closet that fits your space perfectly.
Next Steps: Finding the Right Size Modular Closet Organizer and Choosing Your Features, and Style
Now that you have accurate measurements, it’s time to choose the perfect modular closet organizer for your space.
The Right Size Closet System for Your Space
Bestar’s Florence Modular Closet System comes in 2 standard widths and depths so you can choose the system that has the best fit for your closet space.
- Width Options: 25″ or 36″
- Depth Options: 16″ or 25″
Clothes will hang differently in our 16″ and 25″ deep closet units. In a 16″ deep unit, hangers extend past the front edge of the closet unit. In a 25″ deep unit, hangers stay within the unit’s edges, making it compatible with our frosted glass doors—perfect for walk-in closets.
What to Know About Our Corner Closet Units
Corner closet units stand at a right-angle, connecting units on two walls of your closet, so you don’t have wasted space in the corners. These work best in larger closets with more depth and walk-in closets.
Keep in mind, when using the Florence Modular Corner Closet Unit, it must be next to a 16″ deep closet tower on the side of the corner unit where the shelves are attached. For closet towers that are adjacent to the “floating shelf” side of the corner unit, either the 16″ or the 25″ components (without drawers or doors) are compatible.
Customize Your Closet Options to Your Needs
Once you have determined the overall size of the modular closet system to best fit your space, you can customize, thanks to the modular design of this collection.
- Hanging Storage: Rods to hang your clothes, adjustable in height to accommodate your wardrobe.
- Folded Storage: Shelves for folded clothing items that don’t need to be hung up. Also perfect for holding your closet organizer boxes and trays.
- Shoe Shelves: Angled shelves for your shoe collection
- Drawers: Smooth-gliding drawers the same width as your shelves and hanging storage for tidy out-of-sight personal storage.
Your Closet System’s Style
You can also stylize your closet to suit your room design and personal aesthetic. Choose from two looks that can match any style.
- Slab Style – Sleek and modern with flat features
- Shaker Style – Shaker beveled drawer fronts for a more traditional look
The Perfect Modular Closet System for Your Needs
The perfect modular closet system is only a few steps away. If you’re ready to upgrade your closet’s functionality and appearance, we can make your vision a reality with elegantly designed organizers customized for your preferences.
Following these steps, you’re well on your way to designing the modular closet you’ve always dreamed of – one that fits your space perfectly and meets your organizational needs. If you need more assistance, please contact our team of professionals and we’ll guide you through the measurement and selection process.
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