A walk-in needs at least about 4 by 6 feet and usually costs $5,000–$15,000 to fit out in Orlando; a custom reach-in starts around $1,500. A well-designed reach-in can hold as much as a small walk-in because it doesn’t give up floor space to a walkway.
The walk-in closet is high on almost every homebuyer’s wish list, but bigger isn’t always better. A walk-in gives up floor space to a walkway, and a poorly planned one can hold less than a well-designed reach-in. Here’s how the two compare, so you can decide what makes sense for your bedroom, your budget and your plans for the house.
What’s the difference?
A reach-in closet is a shallow closet, usually 24 to 30 inches deep, that you use from outside, through sliding, bifold or hinged doors. A walk-in closet is a small room you step into, with storage on one, two or three walls. Learn more in our guide to what a reach-in closet is.
Side-by-side comparison
| Reach-in | Walk-in | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum size | About 24” deep, 4 ft wide | About 4 × 6 ft (one wall of storage) |
| Storage per sq ft | Very high, no walkway | Lower, part of the room is walkway |
| Custom fit-out cost (Orlando) | From about $1,500 | $5,000–$15,000 typical |
| Getting dressed | Done in the bedroom | Room to dress, mirror, seating |
| Resale appeal | Expected in secondary bedrooms | Strong selling point in the primary suite |
When a reach-in is the better choice
- The bedroom is small and you don’t want to lose floor space.
- It’s a kids’ room, guest room or secondary bedroom.
- You want the most storage for the budget.
- The closet is 2 to 2.5 feet deep: too shallow to walk into anyway.
A custom reach-in uses full-height panels, double hanging, shelves and drawers to get much more out of the same footprint. See how to maximize a reach-in closet.
Before deciding, count your hanging clothes and shoes. If they fit in 10 to 12 feet of double hang plus a shoe tower, a well-designed reach-in may be all you need, and the budget difference can go into drawers and lighting.
When a walk-in is worth it
- It’s the primary bedroom and you’re planning to stay or to sell to families.
- Two people share the closet and each needs their own section.
- You want space for an island, a vanity, a full-length mirror or seating.
- You have a large wardrobe, a lot of shoes or bags you want displayed.
Not sure your space is big enough? Read whether 4 feet is wide enough for a walk-in closet.
Can you turn a reach-in into a walk-in?
Sometimes. If the closet sits next to a spare bedroom, a bathroom with extra space or an unused nook, a wall can move. That’s a construction project with permits, drywall, electrical and flooring, so it usually costs much more than fitting out the closet itself. Many Orlando homeowners get more value by converting a small spare bedroom into a dressing room, which needs no structural work, or by fitting out the existing reach-in properly.
Resale in the Orlando market
In Central Florida’s newer communities, buyers expect a walk-in in the primary suite. If yours has one with builder-grade wire shelving, upgrading it is one of the more visible improvements for listing photos. In secondary bedrooms, a neat, well-organized reach-in is all buyers look for.
Free in-home measurement and a 3D design so you can see the layout before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a walk-in closet better than a reach-in?
Not always. A walk-in gives room to dress and display, but a reach-in stores more per square foot. The right one depends on room size, budget and how you use it.
What is the minimum size for a walk-in closet?
About 4 feet wide by 6 feet deep for storage on one wall. For storage on two facing walls, plan on 5 to 7 feet of width.
How much does a walk-in closet cost in Orlando?
Fitting out a walk-in with a custom system typically costs $5,000 to $15,000, depending on size, drawers and finishes.
Free in-home design and a 3D plan with an exact price, before anything is built.
