A separate room for storing clothes is gradually ceasing to be an attribute of luxury and the prerogative of a large private home. So, for example, in a city apartment you can organize a small dressing room from the pantry - this will save space in other rooms, will cost less than a custom-made wardrobe and will allow you to organize convenient storage of things. In this article we tell you how to do it yourself step by step.
Primary requirements
A converted clothing space takes up less space than cabinet furniture. The capacity of the element depends on the number of free squares. For a compact wardrobe, 1.5*1 m is enough. The “closet” will accommodate shelves, drawers and rods. If storage elements are placed on one side, then use a width of 1.2 m. For double-sided structures, leave 1.5-2 m.
Storage space Source bezkovrov.com
To determine the capacity of a space, designers recommend analyzing the amount of clothing. Some things hang on hangers, the rest are in boxes or on shelves. Wardrobe items from previous seasons are removed from view. For shoes, mesh baskets are often preferred.
Depending on the number of residents, the storage can be divided into several zones. Space is divided into female, male and children's parts. The layout helps to rationally use the usable space and makes it easier to find and sort things.
Isolation of the dressing room from the pantry threatens the appearance of mustiness. Wet clothes and shoes indoors will introduce unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove. To eliminate the problem, the space inside must be equipped with ventilation. Good air exchange will provide an influx of fresh oxygen and protect things from:
- mold;
- insects;
- dust.
If there is no window in the closet, then electricity is supplied to the dressing room. Lamps will make it easier to clean, sort or select clothes. Lighting fixtures should not heat up, otherwise the fabric or leather of the shoes may be damaged. Instead of lamps, a diode strip is installed.
Features of organization for a small pantry
A dressing room is considered compact if it occupies only 3 square meters. To accommodate as many things as possible, you can simply turn your pantry into a large closet.
If desired, part of the walls of the storage room is demolished and the room is expanded using drywall. Unfortunately, this reduces the area of the living room, which is especially critical in a one-room apartment. The redevelopment must be legalized in the BTI.
The photo shows a pantry-wardrobe, the modest area of which does not allow for a full-fledged dressing room.
But if instead of a pantry you plan to arrange a dressing room, you need to provide a convenient passage, reduce the depth of the shelves, and provide lighting. You will most likely have to abandon built-in drawers and use a lightweight frame storage system. To use every free centimeter, you can attach additional hooks, hang textile pockets or baskets. It’s also worth leaving room for a stool so you can easily reach the top shelves.
The photo shows a compact walk-in closet located in the bedroom.
Preparing the space
Before you make a dressing room, you need to empty the pantry. Shelves and doors are dismantled, the surface of uneven walls is puttied. Any distortions or cracks will lead to deformation of the structure or incorrect taking of measurements. Water-based paint or wallpaper is used as finishing. Whitewashing or decorative plaster can leave marks on clothing and are therefore contraindicated.
Leveling walls and floors Source dekormyhome.ru
When decorating the surface of the pantry-wardrobe, materials are taken that allow oxygen to pass through well. MDF or wood boards are suitable for walls and ceilings. The porous structure of natural raw materials “breathes”, which improves natural air exchange. Inexpensive plastic cladding is contraindicated for enclosed spaces.
The color of the decoration matches the main design of the room or differs from the background by a couple of tones. A tiny storage room in an apartment building should not be painted in a dark palette. Muted shades will turn the space into a cramped closet. Light colors will optically enlarge a compact dressing room.
The floor is leveled with a screed and covered with linoleum, laminate or vinyl tiles. Designers do not recommend using paths or carpet. The fleecy surface attracts dust and moisture, which worsens the microclimate of the space. The limited size of your closet will make cleaning your closet difficult.
If the room does not have built-in ventilation, then you need to make an air duct element yourself. Designers recommend installing an option with a forced operating principle. Power depends on the size of the space. Using a hammer drill, create a hole on the wall or under the ceiling into which the device is inserted. A grille is installed on the reverse side.
Selection of finishing materials
Do-it-yourself wardrobe rooms from a closet photo will turn into a cozy storage for things if you choose the right finish. The main requirement for the choice of finishing materials is a smooth surface to avoid the appearance of puffs, and no marks. You should immediately abandon the idea of whitewashing the dressing room or using cheap, low-quality paint or wallpaper, which, when in contact with the fabric, can leave marks that will be difficult to get rid of.
Among other things, it should be taken into account that things may not be hung well dried. This can affect the coating, moreover, cause a musty smell and the development of mold inside the dressing room. Wood and MDF are excellent options as they are porous and have the ability to absorb moisture.
The surfaces of the interior space of the former storage room should be easy to clean and wash. Modern paints have all the necessary properties and are at the same time hypoallergenic and leave no odor.
Give up the idea of putting carpet in your closet, because if you can’t clean it, replacing it will become very problematic.
Installing shelves
Shelves must support the weight of clothing and not move when touched by a person. Safety and ease of use depend on the correct installation of parts. Structures mounted on dowels often turn over.
A reliable and safe option for wardrobe rooms from the pantry are fasteners made from steel corners or timber. Markings are made on the wall with a pencil, then the parts are fixed with a screwdriver and self-tapping screws, and shelves are installed. The edges of the elements are pre-treated, protecting clothes from damage.
Fastening options for shelves Source alta-group.com.ua
Furniture mensolo holders are used as fasteners. If the structure must withstand high loads, then preference is given to a decorative corner. “Pelican” looks beautiful in structures made from materials of different thicknesses or raw materials (wood, steel). To fix shelves made of composites, hidden (invisible) models are used. For thin parts, options with FIX fasteners are suitable.
Device for shelves Source ozone.ru
Stylistic and color design
You can create an expressive room from a simple pantry if you properly design the surfaces and make good accents on the contents. A certain style is set not only by shelving structures, but also by their color, location features, and design. You can decorate the room in accordance with the following stylistic directions:
- Classic. Full-fledged facades and sliding wardrobes would be appropriate. The finish should be clear, without unnecessary details. The walls are plain, painted or wallpapered in pastel colors, the floor is made of natural materials (stone, wood). Furniture is only necessary and functional, for example, a table, a small ottoman.
- Eco style. The most peaceful design should not be overloaded with useless details. Only natural materials are used for finishing surfaces and as furniture materials.
- Minimalism. No accessories or decor. Only open strict shelves. Color: white-black, beige, brown.
- Techno. Cool, thoughtful style. The dressing room has only straight lines, many drawers with fancy fittings, and metal spotlights. Rough materials are used for finishing: metal, glass.
- High tech. Suitable for spacious walk-in closets. Advanced technologies and the latest materials are used to furnish the rooms. Lots of glass, plastic, metal. The colors mainly present are grey, metallic and white.
- Fusion Allows you to connect several directions at once. You can combine angular shelving and a fabric lampshade, plastic furniture and wooden flooring. A combination of a bright textile screen and a shabby chic dressing table would be appropriate.
Rod installation
If you add hangers, your closet will become more functional and convenient. Even in a tight space, you can install at least 2 rows of rods on which medium-length clothes (up to 1.3 m) are placed. A room with a high ceiling will accommodate three-tier structures.
Options made of chromed or galvanized steel can withstand loads and last a long time. Inexpensive rods made of metal alloys are strong and durable and are used for accessories. Wooden parts bend under the weight, and scratches from hangers remain on the surface.
Installing a hanger Source mblx.ru
The installation method depends on the parameters of the dressing room. In a narrow pantry, traditional longitudinal models are used. In deep spaces, transverse views are appropriate, in which the clothing is turned “facing” the person. To get to the distant thing, you need to fully extend the structure. In spacious rooms, floor-standing (mobile) options are used.
Installation of pipes for things is carried out after installing the shelves. To fix the device, use furniture fasteners for rods. Before the procedure, measurements are taken. The height of the pipes depends on the length of the items:
- short – 1-1.2 m;
- average – 1.4-1.7 m;
- long – 1.8-2 m.
A gap of 4-5 cm is left between the hanger and the horizontal structures. There is enough space for placing clothes on trempels. The pipes are produced in standard lengths, so you will have to adjust the parameters to the size of the dressing room in the pantry. An angle grinder is used for sawing.
One rod requires 2 brackets. The parts are installed on the walls using a screwdriver and self-tapping screws, then hangers are inserted. For reliability and protection from deformation under the weight of clothing, the mount is additionally mounted on the ceiling of the space.
Planning nuances
It is advisable to equip a place for placing outerwear at the farthest end of the dressing room. Shelves with frequently used items are located closer to the door. A free area is left near the exit for trying on and creating stylish looks.
You can use one of four methods for planning a dressing room:
- Linear. Suitable for long narrow wardrobes. Cabinets and shelves are located along one of the walls, with a mirror placed at the end. A prerequisite is the ability to move freely between the racks.
- U-shaped. The layout is relevant for standard rectangular wardrobes. Barbells, various corner boxes, and ladders will help increase space and convenience.
- Parallel. Used if the room for a dressing room is wide and elongated. A pair of cabinets are located opposite each other, which allows you to store a lot of things.
- Corner. Suitable for cases when the future dressing room is so small that a standard wardrobe does not fit. This type of layout involves the use of wall shelves. A great addition would be pull-out compartments that increase the comfort of using the furniture.
In order to make the dressing room ergonomic, it is necessary to properly arrange the space. The choice of a suitable layout is selected taking into account the parameters of the free area. There must be space for a passage; according to the norms, its width is 80–100 cm.
Linear
U-shaped
Parallel
Corner
Lighting
Lighting fixtures will help create a cozy dressing room. Lighting makes it easier to find things and clean the room. In the pantry, analogues of daylight are installed, which do not irritate with brightness and do not distort the colors of clothes and shoes. In tight spaces, chandeliers and large lamps are contraindicated; it is better to give preference to built-in models.
Lighting fixtures in the pantry Source locus-light.ru
Lighting fixtures are installed around the entire perimeter of the ceiling. Spot views or rotating spots will evenly illuminate the entire space. To make a small walk-in closet look cozy, use models on pendants (brackets). The shelves are illuminated with LED strip or overhead lamps.
In a compact space, designers recommend installing automatic linear lighting from LED lamps. The system is activated when the door is opened, so the owner does not need to reach for the switch every time. Using lighting of different colors, you can zone drawers and racks, optically separating clothes from shoes.
How to illuminate a small space Source fotostrana.ru
How to make a dressing room from a pantry with your own hands
If you want to arrange a small dressing room instead of a storage room in a Khrushchev, Stalin or new building, use this step-by-step plan. It is universal and suitable for any type of apartment.
Planning
A project starts with a plan. At this stage, you need to decide what things and in what quantity you will store in a separate room. A wardrobe can be either a full replacement for a wardrobe or an additional storage system - for example, for seasonal or formal clothes.
Next, we divide the space vertically and plan 3 mandatory zones: lower, upper and middle.
The middle one is the main one - it will contain hangers, shelves, baskets, containers for the things you use most often. The optimal location is at a height of 60-190 cm. This will allow you to easily reach any thing. In the upper zone there are “mezzanines” - high shelves or closed cabinets for things that are rarely used and that do not need to be taken out every day. Below there is space for shoes, drawers with linens and, if necessary, various small items.
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- Wardrobe
5 perfect wardrobes from famous films
Preparing the space
When the pantry-wardrobe project is ready, the room is cleared of all things and old decoration. The walls are cleaned, if necessary, primed and leveled. After this, the flooring is laid, the walls are painted or wallpapered. If necessary, paint the ceiling. The preparatory stage also includes the installation of ventilation and electrical systems, but before finishing.
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Lighting
There are no windows in utility rooms, so it is important to plan a lighting system so that all things are clearly visible and can be quickly found. The best option is LED lights on the ceiling and local lighting of different areas: shelves, baskets, hangers. LED strips, overhead or mortise lamps that are built directly into the furniture body are suitable for this purpose. These options are good because you don’t need to ditch the walls to install them. For overhead lighting, choose bulbs that will not heat up - this is important for the fire safety of the room.
If you plan to have a mirror in your wardrobe, think about its lighting in advance: it should be sufficiently illuminated, and the temperature of the light should not distort the perception of colors.
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Assembly of the structure
After the room has been prepared, we move on to the main stage - creating the storage system itself. To do this, you need to draw drawings of all its components and make them - with your own hands, or order them in a workshop, or buy modular systems in the mass market.
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Ergonomic principles
The capacity of the storage area depends on the correct use of free squares. The structure must be comfortable, beautiful, and practical. When converting a pantry into a dressing room, designers advise paying attention to the principles of ergonomics.
Measurements
In order for the storage area to be functional, the space must be measured correctly. The procedure is carried out using a pencil and tape measure. Carefully applied marks are painted over after completion of the work. In Khrushchev-era buildings, the parameters of storage rooms do not exceed 3 square meters. If the dimensions are not enough, then it is worth demolishing one wall to increase the capacity at the expense of the room.
Proper arrangement Source artteam.pro
The storage system is thought out and schematically drawn in the form of a plan. For convenience, designers advise making a drawing from different angles. The image will allow you to see the strengths and weaknesses of the dressing room in the pantry and calculate the consumption of materials.
Ergonomics of space Source stmebel38.ru
Shelves for storing linen occupy from 20 to 30 cm. For outerwear and long dresses, a space of 1.5 m or more is left, for shirts, blouses and accessories - 1 m. The width of the structure depends on the amount of clothing. The depth is calculated from the size of the hangers, adding 10-15 cm.
Types of configurations
The layout of the dressing room depends on the initial parameters of the pantry. With a standard arrangement of things, you need to use free squares as much as possible. Shelves and racks are placed along long walls, rods are mounted in narrow parts of the structure.
Shelf placement Source ivd.ru
Corner models are universal solutions that will help use idle areas. Storage systems are installed at the intersection of two partitions; the room is covered with a curtain or sliding door.
Universal storage system Source dekormyhome.ru
For a dressing room in a Khrushchev building, a linear diagram is suitable. To arrange the space, 2 squares along the wall are enough. The structure can be built into a niche or hidden from the slabs, increasing the usable area by 1-2 meters. The storage system can be either open or closed.
Option for a small pantry Source dekormyhome.ru
The parallel configuration is suitable for large storage rooms. The solution is appropriate when arranging a dressing room for two people. Shelves and cabinets are installed opposite each other. In a space with niches, designers recommend using a U-shaped layout.
Option for a large dressing room Source yandex.ua
Spacious accommodation Source furniture-at-price-factory.rf
Doors
The model of the sashes depends on the parameters of the room. Traditional swing types take up part of the usable space when opened, so they are not suitable for narrow or compact rooms. To prevent clothing from being visible through the fabric, opaque options are preferred.
In Khrushchev, an accordion door is often used, adding original notes to the design. Sliding structures on guides (sliding wardrobe) are considered a universal solution. The surface can either match the decor of the room or stand out with its original design.
Taking into account the areas in the dressing room
According to the rules of ergonomics, it is advisable to divide the interior space of the dressing room into three zones.
The topmost shelves are intended for seasonal items: hats, gloves. Unneeded outerwear is also removed there if the material allows it to be folded several times or packed in vacuum bags. A separate shelf is allocated for bed linen. Another one is for suitcases. As a rule, the higher things are located, the less often they are reached.
The middle zone is reserved for casual clothing. Rods are hung to hang dresses, blouses and suits; Shelves are installed for jackets, boxes and baskets, and drawers are installed for small items and accessories. It is convenient if there are dividers for underwear.
The lower section of the dressing room is allocated for storing shoes, bags and a vacuum cleaner. If there is not enough space for trousers in the middle zone, they can be placed below.
The photo shows a detailed description of the three functional zones of the interior space of the dressing room.
The dimensions of the shelves must be determined in advance. It happens that due to the large number of things, the standard depth and height are not suitable, then it is worth taking into account the dimensions of the previous storage location. Were there enough shelves for clothes? Did large items fit? It may be worth adding hooks or open shelves to accommodate the whole family's wardrobe.
Doorway
The door is the face of the dressing room. It is the design of the doorway that creates the overall impression of the room. The ends of the walls at the opening must be carefully aligned, and the corners must be emphasized. The opening itself must have a clear geometry - a rectangle or an arch.
There are several approaches to the design of the entrance opening:
- Doorless system. Quite often, apartment owners completely abandon the door in favor of thick, beautiful curtains. It is important that it is strong enough to protect against dust and dirt. There is a cornice at the top that allows you to easily move the curtain. The color of the drapery is chosen taking into account the design of the hallway and should be in harmony with it.
- Pivot doors. This option is quite inconvenient, because... requires space to open. Its use is usually dictated by economic considerations. It is suitable for small entrance opening widths, and is based on a double-leaf design.
- Sliding doors or compartments. This is the most optimal option for arranging a dressing room. To implement it, guide rails are fixed at the bottom and top, along which one or two doors move from the outside of the wall.
- Accordion door. A rather complex option that involves a sectional design of the door leaf. It is used when there is no space for sliding the doors apart or turning them open.
The material for the door leaf can be furniture board, laminated chipboard, wood, or plastic.
Tinted glass is popular. The mirrored door is especially chic.
Using Tools
When ensuring proper storage of things, it is impossible to do without specific elements (devices) that ensure they are kept in optimal form.
Currently, you can easily select the following convenient modern devices:
- pants and skirts with fixing clips and rubberized inserts;
- organizers with hangers and crossbars of various types for orderly arrangement of clothes;
- compact brackets for storing ties and belts;
- pantograph (clothing lift), which facilitates laying out clothes at any height (from floor to ceiling) and picking them up without climbing or bending towards the floor;
- compact shoe modules in the form of organizers or stands;
- organizer for storing bags and handbags.
Interior decoration
So, how can you turn a small closet into a dressing room? Immediately after creating a graphic plan, you should begin interior decoration of the room. Renovating this room will not cost much, since it is quite small. For floor finishing, you should choose wear-resistant materials: laminate, parquet, tiles, high-class linoleum. The ceiling can be decorated with foam boards, paint, or stretch film.
An ideal option for a small dressing room is to install an exhaust fan or air conditioner.
For wall decoration, ordinary wallpaper, paint, and wooden modules are suitable. One of the walls can be decorated with mirror modules. As for the color scheme, you should give preference to light shades and glossy surfaces. This will make it possible to visually enlarge the space and make the room more comfortable.
The dressing room is a place that is closed most of the time. Therefore, it must be well ventilated to prevent the appearance of dampness and mold.
