A custom closet is more than storage — it’s your morning routine, your peace of mind, and your answer to "Where is my other shoe?" In Chicagoland’s 2025 market, prices start around $2,500 for a simple reach-in closet and climb beyond $15,000 for the kind of luxury walk-in that dreams (and Instagram posts) are made of. These numbers cover everything from design to installation, with options tailored to your exact needs.
At Complete Closet Design, we work with spaces big and small, creating custom walk-in and reach-in bedroom closets and helping Chicagoland homeowners reimagine how they store their stuff. Here’s what goes into the price tag of your custom closet.
Price Components of Your Custom Bedroom Storage
Size matters — but layout is just as important. A thoughtfully planned reach-in closet feels more spacious than an oversized walk-in that wastes space. Here’s what typical sizes cost in the Chicagoland market:
Closet Size and Layout
The physical parameters of your project set the foundation for all other decisions. Current market rates reflect the following ranges:
- Basic reach-in closet (6-8 linear feet): $1,500-3,500.
- Standard custom walk-in closet (12-16 linear feet): $4,000-8,000.
- Luxury walk-in closet (20+ linear feet): $8,000-15,000+.
- Built-in closet conversions: Additional $1,000-2,500 for structural modifications.
To maximize your storage, efficient design is key, making the most of every square foot (and inch) of existing space, often incorporating features like:
- Floor-to-ceiling storage: Adds 30-40% more usable space without needing a bigger closet.
- Corner solutions: Turns awkward angles into organized gold.
- Double-hang sections: Great for doubling up on shirts, jackets, or anything else that folds neatly on a hanger.
Multi-door closets or L-shaped layouts require an additional $500-800 for proper framing and support structures. Sloped ceilings can reduce total storage capacity by 15-25%, affecting final project costs.
Material Selection and Quality Tiers
Materials set the tone (and the budget) for your closet. Think beyond aesthetics — durability matters when you’re opening drawers and sliding rods every day. Current Chicagoland pricing includes:
- Melamine: Practical, affordable, and dependable ($90-150 per linear foot).
- High-grade laminate: Custom finishes for a polished look ($150-250 per linear foot).
- Wood veneers: A premium option that balances elegance and durability ($250-400 per linear foot).
- Solid wood cabinetry: The pinnacle of quality and style ($350-500+ per linear foot).
Storage Features and Prices
Standard closets typically use half their potential space, while custom closet installation brings that up to 90% efficiency. In Chicagoland's current market, storage components make up 40-60% of total custom closet costs. Here's what premium storage features add to your project:
- Two-tier hanging systems with telescoping rods and built-in lighting: $300-600 per section.
- Multi-depth drawer combinations for accessories and folded items: $400-800 per unit.
- Premium shoe racks with adjustable shelving and display lighting: $350-700 per wall.
- Rotating corner systems that activate unused space: $600-1,200 per corner.
- Pull-out accessory organizers with velvet lining: $250-500 each.
- Integrated laundry management with sorting bins: $400-800 per station.
- Island storage units with 360-degree access: $2,000-4,000 per island.
Storage component installation adds $200-400 per linear foot to your custom closet costs. These additions often pay off — custom storage solutions add 15-25% more usable space compared to basic closet installations.
Custom Closet Design Elements
A thoughtfully designed closet blends architectural style with organizational efficiency. While a basic custom closet costs around $3,000, design upgrades can add 20-50% to your project investment depending on your aesthetic choices.
Here's how different design approaches impact your custom closet cost:
- Traditional design with crown molding and raised panels: Adds 25-35% to the base cost. Think classic and sophisticated.
- Modern minimalist style with clean, flush surfaces: Adds 15-25% to the base cost. Streamlined and effortlessly chic.
- Luxury boutique design with glass elements: Adds 40-60% to the base cost. Channel your inner fashionista.
- Mixed-material contemporary look: Adds 30-45% to the base cost. A bold mix of textures and finishes.
- Transitional design with subtle detailing: Adds 20-30% to the base cost. Perfect if you love blending traditional and modern styles.
- Built-in accent lighting packages: Adds 15-25% to the base cost. Because the right lighting changes everything.
The most sought-after designs in Chicagoland don’t just organize your space — they seamlessly complement your home’s architecture, combining thoughtful layouts with elegant finishes.
Installation Labor Costs
Professional installation is where design meets reality. Labor costs vary based on your project’s complexity and unique challenges, but here’s a breakdown of Chicagoland’s standard rates:
- Basic reach-in installation: $200-300 per linear foot
- Walk-in closet assembly: $300-450 per linear foot
- Custom cabinetry fitting: $400-600 per linear foot
- Built-in modifications: Additional $150-250 per hour.
If your project involves ceilings over 8 feet, expect an extra $100-200 per section for the additional effort. Difficult access or structural modifications can add $75-150 per hour, depending on the challenge.
Closet Budget Do's and Don'ts
Planning your custom closet budget is all about making smart choices that maximize value without sacrificing quality. Here’s how to ensure your investment goes to the right places:
DO:
- Allocate $200-300 per linear foot for main storage zones — these are the workhorses of your closet and see daily use.
- Pick one premium feature per wall in walk-in closets — a $600 shoe rack or $500 jewelry drawer adds practicality and style.
- Request detailed cost breakdowns — knowing how materials and installation contribute to the total cost keeps your budget on track.
- Match cabinet material to usage — heavy-use areas require durable materials costing $200+ per linear foot.
- Start with build quality in reach-in closets — invest $150-250 per linear foot for solid construction that lasts.
DON'T:
- Spend over $400 per linear foot on rarely used sections — it’s money better spent elsewhere.
- Install custom cabinetry where stock cabinets work — save $100-150 per linear foot by using simpler options where appropriate.
- Overlook installation costs — these add $75-150 per linear foot and can make or break your budget.
- Choose the cheapest materials — low-quality options often lead to costly replacements, adding 30% more than if you’d started with better materials.
- Add premium features to every section — spreading a $5,000 budget too thin compromises quality across the board.
Smart budgeting focuses your investment where it matters most, ensuring your custom walk-in or reach-in closet delivers lasting value.
Your Dream Storage, Designed for You
Your bedroom storage remodel deserves smart decisions that save on costs without compromising functionality. With strategic solutions and premium materials, you can have it all — style, practicality, and long-lasting value.
At Complete Closet Design, we’ll help you plan every detail while staying within your budget. Schedule your free consultation today and explore our flexible financing options!
