8×8 Walk-in Closet Layouts for Organized Living

An 8×8 walk-in closet is big enough to feel like a room, and still small enough that it needs to be organized properly to ensure everything is accessible. In this guide, I’ll show you 8×8 walk-in closet layouts that I’ve designed for organized living so you can actually find what you need and get dressed easily. These designs include everything from double-sided galleys to space-saving U-shapes, L-shapes with a bench, his-and-hers splits, and even a center vanity nook for applying your makeup. You’ll find that each plan is drawn to scale with practical dimensions, so you’ll know where the rods and shelves should be installed to get the most out of your space.

Double‑Sided Galley Closet Layout

This 8×8 closet makes the most out of its design by pairing 24″-deep storage on both sides with a large 48″ aisle down the middle and overhead shelving with a full sized mirror at the end to make the space feel bigger and brighter.

Floor Plan Description: This square 8’×8′ closet is setup like a galley with full-height clothing racks on both long walls with a 48″ aisle and shoe racks at the end next to a full length mirror. The floor-to-ceiling mirror at the end helps reflect the light and gives the appearance of a larger space. Each wall offers standard 24″-deep clothing rods with shelving overhead for seasonal or infrequent use items. Each wall has a 30″ shelving space that can be devoted to shoes, drawers, or a pull-out hamper. Since there’s 24″ for clothing racks on either side, it’s a good setup for double-hang with the overhead shelf at 80″, the top rod at 72″ and a lower rod at 40 to 42″. The rod centerlines are positioned at 12″ from the wall within the 24″ depth.

Dimensions:

• Room size: 8’×8′ (96″×96″)
• Built-in depth (both sides): 24″
• Clear center aisle/door opening: 48″
• Mirror: full width of end wall (approx. 48″ as shown)
• Long-hang section: 66″ hang height over 30″ lower module
• Top-shelf heights (as drawn): 80″ (left, single-hang) and 72″ (right, above double-hang)
• Rod centerline: 12″ from finished wall

Design Tips:

• Keep the 48″ aisle for changing. The min. workable corridor is 36″, and bigger is great for two people passing each other.
• Mix zones: dedicate one side to a double-hang (shirts & pants) and the other to long-hang (dresses & coats) with shoes and folded shirts on the small shelving section near the end.
• Shoe math: 12″-deep, 7 to 8″ high adjustable shelves fit most pairs. Using a 30″ vertical stack can provide 3 to 4 shelf tiers.
• Lighting: run an LED strip or puck lights under the top shelf on both sides and add a semi-flush or recessed ceiling fixture.
• Accessories: create a storage bin or drawer at the back shelving to organize these pieces.
• Finish edges: use 3/4″ end panels at the doorway returns to protect corners and give a custom, built-in look.
• Vent & dust: louvered or no doors keep airflow, or use glass fronts to reduce dust if you prefer closed storage.

L‑Shape Closet With Bench & Shoe Tower Floor Plan

This design uses an L-shape arrangement that places storage for hanging and shoes along two walls with a seating area that allows for a  wide 54″ center aisle for a changing room feel.

Floor Plan Description: This square 8’×8′ closet uses an L-shaped layout and focuses on providing an open changing room environment with a smooth circulation. There’s a 48″ wide and 24″ deep, double hanging clothing rack along one side, and then after turning the corner, there’s a 48″ wide and 16″ deep shoe tower on the other. The shoe tower stays slim, but is large enough to hold multiple pairs per shelf, and baskets or bins on the top for bulkier items. A built-in bench is placed in the bottom-right corner, and is ideal for trying on shoes and getting dressed. The 54″ aisle in the middle allows for plenty of room to maneuver, try on outfits and check yourself before heading out.

Dimensions:

• Overall room: 8’×8′ (96″×96″)
• Hanging depth (top): 24″
• Hanging run (top): 48″
• Clearance between hanging and shoe tower (top): 32″
• Shoe tower: 16″ deep × 48″ long (along the right side)
• Bench: 18″ deep × 30″ long
• Center aisle clearance: 54″

Design Tips:

• Use an L-shape design: Use the 48″ double hanging run as a split between high and low rods, with a shoe tower on the adjoining wall for a good wardrobe mix.
• Dial in the shoe tower: Use a 16″ depth with 7 to 8″ adjustable shelf spacing to fit most heel pairs and dedicate the upper shelves to handbags, hats or other items.
• Bench upgrades: Add a flip-top so the 18″-deep bench can be used for seasonal storage.
• Lighting & mirrors: Install an overhead flush, semi-flush, or recessed fixture centered above the 54″ aisle and a mirror above the bench or on the back of the door.
• Hardware additions: Include a valet rod near the shoe tower, and include slim belt and tie racks on the tower’s side panel.

U‑Shape Closet With Maximum‑Storage Layout

For those seeking ample storage, a U-shaped closet design provides a versatile array of options, while facilitating easy movement to enhance daily usability.

Floor Plan Description: This closet wraps storage along three sides for a U-shaped design that offers plenty of organization options. The back wall offers a full-depth double hanging clothing rods that are split into two, 33″ racks with a 30″ drawer tower in the middle for under garments or accessories. The two side walls use shallow 16″-deep cabinets to keep folded clothes, shoes, and bins inside and dust free. Since the cabinetry is a narrow 16″ on each side there’s a generous 64″ walkway down the middle. The net effect is a “maximum-storage” U-shape with a large center area for changing.

• Overall room: 8’×8′ (96″×96″)
• Back wall layout: 33″ hanging rods + 30″ a center drawer tower + another 33″ hang (all 24″ deep)
• Rod centerline at back wall: 12″ from the finished wall
• Side cabinets depth: 16″ (on both sides)
• Clear center aisle: 64″
• Distance from entrance to back cabinets: 72″ (96″ room depth with 24″ back units)
• Door/entrance opening: 32″

Design Tips:

• Mix different hang types: Use each 33″ back sides as double-hang clothing with a lower rod at 40 to 42″. Reserve 12 to 18″ for long-hang clothing if needed.
• Use the tower as mixed storage: Set the tower counter at 42″ for a purse landing zone and stack 5 to 7 drawers for socks, tees near the top, and sweaters below.
• Work the shallow sides: In the side cabinets with 16″-deep shelves, allow 11 to 12″ spacing to fit denim and knits. For quick access, add angled shoe shelves near the front.
• Corner clarity: Stop the side shelves about two inches short of the back wall so hangers can move freely without getting caught.
• Lighting & mirror: Place a ceiling fixture above the 64″ aisle in the middle and a mirror above the drawer tower to help with dressing.
• Add a hamper: Install a pull-out hamper in the tower base or one of the cabinets to keep dirty clothes contained and avoid collecting on the floor.
• Door swing: If using a hinged door, make sure it swings outward so it doesn’t interfere with the aisle.

For slightly narrower options, see our 6×8 closet designs here.

Walk-in Closet With Center Vanity Nook Design

By offering a vanity against the back wall with flanking clothing rods on either side and side cabinets for mixed storage, this closet feels open, symmetrical, and easy to use.

Floor Plan Description: This closet is organized around a vanity niche placed in the middle of the top wall with two 30″ clothing racks to either side. The vanity is 18″ deep and has a wall-mounted mirror above, making it perfect for applying makeup or grooming while seated. Along the left and right sides nearer the entrance sit 24″-deep cabinetry for folded items, drawers, or shoes. Each cabinet extends 48″ up each side, leaving a 48″ aisle leading to the vanity area.

Dimensions:

• Room size: 8’×8′ (96″×96″)
• Vanity niche: 36″ wide × 18″ deep
• Hanging sections along the back wall: 30″ left + 30″ right with 24″ deep and rod hung 12″ from the wall
• Side cabinet runs: 24″ deep × 48″ long on both sides
• Center aisle to vanity: 48″
• Entrance opening: 32″
• Typical functional heights: vanity counter 30 to 31″ with seated knee space of 24″ and closet rod at 66″ with a top shelf at 80″.

Design Tips:

• Light the vanity: Pair vertical sconces or mirror lights at eye level at the vanity for shadow-free grooming (aim for 3000–3500K).
• Power & tech: Add outlets inside the vanity for plugging in hair tools and charging devices..
• Zone planning: Use one 30″ flank for double-hang and add a lower rod at 40 to 42″ and the other side for long-hang dresses.
• Side cabinets: Allow spacing of 16 to 18″ on the inside shelves, and dedicate the lower shelves to angled shoe storage.
• Seating clearance: Keep the 48″ aisle open so a stool can pull out without getting in the way, and consider a backless bench that tucks underneath.
• Mirror: Run the mirror full width on one or both of the side niches, or use panels on the cabinet fronts to visually expand the room.

His-and-Hers Split Closet With Center Tower Floor Plan

For symmetrical “his-and-hers” closet storage, this design segments each side with and provides breathing room in the middle, so the closet feels organized and easy to share.

Floor Plan Description: This his and hers 8’×8′ closet is arranged for two users and with a large amount of circulation space so no one is stepping on another’s toes. The back wall is split into two 33″ hanging racks with a 30″ tower in the center. The 30″ center tower can have drawers or shelves installed with a small counter and mirror above. Each side wall is purposefully mixed with clothing rods near the entrance, and farther back, there’s shallow shelf stacks (labeled “SHELVES”) to keep folded items, handbags and shoes. Because the side shelves are kept shallow, the interior walkway opens from 48″ to 64″ to keep things comfortable for two people passing.

Dimensions:

• Overall room: 8’×8′ (96″×96″)
• Back wall: 33″ hang + 30″ center shoe/ accessory tower + 33″ hang, all are 24″ deep
• Rod centerline at back wall: 12″ from the wall
• Side shelf stacks: 16″ deep to keeps the aisle wide), placed toward the back half of each side
• Front return hanging (each side): ~48″ long × 24″ deep
• Clear aisle widths: 64″ at the shelf zone; 48″ between the front returns

Design Tips:

• Divide and conquer: Assign each partner one 33″ back-wall bay; set one as double-hang (add a lower rod ~40–42″ AFF) and keep a sliver of long-hang in the other as needed.
• Tower as hub: Build the 30″ tower to ~42″ counter height with drawers below (shallow up top, deeper below) and a mirror or glass door above; park a pull-out hamper in the base.
• Shallow sides, smart storage: 16″ deep shelves with 11 to 12″ spacing and a few lower shelves for shoes.
• Keep corners clear: Stop the side shelves a couple of inches shy of the back so that clothes hangers swing free.
• Lighting: Center a ceiling fixture over the middle of the aisle and add sconces or an LED strip above the tower and racks for balanced, shadow-free light.

For more designs like this one, see our floor plans for 8×10 closets on this page.