Just realized 3D sketches for closet layouts aren't overkill after all

I always figured 2D plans were enough for something simple like a closet, I mean, it's just rods and shelves, right? But when I put mine together, the shelf depths were off and nothing lined up right. Someone in the forum mentioned mocking it up in a basic 3D program, and seeing the space from all angles made the whole thing click. Took maybe fifteen minutes and saved me a bunch of hassle, so maybe it's just me but I'm doing that from now on.

4 comments

4 Comments

murray.cora3mo ago

Oh for sure, 2D plans can be really deceiving. I did the same thing with some kitchen shelves and the spacing looked fine on paper but felt totally wrong in person. I'm trying that 3D trick for my pantry project next week.

oliver_nguyen153mo ago

Cardboard cutouts saved me when planning my closet layout.

nguyen.angela2mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, cardboard cutouts are such a good low-tech idea! I'm curious, did you make them the exact size of your clothes, like for hanging shirts and pants? Or was it more about figuring out where the shelves and drawers should go before you built anything? I feel like seeing the bulk of a winter coat as a shape on the floor would totally change where you put the rod.

mary_hunt673mo ago

Is it crazy how much easier 3D makes things? I totally get what you mean about 2D plans being misleading. I tried a basic 3D program for my garage shelves last month, and seeing it in 3D showed me a clearance issue I never spotted on paper. It was like the whole project made sense once I could spin it around and look from the top. Now I sketch everything in 3D first, even for small jobs, because why risk it?