Closet Door History

Over the centuries there has been a steady progression and transformation of the closet. Defined as a small room, recess, or cabinet used for storage space, one would think that from the very beginning, people were looking for a closet to store their belongings in. The history of the closet though, parallels the history of mankind itself. Early man didn’t need a closet with a hook on the wall to hang his clothes, nor did he need a room to store his stuff in! Due only to invention itself, evolution of fashion, and the advent of leisure time and disposable income, did the need for closets even become necessary.

The armoire, a large, often ornate cabinet, was the method used for storage in early Europe. Due to an 18th century, per room tax levied against the homeowners, which included closets, the armoire proved not only functional, but also cost effective. The early Americans brought with them trunks and chests which doubled not only for moving, but storage for their clothes and belongings as well. The need for closets was at best minimal due to their lack of material possessions. Simply attempting to survive took up most, if not all, of peoples time it seems, until the end of the second world war. The end of the war brought with it an economic growth in the United States never before seen. Housing was in high demand, and along with the houses came closets. Closets in which to hang clothes and store the things the growing economy made possible for the average working family to purchase.

At this time the average home closet more than likely consisted of the typical pole with a shelf spanning its width. Stagnating for years, finally a second shelf was added, then another, then two poles. Who would have thought this process was just the beginning of a metamorphosis leading up to the super closet of today. Wide, double wide, walk in, many of todays closets rival the complete living space of yesteryear.