Historical story

When did houses start having closets?

Closets, as we know them today, began to appear in American homes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily between the 1880s and 1920s. Before this period, most homes had limited built-in storage, and people relied on armoires, wardrobes, chests, and other freestanding furniture to organize their belongings.

The emergence of closets coincided with several societal and technological changes. As cities expanded and living spaces became smaller, there was a growing need for efficient use of space. The development of new construction techniques and materials, such as the balloon frame, facilitated the inclusion of closets within the interior design of homes.

By the early 1900s, closets became a standard feature in new construction, especially for middle- and upper-class homes. The incorporation of built-in closets increased the functionality and desirability of houses, as they provided a designated space for storage and organization, leading to a more orderly living environment.

However, it's worth noting that the普及of closets varied based on socioeconomic factors and geographical regions. In rural areas and lower-income households, the adoption of closets might have occurred later or to a lesser extent compared to urban and more affluent settings.