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How To Plan A Built In Wardrobe

Whether it is somewhere to house an impressive shoe collection or simply keep clothes altogether, this guide on how to plan a built-in wardrobe offers a step-by-step guide on creating made-to-measure storage that makes the most of any layout. Secured to a wall, these options are great for transforming an alcove or recess into a useable area so a room is fully utilised. Various colours and styles allow a built-in wardrobe to be customised to personal taste, while accessories can be matched to the contents it will store, making daily routines easier.

Evaluate your space

Calculate the square footage

Carefully assess how much space there is to play with as the stepping stone towards a new closet that will suit all your needs.

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Calculate the square footage

It is easy to fall in love with a design only to discover that it is too big or small, which is why it is crucial to measure up first. Make note of a bedroom’s dimensions, and then write down the size of other furniture, such as the bed, or any chests of drawers. There should be at least 900mm clearance around each item to allow easy navigation without bumping into things.
Consider capacity

Carry out an honest stocktake of what you plan to store to get a rounded picture of how much storage is required.

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Consider capacity

As a fashion-conscious nation, most of us have acquired quite a clothing collection. Getting a new wardrobe is a fresh chance to critique every item and ensure it still serves its purpose. A good clear-out will free up space while allowing you to capture an inventory of what needs to be stored. It is also useful to jot down a realistic forecast of any future purchases. This will give an idea of how much space is needed while allowing ample room to grow, whether that is clothes, shoes, bags or bric-a-brac.

Understand the options available

Walk-in wardrobe

Match storage with other entryways around the home by choosing a standard internal doorway that opens into the room for a walk-in wardrobe effect.

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Walk-in wardrobe

Any door will work in spaces that have a generous footprint – including internal options. With a classic swing mechanism that opens into the room, it should be fitted within a recess or stud wall to get built-in results. A fast way to create continuity throughout a home, it can be paired with other doorways for coordination. Anyone keen on overhauling decor regularly will also benefit from this style, as it can be left untouched when the rest of the room is changed.

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- Compact closet
  
  Save valuable space when completing a closet with a bifold fixture that folds in two.
  
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  Compact closet
  
  If a room has tight dimensions or large furniture, a bifold fixture will work well. Made from two panels, this design folds in on itself when open, making it less imposing and freeing floor space compared to a model that opens into the room. There are a number of styles available, so this design is easily paired with other entryways, giving a home a clear and consistent identity.
  
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- Slide and hide
  
  Create a bespoke system that fits a space exactly with a sliding, in-built design.
  
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  Slide and hide
  
  A sliding-door style offers the ultimate way to achieve a bespoke fit as it can be configured with multiple panels to fit the space available. It cal also be kitted out with shelves or rails to maximise storage inside, while a wide choice of colours makes it easy to tailor for the desired look. The roll-shut functionality is lightweight and quiet – handy if others are still asleep or in homes with many generations under one roof. This option is also sought-after by buyers too, improving the saleability of a home.
  
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Choose a sliding fixture

Mirrored

Dedicate a spot for grooming or testing different outfits before the day ahead by picking a style fronted entirely by mirrors.

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Mirrored

Be it a lofty master suite or a guest room with lean proportions, a mirrored door front will enhance light in a room to make it feel bigger and airier. These designs also provide an area for trying on outfits or blow-drying hair, saving space elsewhere on walls, so a picture can be hung or statement wallpaper be put up.

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Panelled

Choose a discreet look with a panelled design that blends into the background, making it great for shaping a restorative space.

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Panelled

Modern life can be hectic and can often make a good night’s rest hard to come by, so keep visual distractions to a minimum in a sleeping space. A design made entirely of panelled products will disappear into the background of a bedroom. Looks include white, oak, grey, and more – all ready to be synched with matching elements for a zen-like setting.

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Select a colour

White

Open up a room with a white wardrobe, which brings longevity to a scheme and creates a bright environment.

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White

Some shades are complete all-rounders when picking a cupboard opening and white comes top of that list. This neutral hue will work alongside almost every other colour, meaning it can stay unchanged each time walls are painted or curtains are replaced around it. Picking this hue for a closet will also brighten a space and make it feel more inviting.

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Cream

Set a snug atmosphere using a cream-coloured option that has a traditional look and timeless appeal.

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Cream

A warm alternative to white or grey, creamy hues best suit spaces blessed with lots of natural light to keep it looking its best. The yellow undertone creates a cosiness that will increase the sense of intimacy, while also establishing a calming ambience that promotes rest. Often associated with vintage decor, this look has a yesteryear feel that will build nicely on a retro theme.

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Grey

Pick an integrated closet in on-trend grey and experience its tranquil properties that aid positive well-being.

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Grey

Now well established as a go-to neutral for all rooms in a home, grey will work that same magic when used on a wardrobe. Its cool palette complements a variety of colours, making it a long-lasting choice that keeps up with revamps and restyling. Featuring blue tinges known for relaxation, grey offers a hushed quality that soothes the senses ready for a good night's sleep.

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Oak

Add a hint of character with a wooden design, that adds rich texture without darkening or dominating a space.

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Oak

Pale enough to keep a bedroom feeling light whilst offering warm, cosy texture, oak is a brilliant way to introduce natural materials into a sleeping space. With many navigating towards a more organic aesthetic, these options offer an understated pattern that will sit seamlessly alongside chests or cabinets in the same finish. Styles range from linear to flush, allowing them to be incorporated into new trends and classic looks.

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Remember to accessorise

Internal storage

Provide plenty of places to fold trousers and hang jackets using internal storage solutions that make the most of all available space.

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Internal storage

Having decided on the exterior look for built-in storage, attention should be turned to what goes inside. Internal solutions can be combined to give tailored spaces for specific items – whether that is shelves to house delicate jumpers or rails to stop longer items from getting crumpled between wears. Drawers are a compact way to keep smaller items, like underwear or jewellery together, and can even be used as a vanity unit that is hidden when not in use.

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Lighting

Illuminate a closet interior by having purpose-fit lighting installed, making it simpler to select clothes and shoes whatever the season.

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Lighting

With limited daylight in the colder months both in the morning and evening, getting dressed can become trickier during the winter. Having bulbs fitted within a wardrobe means clothes can be selected or hung up without stumbling around in the dark and being late for the day’s events. It will also add a touch of luxury, taking storage to the next level.

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