Hey Lykkers! If you're looking to revamp your wardrobe or closet design, you're in the right place. We're about to explore some essential wardrobe design tips, tricks, and measurements to help you plan the perfect storage solution for your needs.

Whether you're renovating your space or starting fresh, a well-planned wardrobe can make all the difference in your daily routine.

Choosing the Right Depth for Your Wardrobe

When designing your wardrobe, the first thing we need to think about is its depth. The depth of your wardrobe will depend on what you intend to store inside it.

For most wardrobes, a depth of 600-650mm (24 inches) is ideal, giving you enough space to hang clothes comfortably. If you're storing shoes or other smaller items, the shelves are usually around 300-350mm (12 inches). But always make sure to consider the size of the largest items you need to store – especially shoes or bulky coats. If you're working with limited space, you could go as shallow as 500mm (20 inches), but this may require you to adjust the way you hang clothes, especially for larger items or people with broad shoulders.

Doors: Sliding or Hinged?

The decision between sliding and hinged doors is an important one and depends largely on your room layout. Sliding doors are great for saving space, but they can limit access to certain parts of the wardrobe. Hinged doors, on the other hand, provide full access but require more room to swing open.

If you have limited space, such as a small bedroom or a child's room, make sure you have enough clearance for hinged doors to open fully. Also, remember that oversized doors can warp over time, so keep the width of a hinged door to about 600-650mm (24 inches) for optimal durability and functionality.

Choosing Materials for Your Wardrobe

When it comes to materials, you have plenty of options. Melamine is a budget-friendly option but can look cheap, so it's best avoided in higher-end homes. Real timber is the most expensive option but gives your wardrobe a natural and luxurious feel. If timber is out of your budget, there are excellent laminate alternatives that mimic the look of wood, often with textured grains for a more realistic appearance.

As a rule of thumb, the higher the quality of your home, the higher the quality of the wardrobe finishes should be. For walk-in wardrobes in master suites, investing in quality materials can really elevate the space.

Lighting: A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference

Lighting is often overlooked when planning wardrobes, but it can make a huge difference. Consider adding LED band lighting in walk-in wardrobes for a stylish, high-end look. It's a relatively inexpensive feature that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. Warm LED strips are preferred over cool ones to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Keep in mind that planning your lighting early on is key – it's difficult to add after installation.

Do You Need Doors on Your Walk-in Wardrobe?

This one is purely a matter of personal preference. Some people like the clean, organized look of closed doors, while others prefer open shelving to showcase their clothing. There are also practical considerations – for instance, if you have expensive items like handbags or formal wear, you may want to keep them behind closed doors to protect them from dust and sunlight.

One important factor to remember: adding doors to a walk-in wardrobe can increase the cost significantly, so if you're on a budget, you might want to skip them and leave your items exposed. Plus, it's easier to see and grab what you need when everything's visible.

Maximizing Internal Storage

When planning the interior of your wardrobe, think about your lifestyle and the types of clothes and accessories you need to store. Do you have more formal wear or casual clothes? Do you need more shelves, drawers, or hanging space?

Make a list of everything you want to store, from shoes and handbags to hats and formalwear. A well-organized wardrobe will make your life easier. If you're a shoe lover, for example, make sure you have plenty of space for your collection. Don't forget to measure the tallest shoes you own to ensure they fit properly.

Designing for Growth

When planning your wardrobe, always design with future needs in mind. If you own 25 pairs of shoes now, chances are you'll have more in the future, so allow extra space. Similarly, use adjustable shelving to accommodate changes over time, especially if you plan on adding new items to your wardrobe.

Creating the Perfect Wardrobe Internals

Now, let's talk about wardrobe internals. The general height for short hanging space is around 950mm (37 inches), and for long hanging space, it's 1900mm (75 inches). If you need to store longer items, such as dresses or coats, make sure your hanging rods are at the right height. For drawers, the finished height should be around 900-1100mm (38-43 inches) to ensure that you can comfortably access the top drawer without straining.

Plan, Plan, Plan

The most crucial piece of advice when designing your wardrobe is to plan thoroughly. Don't rush it. If you can, use software like SketchUp to map out your design. This will help you visualize the space and make sure everything fits properly. And remember, whether you're working with a contractor or designing it yourself, good planning will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Thanks for reading, Lykkers! We hope these tips help you design the perfect wardrobe or closet for your space.