Adding mod cons makes the space multi-functional Some of the best wardrobes are ones that are cleverly designed with modern convenience in mind. More specifically, why leave the very place your garments are hanging to iron a crumple or a crease out of your clothing when you can design your wardrobe to include a built-in ironing station? Think of the time that will be saved on those hectic mornings when you are running late and your blouse needs to be pressed quickly. Or if you like to be efficient and do your ironing and folding at the same time, with this genius contraption, you can do it all while you hang and neatly pack away the garments. This fold away ironing board takes up less space than I imagined and would be useful addition to one in the laundry.
Clever storage solutions bring the wow factor It’s one thing to have drawer space for your smaller garments, but having fully compartmentalised drawers made to measure is a little luxury worth having in your life. Laying your items out for a closer audit to determine exactly what you have and how you will group your belongings together will make the design process a lot simpler. If there’s one thing disorganised jewellery is known for, it’s becoming a tangled mess! A simple filing system or a custom-built jewellery cabinet will help to declutter your items and, most importantly, will provide a safe place to store your most precious pieces.
Clever storage solutions bring the wow factor It’s one thing to have drawer space for your smaller garments, but having fully compartmentalised drawers made to measure is a little luxury worth having in your life. Laying your items out for a closer audit to determine exactly what you have and how you will group your belongings together will make the design process a lot simpler.
Matching coat hangers will tie your theme together Wardrobes can sometimes fall prey to a little bit of disorganisation. I know that I am guilty of hunting around the house looking for a spare hanger to hang my newest fashion purchase. Before you know it, you’ve got a robe full of mismatched hangers, a pile of unfolded clothes that you will get to later and a door that won’t stay shut even though you are putting your entire body weight against it. Throw out the ruddy metal and cheap plastic coat hangers you’ve had since high school and invest in something a little more elegant and keep them consistent to ensure that seamless, organised look. I love the make-up area. I wouldn't have the skylight due to fading but a fake one creating diffuse light would be fine.
A tufted wall can be luxurious and practical If you are searching for the perfect concept for a feature wall within your robe, behold the beauty that is this bespoke upholstered wall. The soft tufted wall is not only an interesting design concept, but can double as a clever storage wall, too. By simply adding hooks, you could feature anything from necklaces to a collection of handbags to hats on your breakout space.
Lighting can lift your wardrobe game Just as kitchens require different lighting for different functions, so does your wardrobe. Hart reveals there are three main types of lighting that will bring your robe to life. “The first is display lighting to showcase your clothing. Usually the best option would be recessed downlights, but it really depends on the style of your robe. A more modern wardrobe might be better to use modern LED strips in the kickboards,” says Hart. The second type of light is task lighting. In this image, task lighting is used in the form of bulbs around the mirror, to help with getting ready. “Make-up lighting needs to be cast from the sides to get a better view of your face,” says Hart. Finally, a touch of mood lighting will set the scene. “Depending on the style of your wardrobe, you could choose to have a chandelier, or a modern pendant, but the key is to pick a light that captures the ambience of the space,” says Hart.
An ornate dress mannequin, on the other hand, not only offers a place to model potential outfits, but can also double as a designer feature or focal point of your wardrobe. However you choose to display your outfits, having a dedicated space for the sole purpose of helping you put your best foot forward is a worthy investment.
Quality control You may think that any old type of hanger will do, but trust us, it pays to invest in good-quality hangers for your closet. Avoid using cheap, thin plastic or wire hangers, as they can be flimsy or easily break. They can also crease, stain (in the case of wire hangers) or stretch out the shoulders of tops, too. Timber hangers may fall at the pricier end of the hanger scale, but they’re definitely worth the splurge. Thanks to their sturdy frame, all-purpose wooden hangers are ideal for both lighter and heavier garments, while their smooth, contoured design will ensure your clothes won’t sit too closely together, causing them to crease. Slimline flocked (non-slip) hangers made from durable resin and that feature gently curved shoulders, or sturdy plastic or chrome hangers with wide, contoured arms are ideal alternatives.
Adjustable storage Adjustable shelves, racks and compartments are a must in any dream wardrobe, as they will ensure your closet suits your needs now and make best use of the available area, but can be easily altered should your fashion collection grow in the future (which, let’s be honest, chances are high that it will). Notice how the shelves here have been positioned at different heights to accommodate flats, boots and heels, which ensures the open cabinet is as space efficient as possible. The shelves can easily be reconfigured once shoes are added or culled from the collection.
ull-out pants If you hate how trousers slip and slide on coat hangers, and never fail to become crushed and wrinkled after being hung in a cramped closet, a simple solution is to incorporate a pull-out pants rack into your closet. Choose a rack that’s compact yet offers ample room between the rods so your pants remain perfectly folded and crease-free. Non-slip rods will also ensure your trousers don’t slide off the racks. If you’re less worried about slippery hangers and wrinkles, and more about space-saving (and budget-friendly) storage, invest in a pack or two of tiered pants hangers that hold multiple trousers.
Fashion feature wall Why not turn your colourful accessories collection into an eye-catching work of art? Here, an array of bright, patterned ties transform this vacant wall into statement-making feature. Create a similar look by affixing one or two rows of hooks to your wall and complete the creative display by hanging a selection of your favourite hats, necklaces, handbags or scarves from them. I also like this bench and the pull-out coat rack.
Divide and conquer Are your drawers out of control? Bring order back to these pull-out storage spaces by fitting them with handy drawer dividers and inserts that will keep them neat and orderly – that’s right, no more tangled jewellery, crumpled ties, kinked belts, misshaped bras or lonely, single socks (hurrah)! They’ll also help prevent delicate or fragile accessories, such as lacy lingerie or sunglasses, from getting damaged, as each item (or similar items that have been grouped together) will have its own designated space, rather than being thrown in a drawer with other wares they could become tangled with and end up getting scratched or snagged.
Seeing double If the number of blouses, shirts, dresses, trousers, jackets and other items you own that must be hung and not folded far outnumber the pieces in your wardrobe that can be neatly folded and stowed away, then consider making clothes racks the primary means of storage in your closet. Installing two rods in a section will add additional practicality to your wardrobe by ensuring the space meets your storage needs and maximises all of the available area. Use a combination of cupboards, shelves and drawers to complete the space.
Centrestage If you have a large walk-in closet with a sizeable chunk of unused space smack bang in the middle of the room, put the spot to good use by filling it with an island bench, as seen in this roomy wardrobe. The multitasking island houses several drawers, a large benchtop and a cushioned seat where you can sit comfortably while you put on shoes or plan your outfit for the day.
Must-have accessory If collecting bling is your thing, then a jewellery cupboard definitely needs to go on your dream wardrobe wish list. This deluxe, drool-worthy cabinet is a beauty and will ensure your comprehensive collection remains perfectly organised, easily accessible and in great condition. It boasts raised black velvet-lined panel doors with hooks to hang necklaces from (notice how the sections vary in size to accommodate chains of different lengths), drawers with soft velvet jewellery inserts, pull-out shelves to hold bangle holders and trays for earrings and rings, plus a large mirror in the top compartment.
Easy breezy There’s nothing worse than finding mould growing in your wardrobe, or discovering that rather than smelling like your signature fragrance or scented laundry detergent, all of your clothes now give off a nose-scrunching fusty odour. To prevent mould from infiltrating your precious clothes storage space, make sure the area is well ventilated, invest in a dehumidifier or place a moisture absorber (such as DampRid) in your wardrobe. This spacious walk-in robe features louvre windows and a built-in dehumidifier for improved air quality and circulation, which should ensure mould and mustiness never make an appearance.
Hooking up Who would’ve thought one little hook would enhance the functionality and visual appeal of a wardrobe so much? A valet hook (a fixed or extendable rod that can be attached to the front or side of a vertical panel or divider in your closet) provides a handy spot where you can carefully build a complete outfit piece by piece and have it set out ready for the next day. You could even just leave one of your favourite wardrobe items on display.
Mirror magic No dream wardrobe is complete without at least one full-length mirror (or even better, one that extends from the floor to the ceiling). Choosing the right lighting to illuminate the area surrounding your mirror is vitally important. Avoid installing harsh, fluorescent lights above the mirror, as they will cast harsh shadows over parts of your face and body. Instead, opt for softer ambient lighting overhead or long, vertical lighting fixtures that run alongside both sides of the mirror, as these are more flattering.
Boutique style If you enjoy indulging in retail therapy and often spend your downtime at the shops, then perhaps a boutique-style wardrobe (like this chic storage zone) would be right up your alley. In this luxe walk-in closet, practicality and stylish presentation go hand in hand. Thick timber shelves that are fitted with clothes racks provide smart, multitasking storage for both folded and hanging items, and infuse the area with a clean, sleek and sophisticated feel. Floating cabinets with roomy drawers offer additional storage and visual interest, too. The open style of the closet, which is key to creating a boutique-inspired look, also provides the opportunity to show off treasured pieces of clothing, footwear and accessories.
4. A sight to be seen Good lighting is essential in any walk-in wardrobe, and this glam wardrobe and dressing room offers several lighting ideas you may wish to use in your space. Here, a sparkling chandelier provides ambient (or mood) lighting and also enhances the luxe, elegant look of the area, while downlights are used for general illumination and task lighting in front of the compartments. Recessed lights have also been installed in the open shoe shelves to shine spotlights on the footwear collection and make the contents of the shelves easy to see.
Quality lasts If durability is important the basic componentry of the wardrobe has to be high quality. The average wardrobe interior is melamine – a durable, practical and economical material. However, unsupported spans in excess of 750mm for 16mm board and 850mm for 18mm board need to be avoided because they will likely sag over time. Consider moisture-resistant board if dampness is a potential factor. Quality door hinges and drawer runners are essential. It’s not worth economising on hardware. When it comes to pricing, the cost of hardware can be nearly $100 greater per drawer for top-quality runners. It isn’t essential to have soft close or top-range runners in the wardrobe, but quality basic runners as a minimum are money well spent.
SaveEmail Ergonomics and functionality Well-designed wardrobes make your life easy. Drop the hanging areas and put the shelving above where you can see and reach it. It’s the same amount of storage space put right in front of your eyes and hands where it works most efficiently. Shelf depths of 360mm ensure order, by preventing items migrating to the back of the space. Closely stacked, shallow shelves also guarantee order no matter how blasé you are about folding. BONUS TIP: Shelf widths of 300, 600 and 900mm modules take full items neatly so that the shelves stay tidy.
Be room aware While storage is highly important, if the wardrobe is part of a bedroom, the bedroom is the priority. An oversized monolithic wardrobe can ruin a bedroom resulting in early demolition because the bedroom feels too cramped. A way of avoiding this problem is illustrated in this photo. By creating a dressing table in the middle of the wardrobe space, the walls of wardrobe don’t close in the room. In fact, by adding the mirror, more depth and interest is created on this wall. Careful assessment of your storage needs can often achieve this. By detailing the actual area needed for storage, then designing to those requirements will offer a more interesting and less invasive design than the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling default option.
If you are redoing the whole bathroom, you may as well give some thought to your storage options – things have evolved since the days when your only choices were a pedestal sink or double vanity. Sneak in pullout shelves, wall cubbies, recessed niches and more to get exactly the right storage for your stuff.
Study nook.
Study nook.
Good if a bit too narrow bedroom layout. Could do something similar in my bedroom with wardrobe where black wall? is.
Offering both form and function, glass-front drawers and cupboards are a great addition to any closet. They not only look good and exude high-end appeal, but these stylish, time-saving solutions also allow you to keep tabs on what wardrobe items are currently on rotation and what pieces are in the wash, which could save you from rummaging through your closet only to find what you were looking for isn’t there. Glass-front cabinetry also gives the illusion of spaciousness, which makes it perfect for compact walk-in wardrobes and bedrooms.
How would this pull-down clothes rack work?
A display section would be good for a walk-in wardrobe.
Seat with window in wardrobe. Great for putting shoes on.
Another way to prevent colliding doors is to avoid having doors on adjacent walls. This wardrobe looks quite good and has a mirrored display section.
Turning cabinets can be helpful for corners but they encroach on the rest of the room and often aren't enclosed, leading to dust. They are also problematic if you lose anything behind them.
I love the wall of wardrobe storage without sliding doors. Another advantage of a wall instead of a walk-in wardrobe is it avoids those awkward corners.
I LOVE how these little nooks look, particularly the one along the side of the door. I would love to have this/these in my hallway! There may be use for it in other rooms too like the dining room. Having those six nooks beside the door in the dining room and door to the living room and perhaps somewhere else like the entryway would bring some repetition and bring the house together.
I love this! I like the draw thing, the old bottles and old spotty, large mirror.
I like that the shelves are built into the wall and that the couch isn't too far away from the TV. Would be better without the fireplace and the TV being more central.
I don't like this. I want to be able to get dressed in/in front of my wardrobe.
Couch with storage.
Love the hidden bed.
Like the wine rack although it does take away from kitchen storage.
Note how the recess has a different texture than the wall.
Q