Tips for Planning the Perfect Walk-In Wardrobe

A good wardrobe can be life altering. We recognise that this might sound a bit dramatic, but hear us out. Are you familiar with the heart wrenching feeling of trying to pull something out of your wardrobe, only for half your clothes to come out with it in a tangled mess and end up on the floor? If you are, you have our sympathy. Below we’ve compiled some handy tips that will help you to avoid a similar disaster and assist you in designing your perfect walk-in wardrobe.

Where to start

We recommend starting by using your current wardrobe as a guide to work out what you want and need – which elements would you include, and which would you omit? Once you’ve taken note of what you do and don’t like about your current wardrobe, consider the following points:

• How much full and half-length hanging space do you require? Do you have a large number of full -length garments that need accommodating?
• Do you have a lot of scarves or ties? If so, you might consider including a pull-out hanging rack.
• Do you want open shelving for your shoes, hats or bags?
• How many drawers do you need? Do you have a lot of clothes or accessories that require storing in drawers? And don’t forget about your socks and underwear!
• Are you someone who wants to hide their clothes away or would you prefer an easily accessible, open design?

Supersize your storage

While this may not be a priority for you when designing your ideal wardrobe, we highly recommend taking some time to think about how to maximise storage space for those items that you don’t use every day. You could extend your shelves to the ceiling and add some shelving over your clothing racks to store items such as suitcases or out of season gear. There are also many storage accessories available on the market that can help to make the space more functional and organised, so jump online and flick through some catalogues! With a bit of research, you can find ways to optimise your space and use every inch available to you. Plus, this will give you a valid reason to tear through K-mart’s Home & Storage sections without feeling guilty for making unnecessary purchases… you’re welcome.

Don’t forget lighting

It may not be super obvious, but the lighting you choose for your walk-in wardrobe can make a big difference. Obviously, natural lighting is ideal, but it isn’t always possible, so we recommend overhead lights as the next best option. If you want something a little more unique, use LED strip lighting to illuminate your wardrobe.

Decor

If you’re anything like us, then you agree that the best part of planning your ideal wardrobe is getting the chance to decorate it. Designing a stylish and luxurious space with beautiful finishes and décor can elevate your wardrobe and make it feel like its own space in your home, as opposed to a mere add-on to your bedroom. A possible consequence of this may be that you want to hang out in your wardrobe all the time, but we’re willing to live with that if you are. Even if you’re limited by space, you can still decorate your wardrobe by including smaller accessories or a cleverly placed mirror or frame.

Some final tips…

• Keep the decor and colour scheme consistent with your bedroom to avoid clashes!
• Think about your flooring – perhaps you’d prefer soft, luxe carpet or floorboards and a decorative rug.
• If you have the wall space, consider including a full-length feature mirror with flattering lights installed above it.
• An ottoman or armchair adds both beauty and practical value, especially if you spend as much time in your wardrobe trying on shoes and outfits as we do.
• If you really want to make a statement and you have the room, a glamorous storage island is the way to go. These can include drawers and glass displays for your jewellery/watches and will give you valuable bench space!
• Consider adding a dressing table (framed in lights if you want that Hollywood feel). This way, your walk-in wardrobe can serve as a one-stop-shop, where you can get dressed and do your hair and makeup.  You can even get dressing tables with Bluetooth speakers, we promise, you won’t regret it!

Designing a fabulous, practical walk-in wardrobe isn’t difficult, especially with all the ideas and inspiration that can be taken from the internet and social media these days! The key to creating a space that you’re happy with is to make sure you already know what you want when it is time to discuss options with your builder – you’ll be rewarded for your planning and preparation!