Designing Your Walk-In Wardrobe: Key Considerations

Designing a walk-in wardrobe in a limited or awkwardly shaped space can feel challenging. With the rising house prices and reduced livable square footage, it has never been more true: every inch really counts. And, of course, maximising functionality without compromising on style becomes a priority that requires careful planning. 

Fortunately, with expert advice, you can turn the limitations of your space into opportunities for uniqueness and creativity. In this guide by Online Bedrooms, you’ll find all the tips you need to know for a walk-in wardrobe design that is stunningly beautiful, functional, and timeless.

Assess Your Available Space to Optimise Your Wardrobe’s Layout

With the average size of master bedrooms in newly-built British homes shrinking by nearly 2 square metres from 1930 to 2020, optimising space has become crucial, particularly given that today’s families tend to accumulate far more belongings than 1930s’ households. 

That is why, when planning a walk-in wardrobe, it’s vital to get started by measuring the exact dimensions of your room. And, we are not talking just about the floor space! To create a walk-in wardrobe that optimises the space available, you’ll also need to look up: sloping ceilings or awkward recesses can be turned into functional storage areas! Tailoring your wardrobe’s layout to fit the specific characteristics of your home is a great starting point for a walk-in wardrobe design that truly works for you. 

Be Clear About Your Storage Needs

Let’s not beat around the bush: it’s impossible to design an efficient and functional wardrobe without knowing exactly what you are looking to store. While, for some, an extensive collection of shoes may be a pain point, others may be worried about storing space-consuming duvets and throws. 

Ultimately, a well-planned wardrobe with custom-designed fittings can help you optimise storage space and boost the functionality of your room. But, for this, you’ll need to start by taking inventory of items like clothing, shoes, and accessories. Once you are aware of your storage needs, you can use tools like deeper drawers for bulky items and additional shelving for shoes. 

Choose Your Style and Design Details

Selecting the right aesthetic for your walk-in wardrobe is crucial to create a cohesive look with your room - and, of course, the rest of the house! At Online Bedrooms, we offer a whole collection of walk-in wardrobe colours such as Graphite, Green, Natural and Grey Oak, Concrete, Cashmere, White, White Ash, and both Light and Dust Grey. 

With such a broad choice of options, you can decide on a palette that compliments your existing décor and interior design. Plus, you can enhance certain details and unique features of your wardrobe with the right finishes and door styles.

Prioritise Accessibility in Design

Accessibility is paramount when designing your walk-in wardrobe. You should make sure that all areas of your wardrobe are accessible throughout the year and despite how full a certain area of the wardrobe is. This level of unpaired accessibility allows you to keep a detailed inventory of your belongings and find what you are looking for easily and effortlessly, when addressing wardrobe accessibility, there are some factors to consider: 

• Doors: Choosing between sliding or hinged doors can greatly affect how easily you can access your belongings, also depending on your room’s features (e.g.: walls, windows, and half walls)
• Internal module options: Consider the placement and height of shelves and rails to ensure everything is within easy reach. 
• Flexible design options: Opt for rails and shelves that can be changed and adapted over time. After all, your wardrobe needs may change through the years and even through the seasons!

At Online Bedrooms we offer internal option modules that can be tailored to fit your needs, such as a single hanging rail with an upper shelf or a double hanging rail with a middle shelf. Plus, our modules featuring five shelves and two drawers optimise space and accessibility in any walk-in wardrobe, even the tiniest!

Illuminate Your Wardrobe Effectively

Lighting plays a crucial role in the functionality and ambiance of your walk-in wardrobe. 

Firstly, adequate lighting enhances visibility, making it easier to find items and create a more inviting space. If you are looking for an eco-friendly solution that will help you save on your energy bills, be sure to incorporate a mix of natural light, if possible, and artificial lighting. 

Just make sure that your lighting is effective enough to help you keep track of your belongings! In the UK, statistics reveal 1.6 billion items of clothes go unworn for several reasons, including the fact that poor organisation and inadequate lighting cause them to remain hidden in the shadows. In other words, proper illumination can help you optimise and appreciate your clothing items, ensuring nothing is overlooked or forgotten and the entire wardrobe is properly managed. 

Set a Budget For Your Project 

Walk-in wardrobe can offer a range of financial benefits. They can increase your house value, improve your livable square footage, and extend your clothes’ shelf life. However, you may need to face up-front costs that need to be carefully planned. 

Speaking to an expert and getting an accurate quote, begin by evaluating the cost of materials and considering the price of custom options that cater to your needs. Don't overlook potential installation fees, which can vary widely based on the complexity of the design and the quality of materials chosen. 

Remember that  your wardrobe should not become a financial burden on your household, but rather an asset!

Customise Your Wardrobe with Personal Touches

By personalising your walk-in wardrobe, you can transform it into a unique space that reflects your style and history and celebrates your personal journey. Some customisation options for a truly bespoke design include:

• Velvet-lined jewellery organisers
• Adjustable shelving units
• Built-in LED lighting
• Retractable shoe racks
• Multi-level hanging spaces
• Pull-out tie and belt racks
• Integrated laundry bins

Conclusion

Designing a walk-in wardrobe involves significant planning and consideration, but the end result is a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing space that enhances your home. By assessing your space, understanding your storage needs, choosing the right design, and prioritising accessibility, you can create a walk-in wardrobe that truly meets your needs.

Partner with Online Bedrooms to bring your vision to life. Request a personalised quote today or get in touch with our team for tailored assistance. Let us help you design a walk-in wardrobe that reflects your style and meets all your storage needs.