5 Walk-In Wardrobe Design Tips

Beyond just storage, the wardrobe in a home can be many other things. This is especially so as the element is being given more consideration in a home as wardrobes are integrated into the interior design schemes of bedrooms. From walk-in-wardrobes to creative use of wardrobe units as space dividers in small homes, or even as features that put the homeowners’ handbags on show, these ubiquitous components reflect and enhance how we live.

Co-founder of Open Studio, Jax Tan, notes the latter as an increasing trend. “Wardrobes as standout pieces in the bedroom, akin to art, is something that we are exploring more these days for our clients,” she says.

In designing this part of the home, she reminds homeowners that there is no one solution to fit all homes. “Assess your lifestyles and habits. Being clear about priorities will guide the planning for negotiating spatial economy.”

Here, she and two other interior designers provide tips on how to plan for the good design of integrated bedroom-and-wardrobe spaces.

1. Walk-In Wardrobe Space

Knowing how much space you need for your clothes is the first step to turning your limited closet area into a well-organised wardrobe.

Carry out an inventory of all the items of clothing that you have, grouping them into dresses, shirts/jackets, pants, and folded clothes. This list will determine how much space you need for each closet item.

Decide if you will store leather items in this closet – bags, shoes or leather clothing – as this will determine if you need a dehumidifier or ventilation fan.

Take a picture of the space you intend to install your wardrobe system in, measuring its height and width. Note your height (or the height of whoever will be using this closet).

2. Walk-In Wardrobe for Small Spaces

“We have designed a few apartments for couples and found that small homes may mean there is less need for privacy from each other. This enabled us to explore omitting bedroom walls and using wardrobes as spatial partitions to save space,” says Jax. This also means that corridors can double up as wardrobe and bedroom-access, or as entryways to an adjacent space such as the master bathroom.

Reiterates Joey Khu, who runs his eponymous interior design consultancy, “In planning the layout of a small home, it’s crucial to make the most of every square foot. Consider multi-functional furniture that can serve dual purposes. For instance, a bed with built-in drawers or storage can significantly reduce the need for additional furniture pieces, thereby saving valuable floor space,” he suggests.

“For [small spaces such as one-bedroom apartments], try to [incorporate] the desk or dresser together with the wardrobe; essentially, creating a wardrobe with multiple functions instead of having individual pieces scattered everywhere,” says Pamela Ong, director of Third Avenue Studio.

3. Built-In Walk-In Wardrobes

Joey highlights the many advantages of built-in wardrobes as they make efficient use of vertical space and can be customised to fit the room perfectly while providing a sleek look. “Consider incorporating a mix of hanging spaces, drawers and shelves to accommodate various types of clothing and accessories. Storage solutions, such as drawer organisers can help keep the space tidy, clutter-free and organised within the home.”

He also suggests using modular shelving and drawer systems for wardrobe interiors that allow for utmost customisation and adaptability for changing needs in the future. Sliding wardrobe doors are a useful space-saving alternative to traditional hinged doors.

Pamela highlights that for storage that is harder to reach, one can think of incorporating easily operable mechanisms. Another place to incorporate storage is under the bed. Keeping clutter out of sight creates a calmer bedroom for rest time, says Joey.

4. Walk-In Wardrobe Lighting

“Good lighting is essential so ensure your bedroom has a combination of natural and artificial lighting options to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft ambient lighting helps produce a relaxing environment while task lighting is crucial for activities like reading [at the bed] or getting dressed,” says Joey.

Proper lighting in small spaces is especially crucial in creating the illusion of space. “Aside from the right colour and furnishing, good lighting can make bedroom and wardrobe areas feel more open and airy,” Joey elaborates. Concealed LED strips are a discreet option for subtle lighting, he suggests.

5. Walk-In Wardrobe Colour Palette

“Choosing a calming colour palette and adding personal touches such as artwork and decorative objects can make the bedroom and wardrobe areas feel more inviting,” says Joey. In terms of materials, he proposes using plywood for its durability and versatility, laminate for the variety of patterns and colours to choose from, and veneer that “gives a natural wood aesthetic at a more affordable price” compared to solid wood.

Metal components like aluminium or stainless glass lend a polished, contemporary look. They can also be used as accents, such as frames, rails and handles. To enhance the sense of spaciousness and elegance, glass or mirrored panels is ideal, he remarks.

Likewise, Pamela likes the use of glass “as it is an excellent material to ‘dematerialise’ the wardrobe.” She elaborates, “It reduces the visual mass of a thick cabinet.” For wardrobes that use black-tinted glass, Pamela suggests matching its “clean reflective surface” with an aluminium edge to make the bedroom feel more elevated and contemporary.