10 things you need to know before building a new wardrobe

By Persephone Nicholas

A well-designed wardrobe can make your day-to-day life easier and add value to your home. Want a wonderful wardrobe, but not sure where to begin? Here are 10 things you need to know:

1. What are the advantages of a walk-in wardrobe?

Walk-in wardrobes give you somewhere to get dressed, reduce the amount of bedroom furniture needed and typically provide more storage than a reach-in. Add a door to close off the room or go without to increase the feeling of spaciousness.

2. Do walk-in wardrobes cost more than reach-ins?  

‘A walk-in or walk-through can actually be the most cost-effective option,’ says the renovation specialist of Refresh Renovations Illawarra.  ‘Without the cost of extrusions and doors, the walk-in is essentially a small room with exposed cabinetry so it can cost less to build than a reach-in.’

3. How much space do I need for a walk-in wardrobe?

‘For every metre of reach-in wardrobe, you need an extra sqm of walk-in space.  So for a reach-in that is four metres long, you'll need a space of at least eight sqm to make it work.  With anything less, you’re better off with a large reach-in,’ explains the renovation specialist.

4. What is the best way to light my walk-in wardrobe?

Ideally, a walk-in should enjoy some natural light from a skylight or window. Supplement this with electric lighting that produces little or no heat and is a safe distance from the items stored.

5. What are the benefits of a reach-in wardrobe?

Reach-ins can help smaller rooms feel larger as they reduce the amount of floor space taken up by freestanding furniture. If space is limited, consider sliding doors rather than those that open outwards. Mirrored doors make a room feel larger and lighter.

6. How do I plan the interior of my wardrobe?

List everything you want to store in your wardrobe and plan accordingly. For example, do you have full-length dresses or coats that need plenty of hanging room? Do you need hanging space for shirts and suits? Do you prefer to hang or fold knits and tees?  

7. How can I maximise the space in my wardrobe?

Make sure you’re not storing things you no longer want or need. Open shelves are the most efficient use of space. Position them at a convenient height with drawers underneath.

8. What is the best way to store accessories?

Deep pull-out shelves are a great storage solution for shoes. Install hooks inside doors for accessories including handbags and scarves. Include shallow drawers or trays for fine jewellery, watches and cufflinks.

9. Do wardrobes need ventilation?

A well-ventilated wardrobe helps maintain the freshness of clothes, particularly those that aren’t washed after every wear. Allow sufficient hanging space and choose baskets that allow air to circulate. Walk-ins should be ventilated like any other room.

10. How can I create a more luxurious wardrobe?

High quality materials, fixtures and fittings enhance any wardrobe. For a walk-in that wows, add an island bench for additional storage and display space, an armchair and an oversized mirror.
Find out what type of walk-in-wardrobe you can create with a basic, mid-range or high-end budget.

Get in touch with Refresh to discuss your home renovation project

If you would like to discuss walk-in wardrobe options and ideas for your home renovation, please use the enquiry form on this page to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.
*All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change.