‘Tidy bedroom, tidy mind’ – there’s no denying that the environment you sleep in can have a significant psychological effect; a disorganized bedroom can increase stress levels, impact the quality of your rest time, and be a practical annoyance! Having suitable storage is absolutely key to turning your bedroom into a clutter-free sanctuary, and a carefully chosen wardrobe is the item of furniture most likely to provide scope for more organized living. Hereunder you will discover our seven (7) top tips for the most important things to consider when putting together your ideal wardrobe!
1. Usage
There are hundreds of different wardrobes on the market, from two-door, three-door, sliding, mirrored, fitted and freestanding. And that’s just the frame – once you open up the doors there are unlimited options regarding the combination and configuration of hanging space, drawers, shelves and shoe racks that can be incorporated inside. So, to start with, the first question to ask yourself is what sort of storage space do you mainly need? Hanging space for clothes, shelves for shoes, drawers for smaller clothing items, cosmetics or accessories, or a combination? Once you have set out exactly what your wardrobe will be used for, you can think about the functionality it needs to offer, which will help direct both the exterior and interior specification you need it to meet.
2. Functionality
Knowing the length of hanging space that you will roughly need in proportion to the type of clothes you have is important. If you are going to store long coats, evening gowns and dressing gowns in the wardrobe rather than elsewhere in the house, you will most likely require hangers that optimize the full height of the wardrobe, whilst suits, short dresses and jumpers can hang comfortably on half-height rails, which instantly doubles the amount of hanging space. When it comes to shelves and drawers, again think carefully about what you will, primarily, be storing on them. Many wardrobes now offer super-innovative interior designs with built-in shoe racks, jewelry drawers, and adjustable cubby holes that enhance organization options, reduce clutter and potentially remove the need for additional furniture in the bedroom. The depth of shelves is also a consideration – beyond a certain point, having a deeper shelf creates a black wall where clothes disappear, meaning you may struggle to find items right at the back!
3. Size
Consider exactly where in your bedroom the wardrobe is going to be placed and be quite sure of this; a large piece of furniture is often difficult to move around (and impossible if it is a fitted design – obviously!) and many rooms only have one suitable location for an item of this size, so it needs to fit perfectly. Most manufacturers make wardrobes to have at least 45cm of depth, which should be enough to give you the option to have ample shelf, drawer and hanging space. If your budget allows, my tip would be to go as big as possible though – you can never have enough storage space – but within realistic limitations, so think practically about whether there will be enough clearance room to easily open doors, walk around and fit your other items of furniture in comfortably. Also go as tall as possible towards the ceiling to maximize storage. This space can be invaluable for stashing spare bedding, seasonal or occasional items that don’t require daily use.
4. Types of wardrobes
Once you have pinpointed your functionality requirements, you can start considering the types of wardrobes that are available. The first big decision to make is whether to choose a freestanding wardrobe or go fully fitted. Fitted designs are great for rooms with odd angles, awkward alcoves, or sloping ceilings; available from specialist suppliers, they are usually custom-made and significantly more expensive. Free-standing wardrobes are most versatile when considering design and cost; they are usually available for faster delivery and can be moved from room to room, or house to house, if needed. The main types to choose from are: Two-door panel wardrobes: these generally follow a pretty standard design where the interior is split in half with one side as drawers and the other with rails. Three-door panel wardrobes: offering a little more space, this design incorporates another compartment of shelving or rails. Sliding wardrobes or hinged doors: a sliding design eliminates the need to open doors outwards and is great in tight spaces. Hinged doors are more common though and mean that you could mount a mirror or additional hooks/ racks on the inside. Doorless: a frame-stand allows you to create a display as well as store clothes. Easily collapsible and movable, standalone rails can be used in addition to a traditional wardrobe, but do appeal to quite a specific, ‘on-trend’, style.
5. Style
As a large and dominant piece of furniture, the design of the wardrobe contributes greatly to the overall theme and taste of the bedroom. The options for different styles are endless, from timeless, versatile classics, to high-gloss, slick contemporary; from ornate French boudoir to chic minimalist Scandinavian. Small touches like the handles can also have an impact on the wardrobe’s overall appeal; whether you go for ornate glass knobs, slim brushed-chrome handles or ring pulls, these subtle “accomplices” can be customizable and help to enhance the overall image. Also consider if you want to complement your wardrobe with other pieces of furniture such as a bedside cabinet, chest of drawers or dressing table.
6. Material and finish
The material, colour and surface finish of your wardrobe is a huge contributor to its style and also the level of practicality it can offer. There are many choices available, including modular options which means you can mix and match to create a bespoke look unique to you! Solid wood: one of the most highly used materials, solid wood is robust and hardwearing, with each type bringing a different feel and effect. High gloss finish: introducing a slick, contemporary look to your room, this shiny finish is mainly available in either black, white or very light colours. Matte finish: a soft matt finish will ensure your item doesn’t compete with other furniture in the room and fits in effortlessly into any space. Glass and mirrors: through reflecting the light, opaque glass or mirror adds an additional dimension to the room, creating a bright effect that complements most interior décor. Painted finish: available in many colours, painted wardrobes can also be treated with various finishes, tailoring it to exude a more rustic, fresh, elaborate or boho look, depending on your style preference.
7. Practicality
As a bulky item of furniture with features that can vary greatly from product to product, there are some other logistical factors on the ‘perfect wardrobe checklist’ I would highly recommend considering before you make a purchase: Double check sizes and dimensions: it’s very easy to underestimate how much room a piece of furniture like this can take up, so double check when it comes to measuring dimensions and the amount of clearance space needed. Delivery: check with the retailer if delivery costs are included, and that this includes taking the wardrobe to the final destination in the room – you don’t want it left downstairs if it needs to go in a second or third-floor bedroom! Measure hallways, stairs and doorways to ensure you can fit the wardrobe through comfortably; if the space is very restricted you may need to consider a flat pack. Assembly: wardrobes are usually heavy and bulky, so you may require help (and patience!) to assemble. Pre-assembled products will save time but are usually pricier. Safety: as a tall, freestanding item, make sure you can securely fasten the wardrobe to the wall or “anchor” it to the floor in order to eliminate the possibility of danger either to you or to third parties.
