- Accurate room measurements are the starting point for choosing the right wardrobe style.
- Different room shapes suit different wardrobe styles, from sliding doors in rectangular rooms to mirrored doors in square rooms.
- Awkward corners and angled ceilings can be turned into functional storage with custom built joinery.
- Light, mirrors and glass finishes can make a wardrobe feel more open and improve how a bedroom feels.
- The wardrobe should complement the bed as the room’s focal point, not compete with it.
A wardrobe should not simply be a place to store clothes. Well designed, it becomes a focal point that enhances how a bedroom feels and functions.
Not all wardrobes are created equal, and it is important to consider your room’s layout, your daily routines, and what you actually need from your storage. Choosing the right wardrobe can transform a bedroom into a calm, organised and visually appealing space.
Analysing Your Bedroom Dimensions
Accurate measurement is the foundation of good wardrobe design. Key measurements to take include:
- Room width
- Floor to ceiling height, including whether this is consistent across the room
- Clearance needed for doors and drawers
Consider flow and functionality before making design decisions. Doors should open freely, walkways should remain clear, and windows or entry points should never be obstructed.
Our designers carry out complimentary measure and quote visits to professionally assess your space, ensuring proportional balance and helping you choose furniture that makes the most of your room.
Wardrobe Styles for Different Room Shapes
Rather than forcing a standard fit, we design wardrobes around the layout you already have. The following general guide can help you consider your options:
- Rectangular rooms often suit sliding doors and built in wardrobes that make use of long wall spaces
- Square rooms can benefit from the visual depth created by hinged or mirrored doors
- Narrow rooms suit a sleek, shallow built in wardrobe that keeps floor space clear
- Irregular rooms with alcoves or sloped ceilings are well suited to corner wardrobes and custom joinery that follows the natural shape of the space
Optimising Corner and Awkward Spaces
Older homes often have awkward corners, angled ceilings or uneven walls. These are not a barrier to bespoke fitted wardrobes. Custom built furniture can turn these dead zones into functional, attractive storage.
Some practical approaches include:
- Tall units or shelving above doors to use the height of the room
- Sliding or folding doors to reduce obstruction in compact spaces
- Precise measurement so furniture sits flush without wasted gaps
Professional installation is particularly important in rooms that could be described as difficult, as it ensures shelves, rails and drawers are integrated cleanly into unorthodox layouts.
Considering Light and Visibility
Light plays a major role in how a bedroom feels. As a general rule, avoid placing large, dark wardrobes directly opposite windows, as this can make a room feel darker overall.
Mirrored and glass finishes reflect light and can make a space feel larger and more open, particularly in smaller rooms or those with limited natural light. Soft, neutral tones also help keep a room feeling bright.
Internal lighting is another option worth considering, including LED strips, motion sensitive lights and overhead illumination, all of which improve the functionality of the finished wardrobe.
Matching the Wardrobe to the Bed’s Focus
The bed is the visual anchor of most bedrooms, so wardrobe design should complement it rather than compete with it. Consider alignment, balance and colour cohesion across the room.
Where space allows, built in wardrobes can introduce intentional lines that support the overall design, helping bring the whole bedroom into visual balance.
Conclusion
There is no one size fits all wardrobe. A bedroom benefits from thoughtful design that is tailored to the individual and their space. Book your complimentary design consultation today to discover how your space could be optimised, or visit our showroom to explore styles and finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wardrobe style suits a small bedroom?
Sliding doors and shallow built in designs generally work best in small bedrooms, as they reduce obstruction and keep floor space clear.
Can a wardrobe be built into an awkward corner or angled ceiling?
Yes. Custom built joinery can be designed to follow the exact shape of alcoves, corners and sloped ceilings, turning unused space into functional storage.
Do mirrored wardrobe doors make a room look bigger?
Mirrored and glass doors reflect light and can create the impression of a larger, brighter space, which is particularly useful in smaller bedrooms.