Wardrobe design: depth, lofts, sliding or hinged, and finishes

Room guides · H Hue Design Studio, Nanakramguda

Wardrobes are the biggest piece of furniture most people buy, and the one they live with longest. A few decisions make all the difference.

Depth

Around 600 mm (two feet) of internal depth lets hangers sit comfortably. Sliding wardrobes need a little more, because the shutters run on tracks in front of the carcass. Measure the room with the bed in place before deciding.

Full height or with a loft?

Full-height wardrobes look cleaner and make the ceiling feel higher. A separate loft above gives storage for suitcases and seasonal things. Either way, take the wardrobe all the way up, so dust does not collect on top.

Sliding or hinged?

• Hinged shutters open the whole wardrobe at once and cost less, but need clear space in front to swing.
• Sliding shutters save space in tight rooms, but only show part of the wardrobe at a time, and good tracks matter.

Inside the wardrobe

• Long and short hanging sections, based on what you actually wear.
• Drawers for folded clothes, and a locker if you need one.
• A pull-out for ties, belts or jewellery.
• Internal lights that switch on with the door.

Finishes

Laminates are hard-wearing and come in countless colours and textures; acrylic and lacquer give a glossy look; veneer gives real wood. Mirrors on one shutter save space and make the room feel larger.