Blog
Welcome to Heaven And Homes
We make your home as unique and beautiful as the people living in it.
Avoid costly mistakes. Get guidance from a design expert.
A Complete Guide to Choosing Wardrobe for Bedroom
A wardrobe isn’t just a piece of bedroom furniture — in UK homes, it’s the cornerstone of organisation, design, and daily convenience. Whether you live in a compact London flat or a family home in Manchester, the right wardrobe can transform your space.
A 2024 UK home trends survey revealed that 72% of buyers said a well-designed wardrobe was the single most important storage feature in their bedroom — even above bedside tables or drawers. For small-space living, wardrobes aren’t just storage; they’re a matter of survival.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including types, materials, styles, sizes, features, buying tips, and care. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose the wardrobe that suits your lifestyle, budget, and room.
Table of Contents
Understanding Wardrobe Types
Every home has different needs, and wardrobes aren’t “one size fits all.” The type you choose depends on your room size, lifestyle, and storage requirements. In the UK, space is often at a premium — especially in city flats — which makes choosing the right wardrobe type essential. Below are the most popular options, along with tips and real-life examples.
1. Sliding Door Wardrobes
Sliding door wardrobes are the go-to for UK homes with limited floor space. Instead of swinging outwards, the doors glide smoothly to the side, making them perfect for small bedrooms, apartments, or shared spaces.
One of the main concerns people have is whether sliding wardrobes are durable. The answer lies in the mechanism: most quality sliding systems are built with strong metal tracks designed for years of smooth operation. As long as you keep the tracks clean, the doors won’t get stuck — something that worries many first-time buyers but rarely becomes a problem with proper installation.
Aside from their practicality, sliding wardrobes also bring a sleek, modern appeal. Many homeowners choose mirrored sliding panels, which not only add elegance but also make a small room look twice as big. The interiors are fully customizable too, whether you need drawers for folded clothes, rails for long coats, or racks for shoes.
Emma, a professional in Manchester, upgraded from hinged doors to a sliding wardrobe. She gained 0.8m² of usable space — enough to finally fit her desk and chair comfortably. For people living in city apartments, that’s the difference between clutter and comfort.
2. Hinged Door Wardrobes
Hinged wardrobes are the traditional choice in many UK homes. Each door swings outward on hinges, giving you a full view of the inside. This makes them especially convenient for organising, as you can see everything at once without sliding panels overlapping.
Some buyers worry about whether hinged wardrobes are outdated compared to sliding ones. The truth is, they remain popular because they’re versatile, easy to repair, and often more affordable.
Another question that comes up is: Do hinged doors take up too much space? In smaller bedrooms, the outward swing can be limiting, but in larger family homes, they work beautifully.
A practical tip is to measure the clearance space before buying — ideally, leave at least 60–80 cm in front of the wardrobe so the doors can open freely. Hinged doors also allow for more styling options: handles can range from classic brass pulls to sleek modern knobs, making them blend into any décor.
Mark and Theressa, a couple in Birmingham, swapped their old chest of drawers for a hinged wardrobe. By using adjustable shelves and double rails inside, they increased their storage by 35% while keeping the traditional look they loved.
3. Fitted Wardrobes
Fitted wardrobes are custom-built to fit the exact dimensions of your space, whether it’s a sloping loft, alcove, or oddly shaped room. They maximise every inch, often reaching from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.
A frequent question is, are fitted wardrobes worth the cost? While they’re more expensive upfront, they add significant value to your home and solve awkward storage challenges no ready-made unit can. They’re also a favourite among families who want to future-proof their storage.
People sometimes ask: Can fitted wardrobes be removed? Yes, but removal may leave marks or require minor repairs, since they’re built into the structure of your room. That said, many UK homeowners view them as a long-term investment.
In Leeds, the Taylor family installed a fitted wardrobe in their loft bedroom. By tailoring the design around a sloped ceiling, they created an extra 2.4m² of storage — enough to keep all their winter clothes, luggage, and seasonal décor neatly tucked away.
4. Walk-in Wardrobes
Walk-in wardrobes represent the height of luxury in UK homes. Instead of just storage, they turn dressing into an experience. With open shelving, rails, and lighting, everything is displayed like a boutique.
A common concern is: are walk-in wardrobes only for large houses? Surprisingly, no. Even a modest spare room or box room can be converted into a walk-in with clever design. The key is using space vertically with tall shelving and compact rails.
Another question is, will a walk-in wardrobe add value to my home? The answer is almost always yes. Estate agents often highlight them as a selling point, especially in the mid-to-high-end market.
Louisiana in London converted a spare box room into a walk-in wardrobe. By using floor-to-ceiling shelving and mirrored doors, she turned a 2.1m x 2.3m space into a boutique-style dressing area. She later mentioned it became the most complimented feature of her flat.
|
Wardrobe Type |
Space Use |
Ideal Room Size |
|---|---|---|
|
Sliding Door |
High |
Small bedrooms, flats |
|
Hinged Door |
Medium |
Medium to large rooms |
|
Fitted |
Very High |
Irregular / loft rooms |
|
Walk-in |
High |
Medium to large rooms |
Exploring Wardrobe Materials
The material you choose for a wardrobe affects its durability, style, and cost, so it’s important to pick one that suits both your space and lifestyle.
- Solid Wood: Known for strength and longevity, solid wood wardrobes bring a timeless, classic look. Oak, walnut, and pine are popular in UK homes. While pricier than other materials, they can be polished or painted to refresh the look over time. Ideal for family bedrooms or long-term investment pieces.
- Engineered Wood (MDF / Plywood): A budget-friendly option that offers smooth surfaces and clean finishes. MDF or plywood can be painted or laminated, and they resist warping if properly sealed. Many modern fitted wardrobes in lofts or alcoves use engineered wood to make the most of awkward spaces.
- Laminate & Veneer Finishes: Laminated or veneered wardrobes are perfect for contemporary interiors. Glossy or matte finishes create a sleek look and are easy to clean. Keep in mind that edges may chip over time, so handle with care.
- Metal & Glass Elements: Often used in modern or minimalist designs, metal frames and glass panels create a stylish, lightweight feel. While visually striking, mirrored or glass surfaces require regular cleaning to prevent smudges and fingerprints.
Tip: For long-lasting durability, choose solid or engineered wood. For a modern, low-maintenance look, laminated, veneered, or glass-fronted wardrobes are ideal. Mixing materials can also create a high-end, boutique-style wardrobe that fits your bedroom perfectly.
Wardrobe Styles: Matching Interiors
Wardrobes do more than store clothes — they set the tone for your bedroom. Choosing a style that complements your interiors can transform the feel of a room, making it both functional and visually appealing.
Modern Wardrobes
Glossy, minimalist wardrobes are ideal for modern flats and apartments. Their smooth, shiny surfaces make rooms feel brighter and more spacious. Handleless doors keep the design clean and simple, while neutral colours like white, grey, or beige blend easily with any décor.
Olivia in Manchester upgraded her small flat with white gloss wardrobes. The space instantly felt larger and brighter, and when she decided to sell, estate agents commented that the storage solutions made the property feel “move-in ready” — boosting its resale appeal.
Tip: For modern interiors, pairing gloss wardrobes with subtle LED strip lighting inside drawers or shelves creates a high-end hotel feel without breaking the budget.
Luxury Wardrobes
Luxury wardrobes combine elegant design with practical, customised features. They often include built-in LED lighting, soft-close drawers, and premium handles for a polished look. Inside, you’ll find tailored compartments for shoes, accessories, and seasonal clothes, keeping everything organised and easy to reach.
In 2023, UK sales of luxury wardrobes with integrated LED lighting rose by 18%, as homeowners increasingly invest in bespoke interiors that offer both convenience and style.
The Morgan family in Bath, Somerset, installed a luxury fitted wardrobe with mirrored panels and hidden compartments. Not only did it enhance the bedroom’s aesthetic, but it also made morning routines effortless, keeping everything organised and easy to find.
Scandinavian Wardrobes
Scandinavian wardrobes use light wood tones and simple, clean lines to create a calm, airy feel. Modular shelving makes it easy to organise clothes, shoes, and accessories without cluttering the room. This style works perfectly in bedrooms where you want a bright, open, and relaxed atmosphere.
In Cardiff, the Clarke family fitted Scandinavian wardrobes in their children’s rooms. The neutral light wood brightened the space, while modular compartments allowed the kids to adapt storage as they grew.
Tip: Pair Scandinavian wardrobes with pale rugs, soft textiles, and plenty of natural light to amplify the airy, minimalist feel.
Wardrobe Dimensions & Size Guide
Size matters when choosing a wardrobe. Too small, and you’ll lose valuable storage; too large, and the room can feel cramped and crowded.
The most common UK wardrobe dimensions are:
- Height: 200 cm
- Width: 100–120 cm
- Depth: 60 cm
Many homeowners in London and other cities face irregular room layouts. In fact, over 40% of London households choose custom wardrobes to make the most of tricky spaces.
Tip: Always measure your room carefully — include skirting boards, ceiling height, and any nearby furniture — before buying. This ensures your wardrobe fits perfectly and leaves enough space to move around comfortably.
Functional Features & Mechanisms
The right features can transform a wardrobe from basic storage into a personalised, efficient solution. Sliding doors, drawers, shoe racks, jewellery compartments, and soft-close hinges all make daily use easier and more enjoyable.
A couple in Bristol had a bedroom with a sloped ceiling. They installed custom sliding tracks, which allowed them to maximise the awkward loft space. Not only did they save around £1,200 compared to a walk-in wardrobe, but they also created a tidy, accessible storage system that fit perfectly in their room.
Tip: Consider which features match your lifestyle — for example, pull-out racks for shoes, hidden compartments for accessories, or soft-close drawers for quiet mornings. Choosing the right combination keeps your wardrobe organised and easy to use.
Buying Considerations
Before hitting “buy now,” it’s worth weighing up a few key factors to make sure your wardrobe suits your home and lifestyle.
- Budget: Entry-level wardrobes in the UK usually start from £150–£200. Luxury or bespoke wardrobes can easily exceed £3,000, depending on materials, features, and customisation.
- Room Size: Smaller double bedrooms often benefit from mirrored sliding wardrobes to save space, while larger rooms or family homes can explore fitted or walk-in options for maximum storage.
- Durability: Families or heavy users should prioritise solid wood or high-quality engineered wood rather than cheaper MDF, ensuring the wardrobe lasts for years without warping or damage.
Research shows that 65% of UK buyers prioritise durability over price, especially families who need wardrobes that can withstand daily use.
Tip: Always balance style, size, and longevity. A slightly higher upfront investment in quality often saves money and frustration in the long run.
Wardrobe Care & Maintenance
Proper care helps your wardrobe last longer and keeps it looking its best.
- Dusting: Use a soft microfibre cloth to remove dust without scratching surfaces.
- Cleaning: Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on wood or mirrors. Gentle, furniture-safe cleaners work best.
- Humidity Control: Dehumidifiers help prevent wood warping and mould growth, especially in damp rooms.
- Mirrored Doors: For mirrored surfaces, use a streak-free glass cleaner to maintain a clear, polished finish.
Laura from Edinburgh noticed her oak wardrobe doors warping after a damp winter. She added a dehumidifier, which not only solved the problem but also kept her clothes smelling fresher and her wardrobe looking like new.
Tip: Regular maintenance — dusting weekly and checking humidity — ensures your wardrobe stays functional and stylish for years to come.
Related Furniture & Interior Design Context
Wardrobes rarely stand alone — they set the tone for your entire bedroom. The style, colour, and size of your wardrobe often influence choices for beds, drawers, bedside tables, and even décor accessories.
In the UK, households typically replace bedroom sets every 8–12 years. Wardrobes are often considered the anchor piece, guiding the overall design of the room.
When planning your bedroom, ask yourself: Will your wardrobe complement the space or dominate it? Matching finishes and proportions with other furniture helps create a balanced, harmonious look, while bold wardrobe styles can become a statement piece.
Tip: If you choose a striking wardrobe style, balance it with simpler furniture and neutral colours elsewhere to avoid overwhelming the room.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wardrobe is about more than just storage — it’s about maximising space, enhancing style, and making daily life easier. When selecting a wardrobe, focus on practicality by ensuring the layout suits your routine, with enough hanging space, drawers, shelves, and specialised compartments.
Measure your room carefully to avoid crowding, and choose durable materials like solid or engineered wood for long-lasting use. Match the wardrobe’s style, finish, and colour with your existing furniture to create a cohesive bedroom look, and consider helpful features such as sliding doors, soft-close hinges, built-in lighting, or modular shelving to improve functionality.
A well-chosen wardrobe should be practical, durable, and stylish, efficiently storing your clothes while elevating the overall feel of your bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sliding door wardrobes are the best choice for small bedrooms or flats, as the doors don’t swing out and they often include mirrored panels to make the room feel larger.
Yes. While they’re more expensive upfront, fitted wardrobes maximise awkward spaces, add long-term value to your home, and often provide more storage than free-standing wardrobes.
Absolutely. Even a modest spare or box room can be transformed into a walk-in wardrobe with smart design, vertical shelving, and good lighting.
Solid wood offers durability and a timeless look, while engineered wood (like MDF or plywood) provides a budget-friendly option. Laminates and veneers are popular for modern styles, and glass or metal elements add a contemporary touch.
Measure your room carefully, including ceiling height, skirting boards, and clearance for doors. Standard UK wardrobes are usually 200 cm high, 100–120 cm wide, and 60 cm deep.
Look for practical features like pull-out shoe racks, jewellery compartments, adjustable shelves, and soft-close drawers. Mirrored doors or built-in LED lighting can also add style and convenience.
Entry-level wardrobes typically start from £150–£200, while luxury or fitted wardrobes can exceed £3,000 depending on size, material, and customisation.
Dust weekly with a soft cloth, avoid harsh cleaners, use a dehumidifier in damp rooms to prevent warping, and clean mirrored doors with a streak-free glass cleaner.