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.
Smart Storage Secrets | Wardrobe Size Guide for UK Homes
Introduction: Why Size Matters More Than Style
A wardrobe is one of the largest and most important pieces of furniture in your bedroom. While design and finishes often grab attention first, getting the size right is what truly decides if your wardrobe feels like a smart investment or a daily frustration.
- A wardrobe that’s too small will quickly overflow with clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- A wardrobe that’s too large can dominate your room, making it feel cramped and uncomfortable.
In the UK, where bedrooms can range from compact 8m² box rooms to spacious 20m²+ master suites, wardrobe sizing becomes even more critical. Choosing the right wardrobe dimensions can:
- Optimise storage without eating into floor space.
- Improve daily functionality by making items easy to reach.
- Boost your home’s value with built-in, well-proportioned furniture.
This guide gives you a clear framework: from understanding standard dimensions to measuring your space, matching wardrobe size to room size, and optimising interiors for maximum storage.
Table of Contents
Standard Wardrobe Dimensions in the UK
Wardrobe sizes usually follow common industry standards, though Heaven & Homes also offer bespoke customisation for unusual or premium spaces. Below is a complete guide to the most common wardrobe categories, with dimensions, best uses, and functionality tips.
1. Single-Door Wardrobes
- Width: 45–60 cm
- Depth: 55–60 cm
- Height: 180–220 cm
- Best for: Guest rooms, children’s bedrooms, studio apartments, or small rental flats.
Single-door wardrobes are the most compact option, perfect where every centimetre counts. They usually include one hanging rail and a small shelf, making them suitable for occasional wear, seasonal storage, or kids’ clothing. While limited for long-term storage, they work well when paired with chests of drawers, under-bed storage, or bedside units.
Example: A 50 cm single wardrobe in a student flat can hold daily essentials, while a drawer chest handles folded items like T-shirts and jumpers.
2. Double-Door Wardrobes
- Width: 80–120 cm
- Depth: 55–65 cm
- Height: 180–240 cm
- Best for: Small to medium-sized bedrooms in flats, suburban homes, or shared rentals.
Double-door wardrobes are a UK household favourite because they balance size with function. With space for both hanging and shelving, they suit singles or couples with moderate clothing collections. Many models also include drawers or shelving at the base for extra versatility.
Example: In a 10 m² bedroom, a 100 cm hinged double-door wardrobe provides one person with enough storage while leaving space for a bed and side tables.
3. Triple-Door Wardrobes
- Width: 150–200 cm
- Depth: 55–65 cm
- Height: 200–240 cm
- Best for: Master bedrooms, shared rooms, or couples with large wardrobes.
Triple-door wardrobes offer generous storage, making them ideal for two people sharing. The extra width allows for custom interiors — double rails, shelves, drawers, and shoe racks. Their size makes them unsuitable for compact rooms but perfect for medium-to-large bedrooms.
Example: A 180 cm triple-door wardrobe in a 14 m² master bedroom can handle his-and-hers storage while fitting comfortably alongside a king-size bed.
4. Sliding Door Wardrobe
- Width: 120–300 cm (typically 2–4 panels)
- Depth: 60–65 cm
- Height: 200–240 cm
- Best for: Compact rooms, narrow layouts, or modern interiors where space is tight.
Sliding wardrobes are a go-to solution for saving space. Unlike hinged wardrobes, they don’t need door clearance, making them great for small bedrooms. Their wider frames can span entire walls, creating a seamless, built-in look.
Design flexibility is another big advantage: doors can be mirrored, glossy, wooden, or even a mix of finishes, blending style with function.
Example: In a 9 m² London flat, a 150 cm mirrored sliding wardrobe doubles as storage and a full-length mirror, saving space while making the room look larger.
5. Custom & Fitted Wardrobes
- Tailored fit for alcoves, corners, or sloped ceilings
- Best for: Maximising storage in tricky layouts or premium homes.
Custom-fitted wardrobes are the ultimate storage upgrade. Designed to fit your exact room dimensions, they work in alcoves, lofts, or across entire walls. While they cost more, they deliver top value in daily usability and long-term property worth.
They can include adjustable rails, drawers, shoe racks, pull-out trays, or integrated lighting — all tailored to your lifestyle.
Example: In a heritage home with awkward alcoves, a fitted wardrobe maximises space while creating a built-in, boutique-style dressing area.
How to Measure Your Room Correctly
Measuring may sound simple, but mistakes here cause major headaches during delivery or installation.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
- Measure Wall Width & Height – Measure skirting to skirting and floor to ceiling. Check at multiple points since older homes may have uneven walls.
- Check Depth – Standard wardrobes need 55–65 cm internal depth. Don’t forget clearance for doors (hinged) or tracks (sliding).
- Account for Clearance (Hinged Only) – Allow 60–80 cm in front for doors to swing. Place a bed or desk too close and you’ll regret it.
- Leave Breathing Space – Leave at least 5 cm above wardrobes for installation, especially fitted ones.
- Consider Obstructions – Radiators, sockets, or windowsills can affect placement. Note these before choosing a size.
Matching Wardrobe Size to Room Size
Every room has a “sweet spot” when it comes to wardrobe size.
1. Small Rooms (Under 10m²)
- Best Options: Single, double-door, or sliding wardrobes.
- Style Tip: Use mirrored sliding doors to reflect light and make the room feel bigger.
Example: In a 9 m² London flat, a 120 cm mirrored sliding wardrobe opposite the bed freed up space and brightened the room.
2. Medium Rooms (10–15m²)
- Best Options: Triple-door hinged or medium sliding wardrobes.
- Style Tip: Add drawers inside to avoid bulky dressers.
Example: A 12 m² suburban bedroom fit a 180 cm triple-door wardrobe along with a king-size bed and side tables.
3. Large Rooms (15m²+)
- Best Options: Wall-to-wall sliding or fitted wardrobes.
- Style Tip: Go full height for a boutique feel. Add LED lighting for drama.
Example: In a 20 m² master bedroom, a fitted 300 cm sliding wardrobe created seamless storage across one wall.
Design & Aesthetic Considerations
The right wardrobe size is vital, but design also plays a huge role. Since wardrobes are large, they shape the overall look of your bedroom. The wrong finish can throw off the style, while the right one enhances décor, light, and harmony.
1. Modern Homes
- Best Match: Sliding wardrobes with gloss, matte, or mirrored finishes.
- Why It Works: Minimalist and sleek, perfect for uncluttered spaces.
- Design Features: White, grey, or black gloss, mirrored panels, and handle-less designs.
Example: A mirrored sliding wardrobe in a 10 m² flat doubles as storage and makes the bedroom feel larger.
2. Traditional Homes
- Best Match: Hinged wardrobes in oak, walnut, or panelled wood.
- Why It Works: Warm, timeless, and authentic.
- Design Features: Rich wood tones, painted finishes, and classic handles.
Example: A panelled oak wardrobe in a cottage complements exposed beams and rustic flooring.
3. Scandinavian Interiors
- Best Match: Slimline sliding wardrobes in light wood or neutrals.
- Why It Works: Simple, functional, and bright.
- Design Features: Light wood tones, matte finishes, and slim frames.
Example: A whitewashed oak sliding wardrobe in a 9 m² bedroom keeps the space light and airy.
4. Luxury Bedrooms
- Best Match: Custom-fitted wardrobes with lighting, glass, or premium finishes.
- Why It Works: Bespoke design adds exclusivity and elegance.
- Design Features: Glass doors, LED lighting, high-end finishes, and bespoke interiors.
Example: A floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobe with smoked glass and LED lighting turns storage into a feature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right measurements, homeowners often make costly mistakes.
- Buying Too Big: Oversized wardrobes overwhelm small rooms.
- Ignoring Ceiling Height: Leaving a gap wastes storage and collects dust.
- Not Checking Door Clearance: Hinged doors block pathways if space is tight.
- Overlooking Interiors: Size means nothing if shelving and rails aren’t planned.
- Focusing Only on Looks: A glossy outside isn’t useful without a practical inside.
- Forgetting Lifestyle Needs: Match rails, shelves, and racks to your habits.
- Skipping Practical Tests: Use tape to map size and door swings before buying.
- Wasting Top Space: Use boxes above wardrobes if full-height isn’t an option.
Key Takeaway: Don’t just think about looks or size. Balance proportions, plan interiors, and use vertical space wisely for a wardrobe that truly works.
Conclusion:
The right wardrobe size transforms how you live every day.
- In small rooms, sliding wardrobes keep things efficient.
- In medium rooms, triple-door hinged wardrobes balance storage with access.
- In large bedrooms, fitted wardrobes create a statement while maximising utility.
Explore our wardrobe collection by size to find the perfect fit for your bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most wardrobes have a depth of 55–65 cm, allowing space for hangers and air circulation. Sliding wardrobes may need a bit more for door tracks.
- Measure your wall, ceiling, and clearance. Then:
- Small rooms (under 10m²): Single, double, or sliding.
- Medium (10–15m²): Triple-door or medium sliding.
- Large (15m²+): Wall-to-wall or fitted wardrobes.
Choose full-height or fitted wardrobes. If not, add storage boxes for bedding, luggage, or seasonal wear.
A mirrored sliding wardrobe saves space and makes the room look brighter.
Yes, especially for awkward layouts or premium homes. They maximise space and can raise property value.
- Think about habits:
- Double rails for shirts/trousers.
- Adjustable shelves for folded clothes.
- Drawers for smaller items.
Shoe racks or pull-out trays for accessories.
Absolutely. Oversized wardrobes make rooms cramped. Always balance storage with available space
Measure at multiple wall points, leave 5 cm above for installation, and check stairways/doorways for access.