Walk-in Wardrobes to the Rescue!

Have you ever argued with your partner over hanging or drawer space? Or turned your house upside down trying to find the summer clothes you stashed away last winter? If the answer's 'Yes', this might prompt you into creating a walk in wardrobe to solve the problem!

Transforming a spare room or cleverly crafting space in your current bedroom is not as big a task as you think t might be, and it can reap instant rewards. If you don’t have another room, you can always incorporate a stud wall and use the space behind to create your walk-in closet.

Leigh and her team can discuss your needs, measure the space and install a spacious walk-in wardrobe, that once was a spare bedroom or part of an existing space. Let’s not kid ourselves: that spare room will never become a home gym or an office that was required during Covid but is now no longer necessary, with no compulsive need to work at home. Alternatively you could decide to do the project yourself by buying some floating shelves to house shoes and handbags, a mirror which could be antique or bevelled to give a more stylish aesthetic.

But if you struggle with space planning and are concerned about maximising space or making the results look fantastic, it's well worth hiring an expert. 'An experienced designer knows how to get the most out of a space,' comments Leigh. 'If you’re uncertain about what you need and how much it might cost, please free to call for advice or to book a consultation.'

There are a few things to consider when it comes to walk-in wardrobes. In reality, almost any space can be turned into a walk-in wardrobe, although the task will be easier if the room is a standard rectangle or square shape. If your room is an awkward shape, then this is often a more challenging task. While windows provide natural light and ventilation, too much sun can fade your designer outfits, and too many windows will reduce the amount of wall space available. To construct the perfect balance these issues, you have the option of installing blinds or voiles to soften the direct sun light and to get around having too many windows, and you could always block in a window if you have too many. This can look the same externally, but internally can form part of the wall allowing you to expand your wardrobe design.

Lighting is key. At Strive for Design we recommend our go-to LED strip lighting which can be positioned in different areas. You might choose to install it down the leading edge of each partition divide – lighting your clothes from the sides inwards – or at the top of each shelf, emphasising your outfits vertically. Either way, having lights as you open the door or walk in will provide functional lighting just where it's needed.

When it comes to space, you also need to make sure that you have enough of what you need! You'd need to calculate whether you want shelves or drawers for jumpers, or is it a better option to use that double hanging space? How many pairs of shoes you own will determine how many shoe racks you install. Again, consider how many long dresses with other long hanging options you have to determine the amount of hanging space to incorporate.

Adding a dressing table can be really beneficial. We've recently designed a wardrobe where the client is very much into her Fen Shui and doesn't want any mirrors or reflection while she's lying in bed. To get around this we've designed a pocket doors system that open when required, but can be closed whilst she's sleepng. Finally, an island with a chandelier or pendant can be manufactured from a chest of drawers with an open top and a piece of glass to showcase your special items. The open drawer can be sectioned off to allow for rolled-up ties, watches, handkerchiefs, cufflinks, jewellery, broaches, purses and wallets. Bringing glass into the design will help as a visual aid to see clearly everything you can wear and will add a seamless look with the chandelier or pendant reflecting the light from it.

If you'd like help with designing and installing your walk-in wardrobe, call Strive for Design’s design team on 01223 622 688 or send us an email.

Leigh Hall from Strive for Design is an interior designer in Cambridge, so if you're looking to redesign your home, please contact us.