We’ve all seen those huge, luxurious walk-in wardrobes in films like The Devil Wears Prada or Sex and the City. Is it excessive? Maybe. Do we all want one? Heck yes.
But before any of us sacrifice an entire room for the sake of one, here are six questions you need to ask yourself before you go about building your dream walk-in wardrobe.
1. Consider turning a spare room into a walk-in wardrobe
Image credit: Home Designing
For couples without kids staying in a four or five room flat, or those simply looking to spice up their bachelor’s pad, take heart in the fact that you can convert your spare room into a walk-in wardrobe.
Having an entire room dedicated to your clothes means that you can incorporate open compartments for bag and shoe storage beyond just clothes. You’ll also have the option to build full-length mirrors, an island for accessories, and a dressing table – just like in the movies.
With all that space, another wardrobe style you can consider is the galley-style, which comprises floor-to-ceiling wardrobes that flank both walls.
Image credit: Boon Siew D’sign
If you prefer a seamless transition between the master bedroom and your walk-in wardrobe, consider combining both rooms by hacking down the wall of an adjacent room.
You can also utilise a partial wall to separate the bedroom from the walk-in wardrobe. This will help to maintain two distinct sections and help you achieve a cleaner look.
2. How much dedicated space do you need for your bed?
Not all of us have the luxury of a spacious bedroom. Sometimes our bedrooms also double up as our study, meaning that apart from the bed, we have to accommodate other furniture such as a desk or vanity.
The owners of this home created a glass-enclosed walk-in wardrobe in a recess area of their master bedroom
Image credit: @ochre.home
If you don’t have a spare room to convert into a walk-in wardrobe, you can still create a walk-in wardrobe within an existing room provided you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of bed or wardrobe space. This is done by creating a partitioned area with your wardrobes that resembles a walk-in closet.
An example of a galley-style wardrobe created in a single room with two built-in wardrobes
Image credit: DC Vision Design
3. Do I prefer the privacy of an enclosed closet or the look of an open concept?
If you’ve chosen to create a walk-in wardrobe as part of your bedroom, your next consideration will be whether or not you want it an open-concept or enclosed one. The latter means it comes complete with sliding doors so the wardrobe can transform into a little nook of privacy should you ever need it.
Enclosed walk-in wardrobes
Image credit: Exprojm.be, Gambrick
Apart from privacy, an enclosed closet also helps to keep dust out of your clothes. An open concept wardrobe takes more effort to maintain, but does give your bedroom an illusion of roominess.
Open-concept closet examples
Image credit: Pinterest, Wattpad
4. Is there enough lighting?
Due to the nature of many floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, it may be difficult to get natural light to enter your bedroom, especially if the carpentry you’re putting in blocks off any windows. This creates a darker wardrobe overall, which might make the process of searching or stowing away clothes harder.
Image credit: estliving, raumplus.ru
Consider getting some bright overhead lighting or hidden LED strip lights that run along the length of your mirrors and cupboards to brighten up the space and illuminate the contents within.
If you prefer natural lighting and are going for an enclosed walk-in wardrobe, fluted or clear glass panels will allow more sunlight into your wardrobe space without the need for too much built-in lighting. Curtains are also a great option to demarcate the start of your wardrobe or an open-concept walk-in wardrobe that you can “seal off” anytime.
5. Is there enough space to install a dressing table?
This one is an addition that most ladies covet so they can easily ready themselves for the day without moving between rooms. A dressing table in your walk-in wardrobe will allow you to get your makeup done and find the perfect fit all within the same space.
Image credit: Dots ‘n’ Tots Interior Design
A built-in vanity station can also complement the overall look and feel of the walk-in wardrobe, which you can achieve by sticking to the same colour scheme or materials. For those with smaller homes, the use of floating dressers mounted to the wall can also help to create the illusion of a bigger space.
6. What material should the wardrobe doors be?
Any seasoned interior designer will tell you that detail matters when it comes to furniture, and in this case, the choice of material for your wardrobe doors can make a huge difference in the overall look.
For example, consider the difference between wooden and glass doors. Wooden doors are generally more robust and can complement most aesthetics with a variety of tones. Glass doors, on the other hand, are more suited for a modern look. You can also choose between clear, fluted or frosted glass for your preferred level of privacy.
Image credit: Design of Schatz
See-through wardrobe made of glass walls will help the space look bigger, along with the bonus of being able to see all your outfits which helps you to pick up what to wear without entering the wardrobe. However, do note that if you’re a disorganised person, having unfolded clothes in your closet may end up making the space look cluttered.
Things to consider when building a walk-in wardrobe
Building a walk-in wardrobe in a HDB room is an exercise in creativity. As long as you carefully consider a couple of the questions, you will best find the type of wardrobe that suits your needs and looks aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
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