Tips for Creating the Perfect Walk-In Robe
A luxury walk-in robe is one of those items on the dream list. To ensure that dream becomes a reality, and it is everything you ever wanted, we have compiled a list of tips for creating the perfect walk-in robe.
Before we dive into the tips, here are a few essentials that you need to know about walk-in robes.
1. The basics
The meaning of a walk-in robe
A walk-in robe is a distinct space that feels like a whole room of its own to store your clothes and shoes. Most commonly it is connected to a bedroom. Compared to a standard wardrobe that you open to reach for clothes, typically in a bedroom.
Sizing requirements for your walk-in robe
For a single person, this could be a kids or guest bedroom, the absolute minimum width of 1500mm is ideal with 600mm deep joinery and a 900mm walkway.
For couples, or for a more spacious area, a minimum 2300mm wide will allow plenty of room for double sided storage. If your floorplan allows for it, and you know you’ll need more space, you can go as big as you like.
L-shape, u-shape, galley style, walk-through. We will go through these more a little later.
Room required for hanging clothes and storing shoes
A 600mm depth is ideal. We like to work with 1000mm high for short hanging – shirts, folded pants, skirts, jumpers and 1500mm high for long hanging – dresses, coats, full length pants.
As for shoes, you’ll need to allow at least 350mm deep, unless you have big feet.
Alright, let’s jump into it:
2. Planning the best walk-in robe layout for your space
L-shaped
This is a great option for corner spaces and smaller rooms. Best to start planning for the longer wall to allow more room for drawers, shelves and hanging zones. The smaller wall is for your less-used items.
U-shaped
This gives you the most storage options by utilising all three walls. By keeping drawers away from the corners, the space is maximised. This is perfect to accommodate a ‘his’ and ‘hers’ style on each side with shared space along the back wall.
Galley style or walk-through
The best option for long and narrow spaces, especially between the bedroom and ensuite. With storage on one (galley) or both sides (walk-through), the look is balanced with a clean walkway between the two spaces.
3. Design features that matter
Organisation for perfect function
The key to a wardrobe that functions correctly is organisation. That looks different for everyone, so you need to find what works for you. We will go over the storage types next, and this will form the bulk of your organisation.
Then there are additional tools to keep that organisation in check. Think laundry baskets, drawer dividers and wall hooks – perfect for bare walls to use for hats, handbags, belts and scarves. This can also double as styling with items you likely already have around the home.
We have a heap more organisation tips, AKA bougie upgrades, further down.
Allowances for each storage type
This is so dependent on your storage habits. If you are a hanger, go for all hanging space. If you like to fold, think about shelves and drawers. Just don’t forget that you also need space for your socks and underwear, unless these go in your bedside drawers.
For a general rule, you will need a quarter to a third as much long hanging as you do short hanging. Use any tricky corners you may have for those hanging items you don’t need often – suits, formal dresses, winter coats.
As a standard, your Kookaburra Home comes with one shelf unit with the remaining space for hanging rails. Just like your home, this is completely customisable to suit your wardrobe preferences.
Hot tip: if drawers are out of the budget, fill your shelves with storage baskets to keep socks, undies and small items contained. If you are like me, you can even go one step further and label your baskets to make finding and restocking the right item even easier.
The impact doors create
Quite self-explanatory here. We all know what doors look like. We are interested in the impact it has on your space. Doors create a sleek and modern look while also keeping dust off your clothes and shoes. Alternatively, keeping it all open lets you see all your items at once. And glass-fronted cabinets give you the best of both worlds with a hint of additional cleaning every once in a while.
Hot tip: if budget is on your mind, no doors is an easy way to keep it in check. If you plan to add them later, make sure the base cabinetry is deep enough to allow for this, otherwise you’ll have to start all over again.
The addition of mirrors
We love a good mirror, and this is a room where one is very much appreciated. Not only is it a spot for you to check your outfit (or so no tags are showing), but it also bounces light around the room. Which leads us to the next tip.
Lighting the way
Yes, your walk-in robe needs lighting. Ceiling lights, feature pendants (hello style), strip lights, a window, whatever works. Even a sky light adds a huge touch of fancy to the space. With the mirror, they all bounce off each other to create a space you want to be in.
Hop tip: if you lack natural light, opt for cool toned light globes. They make it easier to see your true clothing colour over warm light globes.
Matching hardware colours
Gone are the days of choosing a coloured handle but sticking to the standard bright chrome hanging rods. You now have the choice to affordably match the two to create a seamless look.
Colour palette
The age-old rule of lighter equals brighter and more open and darker creates a cosier feel still applies to your wardrobe. If you want to add some additional textures, if your clothes and shoes aren’t enough, try storage baskets, a freestanding ottoman, or a classic hat rack. All double as extra storage and some added style. Baskets are super versatile for lower shelves and high shelves, especially for items you don’t wear all year round or need to be contained.
Hot tip: don’t look past other styling options. A rug is a simple way to soften the room and can be changed as your taste does. As is artwork or a plant.
4. Bougie wardrobe upgrades
We would all like to have them. And plenty of you choose these as your upgrades. So, we couldn’t not include some ideas for upgrades that stand out and make the dream come true.
Go to the ceiling
Or as high as you think is practical. Instead of old shoeboxes collecting dust, utilise the space so your minimally used items are off the floor and out of your spare room. Winter woollies, suitcases, Christmas decorations, your tazo collection (if you know, you know) – anything you are happy to pull the step ladder out for.
Pull-out and pull-down racks
From pants, to ties and scarves to a valet hook (Google that), pull-out racks speak fancy. And pull-down racks compliment those ceiling high shelves to allow you to bring the rack to you. Or if you are short, we can add them down low too.
Drawer inserts
They are a much-loved feature in our Bridgehampton Display Home, and we see them feature in so many of our homes. Jewellery, belts, watches, ties, sunglasses, perfumes. There are so many customisable options to perfectly display your most loves items.
Drop zone
If you have the space, don’t discount a drop zone. It might be freestanding in the form of an ottoman, a flat surface in your cabinetry or a full cabinetry unit, like a kitchen island, in the middle of your room, if you have the luxury of space. This is the spot to leave a handbag, pack a suitcase, lay out outfit choices or sit and put your shoes on. Or if you take part in the game, the place for your clothes that are halfway between clean and needing a wash. I know you know.
Vanity space
Most commonly referred to as a makeup space, this adds a customised space to sit and apply your makeup. Appropriate lighting makes the space both function and practical. We have seen lots of these added to wardrobes lately.
Technology integration
If the rest of your house is smart, let your walk-in join the fun too. Automatic lighting, digital locks, music connections. You know what you like and don’t like.
5. Sliding door wardrobes
Did you think we forgot about the classic sliding door wardrobe? Absolutely not! But we could argue that this isn’t a walk-in robe. These certainly tick all the boxes for a practical and minimalist storage option. They are incredibly popular in some of our beach and river holiday home builds that don’t need all the space of your residential master walk-in wardrobe.
This style of wardrobe comes quite standard for depth and design. It is simply up to you to pick the internal layout for your storage habits.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Our Blogs for more ideas.
By Amy Rosendale
