Custom wardrobes can transform the functionality and aesthetic of your living space, turning a cluttered room into an organised haven tailored to your lifestyle. By thoughtfully considering storage requirements, spatial constraints, and design preferences, you can ensure your wardrobe not only accommodates your belongings but also seamlessly complements your décor.
Embarking on a custom wardrobe project involves more than selecting finishes and hardware; it requires a comprehensive evaluation of your storage needs, the physical dimensions of the room, and the way you live day to day. Careful planning from the outset reduces costly revisions later, allowing you to enjoy a bespoke solution designed specifically for you.
Know What You Need to Store
Before beginning any measurements or design decisions, it is vital to understand exactly what you intend to keep in your wardrobe. Allocating space to different categories—such as hung garments, folded clothes, footwear, and accessories—ensures every item has its place.
Accurate assessment of your possessions prevents wasted space and irritations down the track. By segmenting items according to type and usage frequency, you can create a more efficient and intuitive storage system.
Take Stock of What You’ll Store
Understanding the proportions of your clothing and other items allows you to allocate hanging rods, shelving, and drawers appropriately. Ignoring these distinctions often leads to wasted vertical or horizontal space that becomes frustrating over time.
Long-Hanging Garments: Long-hanging space is essential for dresses, coats, and gowns. Without it, these items will bunch up on the floor or become wrinkled, making them difficult to wear.
Short-Hanging Garments: Short-hanging sections suit shirts, blouses, and jackets, maximising usable vertical space. Properly segmented rails help prevent overcrowding and allow garments to hang freely without creasing.
Folded Items: Folded clothes, such as knitwear and denim, benefit from sturdy shelves or drawers. Allocating the correct depth prevents items from toppling forward and becoming messy.
Shoes & Accessories: Dedicated shoe racks or cubbies keep footwear visible and accessible while preventing scuffs. Separate accessory compartments—like trays for belts and scarves—keep smaller items organised and easy to find.
Consider Future Needs
Wardrobes designed today must anticipate how storage demands might evolve in the coming years. Ignoring future scenarios often means a redo for the wardrobe sooner than necessary.
Family Growth Considerations: As families expand, storage for children’s clothing and gear can increase rapidly. Designing adaptable compartments allows for easy reconfiguration without remodelling.
Seasonal Rotation: Rotating winter coats and summer garments requires sturdy shelving or overhead racks. Integrating removable bins or pull-out trays makes the transition between seasons smoother and less time-consuming.
Lifestyle Changes: Changes in hobbies or work, such as a new sports interest or professional uniform, can alter storage needs. Planning for modular shelving or adjustable layouts can accommodate these shifts seamlessly.
Storage Upgrades: Anticipate the need for larger or specialised sections in the future, such as an expanded shoe collection or handbag display. Including extra height or depth in the original design avoids compromising functionality later.
Make a List of Must-Haves
Compiling a detailed list prevents omissions during design development. Prioritising your must-haves early ensures they are incorporated rather than squeezed in as an afterthought.
Double-Hanging Space: Double-hanging areas maximise vertical real estate by stacking two levels of rails. They are perfect for shorter garments and help keep large wardrobes from feeling empty.
Drawers: Deep drawers accommodate bulky items such as sweaters, linen, or blankets without needing to stack them precariously. Smooth, soft-close mechanisms improve usability and prevent clothes from snagging.
Jewellery Trays: Integrated jewellery trays keep delicate pieces flat and organised, preventing tangles and damage. Felt-lined inserts cushion items and provide a luxurious feel each time you select an accessory.
Accessory Hooks: Hooks inside wardrobe doors or on walls are ideal for belts, ties, and scarves. They free up drawer space and ensure accessories remain visible and untangled.
Measure Your Space
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a well-fitted wardrobe. Sketching the area with precise dimensions prevents costly errors and ensures every element fits as intended.
Taking note of every anomaly—like protruding skirtings, uneven walls, or sloping ceilings—enables a smooth installation process. Neglecting such details often results in unsightly gaps or last-minute reworks.
Measure Height, Width, and Depth of Available Space
Knowing vertical and horizontal dimensions accurately prevents cut-to-fit surprises. Overestimating dimensions might lead to wasted space, while underestimating will require redesign.
Ceiling Height Variations: Record any ceiling height changes, especially near beams or dropped bulkheads. This information guides decisions on hanging rail placement and shelving height to avoid hitting obstacles.
Floor-to-Wall Distances: Measure from the floor perpendicular to each wall, accounting for skirting boards and baseboards. Precision here ensures the wardrobe base sits flush without rocking or leaving unsightly gaps.
Niche and Alcove Depth: Wardrobes installed within a niche or alcove must match the depth closely to avoid protrusion into the room. Checking floorboards or uneven plaster walls can help determine the ideal depth for a seamless fit.
Overall Width & Partitioning: Calculate the total width and consider splitting the wardrobe into sections or units that are manageable to install. Breaking down the width into modules can simplify transportation and assembly.
Note Any Obstacles
Failing to accommodate electrical fixtures and architectural features can lead to re-drilling or patching plaster. Planning around obstacles keeps the installation process swift and clean.
Identifying Power Points: Map out all power outlets and switches, noting the height from the floor. Incorporating cutouts or flush-mounted fixtures ensures continued access to electricity without sacrificing design.
Skirting Board Profiles: Record the exact thickness and profile of any skirtings to ensure the base of the wardrobe sits evenly. A flush-to-floor design without accounting for skirting can leave a visible and awkward gap.
Cornices and Mouldings: Overhead cornices may intrude on the top of a built-in wardrobe. Measuring the projection of cornices prevents units from being too tall and scraping against mouldings.
Light Switch or Control Panels: If a light switch is within the planned wardrobe footprint, design access panels or plan around its location. Losing easy access to switches can cause inconvenience and extra costs for electricians.
Be Aware of Ceiling Height and Wall Angles
Older properties often feature uneven floors and raked ceilings that require custom wardrobes in Sydney. Ignoring these can lead to wardrobe gaps or awkward voids that are challenging to rectify later.
Sloping Ceilings: Identify the pitch of slanted ceilings to determine the maximum shelving or hanging height. Custom cabinetry techniques, such as tapering or angled cutouts, can make use of these spaces effectively.
Uneven Walls: Drywall or brick walls may not be perfectly plumb; checking with a spirit level helps identify areas that need adjustments. Tolerance allowances or filler strips can compensate for small discrepancies.
Attic Rafters and Beams: Exposed beams or rafters restrict available headroom and require bespoke design considerations. Under-bench storage or built-in drawers can fill low-height areas without leaving dead space.
Floor Irregularities: Older floors might have camber or pronounced dips; measuring at multiple points ensures base panels are level. Adjustable feet or levelling shims can help stabilise cabinets on uneven surfaces.
Plan a Layout That Works for You
Creating a layout based on real-world usage guarantees that the wardrobe will be practical and efficient. Rather than shoehorning elements, tailoring sections to your routine saves daily frustration.
Planning how you use clothing—for example, where you reach first thing in the morning versus items only needed seasonally—enables an ergonomic design. A visually appealing wardrobe that doesn’t suit your routine can be as frustrating as a poorly built one.
Mix Hanging, Shelving, and Drawers Based On Usage
Combining different storage types caters to diverse items like suits, shoes, and folded jumpers. A purely hanging-intensive design may waste shelf space and vice versa.
Hanging Zones: Position frequently used hanging items at eye level for quick selection. Less-used items can live on higher rails and be accessed via a step or stool.
Open Shelving: Open shelves are ideal for display pieces—like handbags, hats, or accessories—that double as décor. Ensure shelf depth is sufficient to prevent items from tipping forward or hanging over the edge.
Drawer Configuration: Consider drawer sizes: shallow drawers suit socks and undergarments, while deeper drawers work for bulkier items. Soft-close drawer runners maintain a premium feel and prevent clothes from jostling when closing.
Combo Spaces: Incorporate hybrid units where a short hanging section sits above a row of drawers. This efficient design uses every inch of vertical space, reducing wasted areas and improving item visibility.
Use Adjustable Shelving for Flexibility
Rigid configurations hamper the ability to repurpose sections as your wardrobe changes. Adjustable shelving strips and brackets allow you to relocate shelves without major refitting.
Moveable Shelf Heights: Shelves that can be migrated up or down accommodate items of varying heights—boots one month, sweaters the next. Pin-system adjustable shelving provides infinite height options and minimal reassembly.
Quick-Release Brackets: Selecting brackets that click into place saves time compared with screwing in fixed shelving. They also offer consistent load distribution, reducing sagging under heavy folded items.
Modular Insert Options: Building the wardrobe around modular insert units—such as cube-style bins—allows customisation without cutting new pieces. Swapping modules out as needs evolve prevents the sense of being locked into a single layout.
Future-Proof Adaptations: Anticipate acquiring taller or wider items by leaving reserved vertical spaces. Should your collections of boots or boxes expand, having a shelf location pre-planned saves headaches later.
Top Shelves for Rarely Used Items, Drawers for Daily Items
Strategically placing storage optimises access and reduces bending or reaching for everyday belongings. Items used only once or twice a year belong on the highest shelves, while frequently accessed pieces should sit at an ergonomic height.
High-Level Storage: Reserve top shelves—above approximately 1800 mm—for bulky items like duvets, suitcases, or seasonal décor. Label clear storage bins to make summer items easy to locate in winter.
Waist-Level Drawers: Placing drawers around waist height (900–1000mm) reduces bending fatigue when retrieving everyday essentials like underwear or gym gear. Smooth glide runners make frequent use effortless.
Middle Shelves for Active Wear: Allocate mid-level shelves (1000–1400mm) for activewear, jeans, or shirts you rotate often. Open visibility encourages keeping these areas organised, as you see at a glance what’s available.
Desktop-Like Zones: For wardrobes combined with desk or dressing table setups, ensure adjacent shelves are at desk height (approximately 720–760mm). Combining these zones allows easy transitions from choosing garments to getting ready in the morning.
Built-In or Freestanding?
Choosing between a built-in cupboard and a standalone piece dictates both the installation process and long-term flexibility. Your decision will affect room aesthetics, portability, and potential resale value.
Built-in units can maximise each centimetre of space, blending seamlessly with wall finishes and offering an integrated look. In contrast, freestanding wardrobes can be moved or sold if you relocate, but they often leave unused gaps around them.
Built-In Wardrobes Maximise Space With A Seamless Look
Custom-built cupboards fit flush from floor to ceiling, eliminating wasted corners and awkward voids. They can be painted or tiled to match walls, creating a streamlined finish.
Bespoke Cabinetry: Tailoring cabinetry to irregular wall shapes—such as alcoves or nooks—ensures no space goes to waste. This precision can accommodate features like skirting boards and architraves without awkward cut-offs.
Integrated Lighting: Built-in wardrobes can house concealed LED strips or recessed spotlights between shelves. An integrated lighting solution ensures even illumination, allowing you to see garments in their true colours.
Flush Doors: Installing doors flush with surrounding walls creates a minimalist feel. Soft-close mechanisms maintain that seamless look by eliminating slamming and wear on door frames.
Hidden Accessories: Built-in units allow for deeper recesses to hide safe boxes or valuables behind false backs. Such concealed compartments enhance security and give a clean, uncluttered appearance externally.
Freestanding Options Can Be Moved But Waste Wall Space
Freestanding cupboards bring flexibility and ease of installation, requiring only a flat surface to stand on. However, their depth and sides can leave gaps and limit how much of your room they truly occupy compared with built-in units.
Portability: If you move house regularly, freestanding wardrobes can travel with you, saving you from reinstalling custom cabinetry. Their plug-and-play nature can be ideal for renters or those who prefer non-permanent fixtures.
Style Variation: A freestanding piece can serve as a focal artwork or a statement item in a room, offering decorative legs, handles, and mouldings. They provide opportunities to change room aesthetics simply by replacing a single piece of furniture.
Wasted Side Gaps: Unless custom-fitted, there can be centimetres of unused space between the wardrobe and sidewalls. This can collect dust or feel visually disjointed, interrupting otherwise seamless décor.
Floor Protection: Freestanding wardrobes rest on flooring surfaces, which may lead to indentation or scratching over time. Installing protective floor pads or using a thin plywood base can reduce the risk of damage.
Choose the Right Finishes
Selecting appropriate materials for wardrobe panels significantly impacts durability, aesthetics, and cost. Options like melamine, laminate, or timber veneer each bring distinctive looks and performance characteristics.
Durable surfaces resist scratches and stains in high-use environments, whereas bespoke finishes like wood veneer or textured laminates can elevate a bedroom’s ambience. Colour consistency and tactile qualities play a central role in aligning the wardrobe with your overall design scheme.
Melamine, Laminate, or Timber Veneer?
Healthy competition among suppliers means you can often find great deals on entry-level materials like melamine, which is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Laminate offers a wider palette with greater texture options at a moderate cost, while timber veneer provides a premium, natural look but requires more care.
Melamine Boards: Melamine-faced chipboard is the most cost-effective, offering plenty of colour and finish choices. Its hard, non-porous surface resists moisture and everyday scuffs without needing sealing or oiling.
Laminate Finishes: High-pressure laminate (HPL) produces a harder, more durable surface that resists staining, moisture, and fading. It also offers textured finishes like woodgrain or stone effects for a high-end appearance at a reduced cost compared with solid timber.
Timber Veneer: A thin slice of real timber bonded to plywood or MDF creates a genuine wood look without the expense of solid wood. Veneers require careful sealing against moisture and avoiding heavy wear areas to maintain the grain’s integrity over time.
Painted MDF: For a tailored finish, painted MDF can achieve any colour in either a satin or gloss sheen. Ensure multiple coats are applied with proper priming to avoid chipping and to keep the surface smooth.
Make the Wardrobe Match or Contrast with Existing Décor
Balancing colours, textures, and styles between the wardrobe and the rest of the room creates cohesion or deliberate contrast. Matching doors to wall colours produces a seamless effect, while bold finishes can make the wardrobe a focal point.
Tone Matching: Select finishes that complement or subtly contrast with bedroom furniture—bed frames, bedside tables, or nightstands—to create a harmonious visual flow. Warm timber veneer can warm up a neutral palette, while gloss white can brighten a dark interior.
Contrast for Statement: Boldly contrasting finishes—such as a matte black veneer against pale walls—create an architectural feature that demands attention. Conversely, a contrasting trim colour can define panels and add depth to simple cabinetry.
Handle and Hardware Coordination: Handles and knobs need to coordinate with overall hardware themes, such as brushed nickel, matte black, or brass. Ensuring handle styles match door finishes prevents visual dissonance and aligns with lighting fixtures and bed frame hardware.
Texture Play: Mixing matte and gloss surfaces creates a layered effect that enhances depth. Gloss sections can highlight display shelves, while matte doors reduce visible fingerprints and balance reflections.
Use Mirror Panels or Glass Accents to Enhance Light and Space
Mirrored doors visually expand rooms by reflecting light and making the space feel larger than it is. Glass inserts—whether frosted, tinted, or clear—add a premium sense of depth and sophistication.
Full-Length Mirrors: Installing full-length mirrors on sliding doors enhances functionality by combining dressing and reflection in one. They elongate sightlines, making low-ceiling rooms feel taller and small bedrooms appear more spacious.
Frosted Glass Inserts: Frosted or tinted glass insets create a sense of privacy, concealing contents while still providing a light-reflecting surface. Backlighting behind frosted panels can generate a soft glow, doubling as ambient lighting for the room.
Tempered Glass Options: Tempered glass is more durable and shatter-resistant than standard glass, making it a safer choice for high-traffic areas. It also has a smoother feel and a more luxurious finish compared with laminated doors.
Shadow Gaps & Reveal Strips: Using thin glass panes set within shadow gaps allows indirect light to filter through shelving. This design approach adds subtle elegance and emphasises architectural form without needing full panels or bright interiors.
Don’t Skip the Extras
Thoughtfully selected extras can take a wardrobe from basic to truly bespoke, improving both usability and enjoyment. Hardware such as internal lighting, pull-out racks, and soft-close drawers adds a sense of luxury and reduces day-to-day friction.
Adding conveniences like built-in laundry baskets or hidden ironing boards helps integrate often overlooked functions into the wardrobe footprint. These pluses make morning routines smoother, maintaining an organised space while keeping clutter hidden from view.
Accessories Boost Function
Modern conveniences can dramatically enhance your storage experience by providing dedicated spaces for specific items. Pull-out solutions ensure items remain visible and accessible, eliminating the frustration of rummaging through crowded shelves.
Pull-Out Shoe Racks: Pull-out racks allow shoes to be displayed neatly without creating clutter on the floor. They keep footwear dust-free and make selecting the right pair quick and effortless.
Internal LED Lighting: Strategically placed LED strips or puck lights illuminate dark corners and hanging areas, making colour matching easier. Motion-sensor lighting further enhances convenience by turning on automatically when wardrobe doors open.
Soft-Close Drawer Runners: Soft-close runners prevent drawers from slamming shut, prolonging their lifespan and reducing noise. They also ensure that delicate items stored in drawers are not jostled abruptly, preserving their condition.
Tie & Belt Racks: These narrow pull-out racks keep ties and belts organised and displayed vertically, preventing wrinkling or tangling. By being easily accessible, they make completing an outfit faster and more efficient.
Built-In Laundry Hampers, Tie Racks, And Ironing Boards For Decluttering
Integrating laundry hampers within the wardrobe conceals textiles awaiting washing and eliminates extra bins in the bedroom or hallways. A concealed ironing board allows for quick touch-ups without hauling out cumbersome equipment.
Concealed Laundry Hampers: A pull-out hamper drawer keeps soiled clothes out of sight while maintaining airflow through perforated panelling. Removable liners installed inside hamper drawers simplify washing routines and avoid spilling lint.
Built-In Ironing Boards: Folding ironing boards that slide out of narrow compartments provide instant access to crease removal without occupying floor space. This integration supports fast outfit adjustments, particularly helpful for professional attire.
Tie & Scarf Organisers: Specialised trays with foam inserts or looped hooks prevent ties and scarves from creasing, making them ready to wear. Visibility is improved, reducing the likelihood of forgetting items languishing at the bottom of drawers.
Watch & Sunglass Compartments: Small velvet-lined sections protect watches, sunglasses, and other delicate accessories from scratches. Such compartments keep jewellery secure and manageable, reducing the risk of losing or damaging valuable pieces.
Include Power Points or Charging Spots if Needed
Embedding power points inside the wardrobe allows for charging electronic devices—such as shavers, electric toothbrushes, or smartphones—out of sight. These must be installed by a qualified electrician to meet safety regulations and ensure adequate ventilation.
USB & AC Outlets: Combining USB and universal power outlets inside drawers or on walls near mirrors makes charging devices convenient. Keeping cables hidden reduces tripping hazards and improves aesthetics.
Ventilation Considerations: Ensure proper ventilation when installing power outlets behind drawers or near closed compartments to prevent overheating of chargers or grooming appliances. Perforated backing panels or small vents allow air circulation without compromising the wardrobe’s look.
LED Strip Controls: Integrating dimmable switches for LED strips inside the wardrobe can prevent glare when opening doors at night. Touch-sensitive panels or remote controls add convenience and maintain a sleek design.
Concealed Cord Channels: Routeing cables through discreet channels behind panels keeps electrical cords hidden from view. This not only prevents tangling but also reduces the risk of pets or children encountering loose wiring.
Think About the Doors
Wardrobe doors serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, influencing how easily you access contents and how the room’s flow is affected. Door selection should balance usability, space constraints, and stylistic preferences.
Choice of door style—whether sliding, hinged, or push-to-open—directly impacts the usability of the wardrobe in daily life. Factoring in clearances, accessibility, and maintenance ensures the final design is both practical and visually appealing.
Space-Saving Sliding Doors May Limit Access
Sliding doors glide along tracks, requiring no additional clearance in front, which is ideal for tight or narrow bedrooms. However, only one side of the wardrobe can be opened at once, which might be inconvenient when needing simultaneous access to multiple sections.
Top & Bottom Tracks: High-quality tracks reduce wobble and squeaking, promoting smooth operation. Regular lubrication and cleaning of tracks maintain performance and prevent dirt buildup over time.
Soft-Open & Close Mechanisms: Soft-close dampers prevent doors from slamming and damaging tracks. These mechanisms add a tactile sense of quality and extend the lifespan of moving parts.
Mirror Inserts: Incorporating mirrors into sliding panels serves dual purposes—saving space and visually enlarging the room. Mirrors should be securely bonded to prevent cracking or detachment during movement.
Track Placement Considerations: Flush or semi-recessed tracks minimise the risk of tripping, especially in homes with children or elderly occupants. Proper alignment ensures even door movement and avoids jamming.
Hinged Doors Offer Full Access But Need Clearance to Open
Hinged doors, whether bifold or standard swing, grant unfettered access to the entire wardrobe interior. They require a clear floor area equal to the door width for swinging open, which can be a drawback in compact rooms.
Door Projection: Measure the swing radius to ensure adjacent furniture or walls do not obstruct door movement. Projection requirements may limit the placement of bedside tables or rugs directly in front.
Concealed Hinges: Soft-close concealed hinges preserve a clean exterior look by eliminating visible hardware while also preventing slamming. They allow precise adjustment of door alignment, avoiding misalignment over time.
Frame & Door Thickness: Ensure door panels have sufficient thickness for durability and stability to avoid warping. Thicker doors also accommodate built-in hooks or racks on the interior side for ties, belts, or jewellery.
Dust & Maintenance: Hinged doors with multiple panels can accumulate dust around hinges and in-frame recesses. Periodic cleaning of hinge crevices and track grooves ensures longevity and prevents squeaking.
Consider Push-to-Open or Handleless Designs for a Cleaner Look
Handleless doors eliminate protruding hardware, offering a streamlined, contemporary finish. Push-to-open mechanisms—whether mechanical latches or magnetic—let users simply apply gentle pressure to open doors, preserving the smooth façade.
Careful selection of quality push-to-open mechanisms prevents jamming and ensures consistent performance. Integrating finger-pull grooves along edges can also deliver a handle-free look without relying on spring-loaded latches.
Mechanical Latches: Mechanical push-to-open latches use a spring-loaded plunger that releases when pressed, providing a satisfying click. They require no wiring, reducing complexity and eliminating potential electrical faults.
Soft-Push Magnetic Systems: Magnetic locks provide a quieter operation by softly pulling doors open once engaged, eliminating the spring noise common in mechanical systems. They also offer adjustable resistance, ensuring the correct force is needed to open.
Recessed Finger Pulls: Gently curved finger pulls milled into the door edge allow easy access without visible handles. Their discreet design is especially suitable for minimalist interiors where maintaining uninterrupted lines is paramount.
Maintenance & Durability: Ensure handleless appliances and accessories are tested for repeated use—some cheaper mechanisms may degrade after extensive cycles. High-quality components usually come with specified cycle counts to guide expectations.
Careful planning and thoughtful decision-making guide every step of designing a custom wardrobe—beginning with understanding your storage needs and concluding with selecting the perfect finishes, hardware, and door types. By breaking down each aspect—from measuring space precisely to choosing between built-in and freestanding, selecting materials wisely, and integrating practical extras—you guarantee a result that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A wardrobe designed around your lifestyle not only streamlines daily routines but also enhances the room’s overall ambience, offering lasting satisfaction and value.
Investing time in detailed measurement, accurate needs assessment, and intelligent layout planning means your custom wardrobe will stand the test of time, adapting to future changes while continually reflecting your style. Whether you opt for sliding panels to save room or handleless hinged doors for a sleek appearance, every element contributes to a cohesive, user-friendly interior. Embrace the process fully—consider your current and future requirements, work with meticulous measurements, and select finishes that complement your décor—to enjoy a bespoke wardrobe solution that will serve you well for years to come.
Quality Built In Wardrobes Sydney
Here at Silva Wardrobes, we believe that you shouldn't have to compromise on quality when you’re on a budget. We offer a wide range of built in wardrobe designs in varying materials and finishes, so you can get the perfect built in or walk in wardrobe for your home no matter what the budget you're working with.
Proudly Australian owned and made. All our work is carried out locally in Sydney with only the highest level of craftsmanship and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
