A wardrobe works best when it's planned around what you actually own and how you get dressed — not around a standard template. Spend a little time on the details below before design begins and you'll end up with storage that stays tidy and makes the most of every millimetre.
1. Take stock of what you're storing
Before anything else, inventory your clothing and accessories. Count how much you hang versus fold, note bulky items (coats, doonas, luggage) and how many pairs of shoes you own. This single step drives every ratio in the design — get it right and the finished wardrobe never feels short on space.
2. Balance hanging, shelving and drawers
- Long-hang for dresses and coats (roughly 1500–1700mm of height).
- Double-hang for shirts, tops and folded trousers to double your capacity.
- Drawers for underwear, knitwear and items you'd rather not crease.
- Adjustable shelves for bags, hats and folded stacks.
Aim for a mix rather than a single fit-out — most people underestimate how much double-hanging space they can use.
3. Plan the internal fittings
The extras are what make a wardrobe feel custom: soft-close drawers, pull-out trouser and tie racks, dedicated shoe shelving, a valet rod, and integrated LED strips so you can actually see darker corners. Decide which you want early, as they affect the internal layout.
4. Walk-in or built-in?
Built-in (reach-in) wardrobes sit flush against a wall and are the most space-efficient for standard bedrooms. Walk-in wardrobes offer a boutique feel and room to dress, but need floor space to work well. Your room size and how you like to get ready will point you to the right one.
5. Measure carefully
Note the full width, height and depth of the space, plus the swing of any doors, window and power-point positions, skirting boards and any sloped or bulkhead ceilings. Accurate measurements are the difference between a wardrobe that fits like a glove and one with awkward gaps — which is exactly what our on-site measure covers.
6. Finishing touches
Finally, choose your door style (hinged, sliding or handle-free push-to-open), colour and handles to tie the wardrobe into the room. Bring this checklist to your consultation and we'll turn it into a layout tailored to your wardrobe and your routine.
What you'll learn
This resource covers the core principles, decisions, and practical considerations to plan smarter and avoid common mistakes. Whether you're briefing a designer or planning a renovation yourself, the framework below will help.
- How to think about layout and flow for the space.
- Material and hardware considerations that affect longevity.
- Practical details that often get overlooked in early design.
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Key principles
Joinery is the marriage of design and craft. Get the design right and the craft has something to elevate. Get the craft right and the design is delivered to its full potential. Both matter.
“Plan twice, build once — every premium joinery project starts with clear understanding of how you want to use the space.”
Need help planning?
We're happy to walk you through your project — no obligation. Book a free on-site inspection and we'll provide tailored guidance based on your space, lifestyle, and goals.
