Finding the Fit: Selecting the Right Wardrobe for Your Room's Dimensions

The bedroom is your personal sanctuary, a place where you unwind, relax and most importantly sleep. But, achieving this tranquil atmosphere requires an organised and clutter-free space. Perhaps the best way to manage clutter is by selecting the right bedroom wardrobe for your space. This crucial interior design decision depends on various variables from the room's dimensions to design preference. Just as there are no one-size-fits-all solutions in interior design, different wardrobes can accommodate different room sizes and cater to individualistic needs and tastes. This guide aims to demystify the process of selecting the right fitted bedroom wardrobe customised to your room's dimensions, guiding you through understanding your room's layout, exploring different types of wardrobes, space and storage considerations, the significance of doors and sliders, materials and finishes, and styles and trends.

Determining Your Room's Dimensions

Prior to picking out a wardrobe design or style, it's critical to accurately measure your room's dimensions. Assessing the room's layout, identifying key spaces and features, and even contemplating room configuration are all integral steps in choosing a suitable wardrobe. Intricate attention to these factors will dictate whether you should opt for a freestanding wardrobe, or invest in a built-in or walk-in option that fits perfectly into the available space.

Measuring Techniques

●      For effective measuring, identify the wall where you'd like to place the wardrobe. Measure the full width first – from one end of the wall to the other. Validate the accuracy by measuring the width at different height points since not all walls are uniform. Next, measure the height of the room, from the floor to the ceiling. Also, consider any architectural nuances such as sloping ceilings, recesses, or chimneys that could impact the placement and size of your wardrobe. Lastly, evaluate the wardrobe depth. A standard wardrobe will have a minimum depth of around 24 inches or 60 cm, enough space for hanging clothes. However, ensure there's enough space for doors to open outward without obstruction.

Identifying Key Spaces and Features

●      After mastering the measurements, turn your attention to the room's specific features that could potentially influence the wardrobe placement:

●      Windows: Make sure your wardrobe doesn't block sources of natural light or obstruct the window view.

●      Radiators and vents: Avoid covering these features with the wardrobe, this could hinder proper heating or cooling of the space.

●      Electrical outlets and switches: Assess their placements to ensure that they aren't blocked and there’s access for any internal wardrobe lighting requirements.

●      Room entrance: Allow for contingency space between the wardrobe and the entrance for comfortable manoeuvrability.

Room Layout Considerations

●      Lastly, room layout plays a crucial role in wardrobe selection. Does your room layout allow for enough clearance space for doors to swing open? If you possess a narrow room or corridor, sliding door wardrobes can be a fitting choice. For irregularly shaped spaces such as an attic or under a staircase, built-in wardrobes provide an ideal storage solution. Lastly, keep circulation space in mind to ensure easy movement around the room.

 
Types of Wardrobes

Once you've determined your room’s dimensions, it's time to explore different types of wardrobes that cater to varied aesthetic styles and storage needs. From freestanding, such as clothes rails, known for their versatility and portability, fitted wardrobes designed to work with awkward angles and spaces, to built-in and walk-in wardrobes for expansive spaces and large storage needs; your choice of wardrobe can truly personalise your bedroom space.

Freestanding Wardrobes

●      Freestanding wardrobes are one of the most traditional and versatile wardrobe options available. They come in a variety of sizes, designs, and materials, standing alone decoupled from the walls of your room. An added advantage is mobility; they can easily be moved around your room or to a new home if needed. Freestanding wardrobes can range from simple two-door models to more extensive designs featuring drawers and additional compartments. However, they may not offer the same bespoke fit achieved with a built-in or walk-in wardrobe.

Fitted Wardrobes

●      Fitted wardrobes offer custom-designed built-in solutions for spaces with awkward angles, alcoves, or sloping ceilings. They can maximise every inch of your room as they are designed to reach the ceiling, reducing the risk of dust accumulation on top. However, they are less flexible in terms of mobility and may come with a higher price tag due to the bespoke fitting and installation process.

Built-in Wardrobes

●      Built-in wardrobes, much like fitted wardrobes, are integrated into the architecture of your room, often recessed into walls or built around windows. These wardrobes make efficient use of space giving you a double wardrobe, or triple wardrobe space, and seamlessly blend into your room's design. However, they are permanent fixtures and may not offer much flexibility for future room layout changes.

Walk-in Wardrobes

●      For those seeking a luxurious storage solution, walk-in wardrobes provide ample space for complex storage needs. Ideal if you have a spare room or a large amount of clothing and accessories to store, these wardrobes offer a complete dressing area. However, their installation requires extensive space and a higher budget.

Selecting the Right Wardrobe Based on Dimension

After sizing up your room and exploring various wardrobe types, it's time to select the one that fits perfectly into your room's dimensions. This choice is determined by evaluating your space and storage needs, harmonising the wardrobe size with your room size, considering ceiling height, door location, and room configuration.

Space and Storage Requirements

●      The first question to ask yourself is - 'what sort of storage space do you mainly need?' Is it hanging space for clothes, shelves for shoes, drawers for smaller clothing items, or a combination of these? This reflection helps prioritise your wardrobe needs. For example:

●      If you own more formal outfits that need to be hung tidily, prioritise wardrobes with ample hanging space.

●      If you have a large collection of accessories, opt for wardrobes with multiple drawers or compartments for easy access and organisation.

●      If you own more casual, foldable clothes, consider wardrobes with more shelving space.

●      These considerations help in making an appropriate selection for your wardrobe’s interior specifications.

Wardrobe Size vs. Room Size

●      Whilst it's important to ensure your wardrobe accommodates all your clothes and accessories, you must balance this against your room size. An oversized wardrobe can cramp a small room, whereas a petite wardrobe might look lost in a large bedroom. Use your room measurements as a guideline; allow enough clearance for wardrobe doors to open smoothly, ensure it doesn't obstruct room movement or natural light sources. Ideally, your chosen wardrobe should blend seamlessly with the room, without dominating the space.

Ceiling Height, Door Location and Room Configuration

●      Certain specifics of your room may influence the type of wardrobe best suited. For instance, high ceilings can accommodate tall, freestanding wardrobes, maximising storage. Conversely, rooms with lower ceilings might benefit from wide, multi-door designs for maximised storage. Door location and room configuration also play a key role. Ensure your wardrobe doesn’t hinder the entrance or other door accesses within the room, keeps clear of windows, and harmonises with the overall room layout, achieving a visually appealing and functional bedroom space.

Wardrobe Doors and Sliders

Having selected the perfect Wardrobe based on your room's dimension, let's delve into the details of wardrobe doors and sliders. Their functionality and style contribute significantly to the overall wardrobe experience. With various options to choose from, including traditional hinged door wardrobes, slick sliding door designs, compact bi-fold door wardrobes, and the hybrid slim door and sliding-bi-fold door wardrobes, there is a perfect fit for every room and style preference.

Hinged Door Wardrobes

●      Hinged door wardrobes are an evergreen choice offering full access to your wardrobe contents and allowing the inside door surface to be utilised for additional storage. However, they require more room to swing open and may not be ideal for smaller rooms.

Sliding Door Wardrobes

●      Sliding door wardrobes, a practical solution for compact spaces, eliminate the need for clearance space to open doors outward, ideal for narrow rooms or corridors. Some even feature mirrored doors, adding a dressing function while making the space appear bigger.

Bi-fold Door Wardrobes

●      An innovative solution, bi-fold door wardrobes conserve space by folding back on themselves, reducing the door swing radius, and hence requiring less clearance space. They combine the full visibility of hinged doors with the space economy of sliding doors.

Slim Door and Sliding-Bi-fold Door Wardrobes

●      Slim door wardrobes, sporting thinner than usual doors, lend a sleek and contemporary vibe. Sliding-bi-fold door wardrobes, combining the benefits of bi-fold and sliding doors, enhance space usage while maintaining convenient access to your wardrobe's entire span.

Wardrobe Materials and Finishes

Once you've refined your choice based on room dimensions and door style, consider the type of material and finish that will best complement your bedroom décor. Choices range from classic wood, durable metal, sleek glass, to other innovative materials such as PVC – with each bringing a unique aesthetic and functional value to your wardrobe. The doors come in a wide range of materials such as simple glass, mirrored glass, the traditional wood or PVC.

Wood

●      Woody undertones bring a classic and warm aesthetic to wardrobes. Solid wood is robust, hardwearing, and offers timeless aesthetic appeal, fitting seamlessly into both traditional and modern bedrooms. Notably, engineered wood options such as MDF or particleboard offer economical and reasonably durable alternatives. They are available in a variety of colours and finishes, including oak, walnut, and painted finish that can be tailored to fit your style preference.

Metal

●      Metal wardrobes exude an urban, industrial aesthetic. They are durable, low-maintenance and can be finished with paint or powder-coated for a variety of colours and effects. Metal wardrobes are ideal for creating a minimalist, contemporary look in your bedroom.

Glass

●      Glass wardrobes offer a modern, sophisticated addition to your bedroom. Mirrored wardrobes provide practicality by doubling up as a dressing mirror while visually expanding your space. Nonetheless, they require regular cleaning to maintain their high-gloss appearance.

Other Materials

●      While wood, metal, and glass dominate the market, contemporary wardrobes are exploring innovative materials.

●      PVC wardrobes: Lightweight and water-resistant, they offer appealing aesthetics with a variety of finishes and colours.

●      Acrylic wardrobes: Known for their high-gloss finish and aren't prone to discolouration over time, perfect for a luxurious look.

●      Leather wardrobes: For the extravagantly inclined, leather (either faux or genuine) panels on your wardrobe can make a bold style statement.

Wardrobe Styles and Trends

The evolving world of interior design reflects in the wide array of wardrobe styles and trends. Whether you require a classic style evoking a timeless charm, contemporary design reinforcing modern minimalism or prefer bespoke customization to match your unique style; the market offers a wealth of options to explore.

Classic Wardrobe Styles

●      Classic wardrobes extend a timeless charm to your bedroom, underscoring opulence through intricate engravings, brass door handles, and ornate gold or silver finishes. They are often created from solid woods and can be an investment piece designed to last for generations. Whether it's a Victorian-era armoire or an Elizabethan-style closet, classic designs inspire antique luxury in your bedroom.

Modern and Contemporary Wardrobe Styles

●      Modern wardrobes embrace simplicity and functionality, featuring clean lines, geometric shapes, and neutral colours. Contemporary designs might experiment with unexpected materials like metal and glass, often focusing on practicality with built-in drawers and optimal storage solutions. Function goes hand-in-hand with form. Doors could be sleek planes of colour, mirrored surfaces, or even sport a touch of industrial chic with steel or wired mesh interfaces.

Custom Wardrobe Design Ideas

●      For spaces or design schemes that demand unique solutions, custom wardrobes come into play.

●      A wardrobe-cum-study: A built-in desk in your wardrobe utilises space efficiently and provides a dedicated workspace within the bedroom.

●      A wardrobe with a TV recess: Especially useful in compact apartments, where the TV blends effortlessly into the wardrobe, preserving space.

●      Colour-coordinated wardrobes: Custom-paint your wardrobe door panels matching or contrasting with your bedroom decor for a cohesive look.

Selecting the right wardrobe for your bedroom, a seemingly daunting task, becomes far manageable by careful planning, systematic evaluation of your space, storage needs, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you fancy the mobility of a freestanding wardrobe, or the custom fit of a built-in piece, or the luxury of a walk-in closet - understanding your room size and layout helps guide this selection. Equally important is to consider the style of wardrobe doors that optimises your room space while fitting seamlessly with your routine - hinged doors for full visibility, sliding doors for space economy, or in-between solutions like bi-fold doors. Materials lend character to your wardrobe; solid wood for a traditional feel, metal for an industrial edge, glass for a modern flair or unconventional materials for custom tastes.