A walk-in wardrobe is a room, or part of a room, given over to clothes. It gathers hanging, shelves, drawers and shoes in one place and leaves the bedroom clearer. In London homes it’s often a box room, a small spare bedroom, or a section of a large bedroom divided off.
The difference between a walk-in wardrobe that works and one that feels cramped is mostly planning. This guide covers layout, the mix of storage, light and air.
Choosing the space
Look at the rooms you have and how you move between them. A box room next to the main bedroom is a natural choice. A large bedroom can sometimes give up one end for a dressing area, with fitted units forming the divide. In a loft conversion, storage can run under the slopes with hanging in the tallest part.
Check what’s in the room already. Radiators, windows, sockets, switches and doors all affect where units can go. A boiler cupboard needs the clearances and ventilation set out in the manufacturer’s instructions, and must stay accessible.
Layouts: one wall, L-shape or U-shape
The three common layouts are:
- One wall: storage along a single wall, with a clear walkway. Suits narrow rooms.
- L-shape: storage on two walls meeting in a corner. Corners need thought so nothing gets lost in them.
- U-shape: storage on three walls. Gives the most storage, but needs enough floor space to stand, turn and open drawers.
Whatever the layout, leave enough room in the middle to dress comfortably and to open drawers and doors fully.
Getting the mix right
Count what you own before deciding on the inside. Long dresses and coats need full-length hanging. Shirts, jackets and skirts can share double hanging, with one rail above another. Folded clothes suit shelves or drawers. Shoes can go on shelves, low racks or in drawers.
A dressing table, a bench to sit on or a space for a mirror can turn a walk-in wardrobe into a dressing room. Think about where you’ll actually get ready, and plan storage round that spot.
Thinking about fitted furniture? We design, make and fit it across London: we visit, measure and talk through the design, then send a written quote. Arrange a design visit.
Doors or open storage
An open walk-in wardrobe is easy to use and feels roomy, but everything is on show and dust can settle on shelves. Doors keep things neat and protect clothes from light. Many dressing rooms mix both: open hanging for everyday clothes, doors for less-used items. Our guide to hinged, sliding and open wardrobes covers the options.
Light, air and damp
Clothes need air. A small room full of clothes with the door closed can get stuffy, especially on an external wall, which can be colder and damper than an internal one. Ventilation inside and behind units helps avoid condensation and mould. See external walls, damp and ventilation.
Daylight from a window is pleasant, but strong sun can fade fabrics, so consider blinds or doors on the storage nearest the glass. Any lighting inside units is for your electrician to plan and fit; we can leave space and routes for it.
Materials, finish and fitting
We make walk-in wardrobes from moisture-resistant MDF and birch plywood, spray painted in the workshop or hand painted on site. Period rooms with uneven walls and floors are scribed and levelled as we fit. We visit, measure, talk through the design and send a written quote before anything is made. See our walk-in wardrobes page.
Quick answers
How small can a walk-in wardrobe be?
It depends on the layout. A narrow room can work with storage on one wall and a clear walkway. We look at the room and suggest what fits.
Can a walk-in wardrobe go in part of a bedroom?
Yes. Fitted units can form a divide, with the dressing area behind. The bedroom still needs enough space around the bed.
Should a walk-in wardrobe have doors?
It’s a choice. Open storage is easy to use; doors keep dust and light off clothes. Many people mix the two.
Do you fit lighting?
No. Lighting and sockets are for your electrician. We can leave space and routes for cables in the design.
Related services
More advice
- Wardrobe Doors: Hinged, Sliding or Open?
- Fitted Wardrobes Under a Sloping Ceiling
- Fitted Furniture on External Walls: Damp and Ventilation
- Storage Ideas for Small Bedrooms
- All advice
This guide is general information about fitted furniture. It isn’t legal, planning or building advice; for those, speak to the council, your landlord or managing agent, or a suitably qualified professional.