Staying in a cookie-cutter-made HDB flat has made many homeowners realise that space and aesthetics are a premium. Finding the best use of spaces and exclusively unique designs has emerged as the cornerstone of innovative carpentry solutions.
Built-in wardrobes are one of the essential pieces of furniture that can allow you to do just that. These custom-made storage options not only optimise living spaces but allow the reflection of your personal style and overall theme as well.
Why custom-made wardrobes
Reflection of personal style
Custom-made built-in wardrobes offer an unparalleled opportunity to reflect your personal style.
The wardrobe is often the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom and has the largest potential to exhibit your style via design.
These wardrobes become an integral part of the overall design of your overall home design.
Maximising every inch
Every inch of space in Singapore’s HDB compact living spaces is valuable.
Built-in wardrobes are designed to fit perfectly into your bedroom’s available space. It functionally maximises your storage space and aesthetically hides away the many nooks formed by the functional walls behind it.
From floor-to-ceiling configurations that maximise vertical space usage to turning awkward corners into valuable storage areas, unlocking wasted space.
Bonus: With a floor-to-ceiling full-height wardrobe, no more dust gathering at the top of the wardrobe!
Sustainability meets style
As we move towards a more sustainable future, having a built-in wardrobe is a smart choice. You can select sustainably sourced materials and choose designs that best fit your requirements.
Carefully selecting the right materials ensures the durability of your built-in wardrobe and dictates its style.
By considering the core materials being used, you can even incorporate some intricate designs that were previously not possible. While at the same time getting the best materials for durability that fits your budget.
Not forgetting a wide selection of surface materials such as laminates, engineered woods or glass. According to your budget, design theme and mood you are trying to create.
Structure, space and layout considerations
A standalone wardrobe tends to be more flimsy when compared to a customised one, which can have its back fixed firmly onto the wall for extra support.
Moreover, a built-in wardrobe lets you consider your room’s layout and caters to the specific dimensions for a seamless fit. This eliminates the need for bulky, freestanding units that consume valuable floor space.
This enhances both the appearance and usability of your space, making your built-in wardrobe an integrated part of the overall design of your room.
Endless design and accessibility options
Versatility is the most important reason homeowners go for built-in wardrobes. The design and accessibility options are endless.
The configurations can be as simple or as complex as you wish. From the type of doors to the layout of the interior. Different storage needs, luxury feel, cost, being easily accessible – every aspect can be customised.
A custom wardrobe allows you to alleviate space constraints and achieve your dream wardrobe. According to your desired hanging space, how much space you need exactly, added storage features, and internal shoe racks. The perfect wardrobe for your personal preferences.
This is exactly what made it possible for us to look into the different innovative ideas we can incorporate into the wardrobe designs in the following section.
7 Innovative ideas for built-in wardrobes
Multi-functional design
To maximise functionality, try incorporating elements within your wardrobe design that make your wardrobe serve other functions than just storing clothes.
You can include a fold-down desk for journal writing before bedtime or a retractable ironing board that replaces your current bulky ones, which take up much space.
This approach is especially useful for small spaces, where versatility is key.
Integrated lighting systems
LED strip lights have been getting cheaper, and their profile slimmer.
This allows the traditionally hard-to-illuminate spots in the wardrobe to be lighted, and even automatic lighting can be easily done with sensors installed.
Or turn the entire wardrobe into a soft glow box using frosted glass sliding doors with lights illuminating from within the wardrobe! This will also help create a warm and cosy ambience in your bedroom.
Customised compartments
Tailor the interior of your wardrobes to your needs and easy access with customised compartments.
Try customising a pull-out drawer with multiple slots with the perfect height for all your rolled-up neckties and another one for your accessories.
Or perhaps large but shallow drawers at the bottom for your set of bedsheets.
Hidden safe or lockable drawers
Since we are on the topic of customised compartments, why not go all the way like in the spy movies?
You can even hide a safe or lockable drawers behind a set of internal shelving at the front. As the usual depth of a wardrobe is at least 60cm, it is an ideal place for such a secret compartmental design and not look out of place.
Mirror integration
Since you are creating a custom-built full-height wardrobe, you can incorporate a full-length mirror within. Mirrors are not only practical but having one in the wardrobe area is a godsend when you are getting dressed.
A thin mirror can be easily affixed at the back of your wardrobe’s casement door. Or, if you are going for one with a sliding door, a pull-out mirror panel can also be used instead.
Retractable ironing board
With a similar concept of a pull-out mirror, you can also try having a retractable ironing board integrated into your wardrobe.
This not only saves space, but it is also a perfect spot for ironing clothes. Freshly washed and dried clothes can be ironed and immediately hung inside the wardrobe.
When everything is done, just retract the ironing board and close the door. For added convenience, you can even create a compartment for storing your iron and place an electrical socket conveniently in the wardrobe for the perfect ironing setup.
Sliding door with display niche
The wardrobe takes up a large space in your room. Why not use it to showcase some of your favourite items?
If you opt for a sliding-door wardrobe, try having one of the doors designed as a display niche. Display your favourite tote bags instead of having them stashed inside the cupboard. You will end up with extra storage space as well.
Maintaining your built-in wardrobe
Do not skip the maintenance for your new wardrobe, as it is crucial for preserving its functionality, appearance and lifespan. Regular upkeep keeps your wardrobe looking pristine and working smoothly while ensuring the content within stays clean and hygienic.
Regular cleaning
- Dust and wipe down surfaces: Use a soft, dry cloth to regularly dust the exterior and interior surfaces. For stubborn stains or fingerprints, try using warm water and dry the spot immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
- Blow the grooves: Grooves such as tracks for the sliding doors or corners are difficult to vacuum properly. Using a blower can help lift dust away from the grooves or tight corners.
- Vacuum the interior: Periodically vacuum the inside of drawers and shelves. Accumulated dust increases the chance of them getting onto your clothes, especially those less worn. These can cause skin irritation the next time they are used.
Managing Moisture and Ventilation
- Ensure adequate ventilation: Many homeowners fear dust getting into their sliding door wardrobes, and some even try to seal any gaps between the doors. However, as it is very humid in Singapore, wardrobes can be prone to moisture buildup. Make sure your room is well-ventilated and avoid hanging half-dried clothes in the wardrobe to prevent mould and mildew growth on your clothes and the wardrobe itself.
- Use dehumidifiers: Try placing moisture absorbers in your wardrobe if you tend to have a humidity problem for your wardrobe. Or even an electric dehumidifier to better control the humidity level in your wardrobe.
Hardware checks and lubrication
- Inspect hardware: The screws and hinges of your wardrobe doors can become loose over time. Check and tighten them regularly to make sure they hang and close smoothly.
- Lubricate moving parts: Make sure sliding doors and drawer runners are cleaned and lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they are dust-magnets.
Addressing wear and tear
- Replace worn parts promptly: If the drawer runners, door hinges and handles are loose or not working well. Attend to them promptly. Any delays in addressing them will lead to unrepairable damages or dangerous situations such as doors falling off. Try asking your contractors or IDs for a small quantity of spare parts so you can swap out any worn parts next time.
- Touch-up finishes: If you use solid wood or painted finishes, keep a touch-up kit handy. Scratches are inevitable, and touching up when these happen keeps your wardrobe looking new and prevents further damage to the finishing.
Built-in wardrobes are one of the most essential and commonly requested items in renovation projects. A custom-built wardrobe blends functionality, ease of up-keeping, and design all in one. These wardrobes are often of top value, adding to the quality of life of their owners.
No matter where you are on your renovation journey, we will be here to help you along the way.
At FurnTec, we value innovation and we are the manufacturer of new age cabinetry material that is low in formaldehyde, scratch resistant, highly resistant to moisture and anti-termite at the same time.
If you would like explore in using FurnTec innovation in your next project, feel free to contact us at +65 8181 9917 and link us up with your preferred designer / renovation firm. Alternatively, we can also provide you with our preferred list of renovation partners for your selection.
