Creating a stylish wardrobe is not only about aesthetics. It is also about its function and optimising storage space, ease of use, and comfort.
If you are looking to design and fabricate a new build-in wardrobe, here are 19 tips and ideas to guide you towards one that is as fashionable as it is practical.
Open wardrobe concept
Let’s start with the bold idea of an open wardrobe concept.
This can quickly transform your space while providing quick and easy access to your most used items and allowing you to display your style.
If executed well, this approach encourages you to keep your wardrobe tidy and serves as your daily inspiration for your outfit choices.
An open wardrobe is an excellent candidate for a minimalist or elegant design concept and will impress any guests with your impeccable character.
Combination of open and closed storage
While the open wardrobe concept may not be for the faint of heart, blending open shelves with closed cabinets can offer much versatility in storage and design.
Open shelves are perfect to showcase your favourite pieces, while closed cabinets allow you to hide your less appealing items neatly tucked away.
Bold-coloured wardrobe doors
Introduce bold colours to your wardrobe doors to inject vibrance and personality into your bedroom.
Try a posh green, deep sea blue, vibrant red or even sunny yellow. Each major colour can elicit the mood you want to create and immediately transform your wardrobe into the centre of attention for the room.
Alternatively, you can try looking out for bold, large printed designs to be added to the surface of your wardrobe doors as well for similar effects.
Sleek monochromatic designs
Now for the reversal, a monochromatic wardrobe can offer a minimalist and timeless elegant look.
Having a wardrobe in different shades of grey, or just plain black or white can bring forth a sophisticated backdrop. This allows your clothes and displays to take centre stage, which can perfectly complement an open wardrobe concept.
Two-toned wood finishes
Try combining different wood finishes for your wardrobe design. This can help to add warmth and depth to the design.
Two-toned wood finishes are not only unique, but they can also help highlight your intricate design and bring a natural and earthy feel to your bedroom.
LED-lit wardrobe interiors
Installing LED lighting inside your wardrobe is highly functional and great for creating a desired mood.
First, they serve as task lighting and help you to find what you are looking for.
Having lighting also accentuates your wardrobe design. It can be a subtle glow from hidden strip lighting on the shelves or spotlights above a display compartment.
Good lighting designs can make all the difference between a great-looking wardrobe, versus just a good one.
Creative material use
To further set the mood, experiment with different materials and how they look under different lighting sources.
Internal lighting combined with frosted glass doors can instantly transform your wardrobe into a lovely nightlight and create a cosy bedroom.
Metallic or reflective finishes can create interesting looks at different times of the day, while textured materials can also create interesting shadows with deliberated lighting designs.
Vintage-inspired wardrobe designs
Many homeowners wanted something unique, and hopefully never go out of style.
You can do just that by incorporating vintage elements into your wardrobe design for that timeless charm.
Ornate handless, antique mirrors and pull-out valet rods can add character and style to your wardrobe. A distressed finish can help to create a time-lasting look with a unique story behind each imperfection.
Built-in vanity
Integrating a vanity unit right into your wardrobe adds a touch of glamour on top of its practicality. Your wardrobe now becomes a dedicated space for grooming and making-up.
You can have all your beauty essentials, mirrors and lighting, well within reach.
Remember the back of your casement door
An often overlooked space is the back of the casement door of the wardrobe.
Install hooks, racks or slim shelving units on them. They can be used to store hats, bags, tissue papers, etc. This space is especially useful for storing awkwardly long accessories like belts and neck-ties.
Pull-out cabinets
Incorporating a pull-out feature into your wardrobe can maximise space and functionality.
A bag display is a wise storage solution that keeps dusts out and allows you to see all your bags in one glance.
Pull-out mirrors are also a clever use of space. Very often, in HDB bedrooms, there will be a recessed area at the side of the wall with a protruding at the top where the beam is. This can be the perfect place to position a pull-out mirror.
Full-length mirrors
A full-length mirror is a must-have for a home; consider having it in your wardrobe.
Most of the time, we use a full-length mirror right after dressing. It would be in the right place at the right time.
It can be mounted at the back of a casement door or as a pull-out mirror if your wardrobe has sliding doors.
As a full-length mirror is large, having it stowed away in the wardrobe when not in use is also a safer way to avoid accidents. Moreover, this will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface; thus, less cleaning is needed.
Maximise vertical space
Take advantage of the available vertical space, as the wardrobe is a rare place with floor-to-ceiling storage.
Use high shelves and hanging rods to make good use of every inch of the wardrobes.
Consider having seasonal or less-used items like luggage and winter clothing on the high shelves.
Plan the use of space for longer-than-usual items, such as long dresses. The last thing you want is to have your dress brushing the bottom of the wardrobe and having to lift it every time you vacuum the closet.
Remember to work closely with your designer. Careful design is required, as there is limited space in your lift. Do not forget that your cabinet needs to come in modules through the lift before it reaches your home.
Implement drawer dividers
Drawer dividers are simple yet essential for organising small items in your wardrobes.
Dividers are commonly used for rolled-up belts, neckties, and socks. They can also be custom-designed with your wardrobe for specific purposes, such as holders for bras or other jewellery.
The beauty of drawer dividers is that they can be easily removed if your storage requirements change in the years to come.
Accessories: The finishing touch
Invest in quality rods, hooks and even hangers to complete your wardrobe.
These accessories not only help to keep your clothes in good condition and other stuff organised, but they also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your closet.
Look into having a quality set of door knobs or handles for the doors of your wardrobe. As they are frequently touched, they will be the first to get dirty and wear out.
If you do not have a soft-closer installed for your sliding door wardrobe, look for magnetic door stays and have them installed to help keep your sliding doors closed.
These little accessories can bring a big improvement in the quality of your wardrobe usage.
Eco-friendly materials
Choosing eco-friendly materials for your wardrobe will not only make you feel good mentally but also literally.
Organic materials such as sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, or other recycled materials tend to have a nicer feel and softer touch, unlike those made of synthetic materials such as plastic laminates or metals.
Eco-friendly materials are also healthier and are low or even free of volatile organic compounds.
At the same time, you can create a wardrobe that is stylish and yet responsible.
Ventilation
Your wardrobe is prone to trap humidity, especially if the clothes are kept before thorough drying.
Keep your wardrobe well-ventilated to prevent humidity from building up. This will keep your clothes smelling fresh and prevent mould growth. Allowing proper airflow is therefore crucial.
Incorporate a venting system into your wardrobe planning, so that it becomes part of the design and not an afterthought.
Designing a stylish closet is all about blending functionality with your style.
There is a world of possibilities to explore in wardrobe design. We hope these tips helped you realise a wardrobe that reflects your personality and supports your lifestyle. One that makes getting ready for each day a pleasure.
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.
