Top tips for designing a walk-in wardrobe or dressing room
A dressing room or walk-in wardrobe is a dream addition to the home for so many people. What you might not know is that with a little design know-how and careful planning, this coveted storage solution is easily in reach. Read on for my dressing room design ideas – from where to start through to finishing touches.
Start with your clothes
How you organise your clothes is completely personal. It not only depends on how many items of clothing and pairs of shoes you have, but also what type and how you like to store them. Do you prefer to hang or fold your trousers, do you keep your shoes in their boxes or like them to be on display, do you wear a lot of high heels or are trainers more your thing? When I meet a client for the first time, these are the questions I ask. Because there’s no point in coming up with a standard set-up if that doesn’t accommodate your clothes. This is why it’s also important to look at your current wardrobe and take stock of what does and doesn’t work about it.
Assess the space available
My next step is look at the space you have to work with and design the walk-in wardrobe accordingly. Do you have a little-used box room, alcove or large storage area (perhaps a no-longer used airing cupboard) adjacent to your bedroom that could be given over to a dressing room? Alternatively, in long or L-shaped bedrooms, a good solution is to partition off a section at the end with a false wall and install a sliding door, creating a linked but separate space.
Small room? No problem
Even in a relatively small bedroom, partitioning off the corner or a slim section to one side can give you the fabulous walk-in closet you crave. An area that’s as compact as 1.2 x 1m* can still offer a wall of hanging rails, drawers, shelving and somewhere to dress. The key is to use the full height of the wardrobe – running shelving units up to the ceiling. And double shoe racks and pull-down hanging rails are invaluable space savers.
Dressing room essentials
A dressing room must-have is a full-length mirror, that’s a given. But equally essential is good lighting – to see both yourself in that mirror and the contents of your wardrobe. I like to place lighting everywhere – even within the hanging rails and in every drawer – and have it on sensors so it comes on when you need it and also goes off automatically after you’ve left.
I always try to include a seat or a bench, no matter how compact the dressing room. It’s just handy to have somewhere to throw your clothes down – or perch when putting on boots or tights. And the joy of a dressing room is planning your outfit and getting it ready for the next day – so some hooks on the wall or back of the door are another, sometimes overlooked, essential.
Luxurious additions
Where possible, I love to include an island unit in the centre of a dressing room. It’s a luxurious addition that will make your space feel like an exclusive boutique. However, it also adds necessary storage. Think about having glass-fronted drawers to you can put all your small items on display and easily access them.
Down to the last detail
Finally, don’t forget about the gems in your collection. Watches and jewellery also need a home. Whether that’s a hidden safe for really valuable items, a dedicated watch winder, or perfectly lined individual compartments to keep pieces organised. These are the finishing touches that will make your walk-in wardrobe look, function and feel beautiful.