A walk-in wardrobe is every fashionista’s dream. Imagine a stylish walk-in wardrobe where all of your clothes and accessories are easily accessible and everything has its place!
I don’t know anyone with a regular wardrobe and chest of drawers (or for that matter anyone with bespoke built-in wardrobes) that doesn’t struggle to get all clothes, shoes and accessories neatly packed away and then easily find what they are looking for every single day.
With a custom-made walk-in wardrobe, clothes on chairs, shoes under the bed and packing away seasonal edits to make room all become a thing of the past. Sound good so far?
If you are taking the plunge with a bedroom or home renovation, a walk-in wardrobe should be at the top of your must-have list (alongside the en suite obviously). You will have to take my word for it, but I promise life with a walk-in closet is bliss.
Grab your notepad. Here’s what you need to do to ensure everything about your new luxury walk-in wardrobe is absolutely perfect.

1. Space and positioning
If your walk-in wardrobe is part of your renovation project, think carefully about the space you allocate to it. Can you steal a few more inches from your bedroom space? Will space under eaves allow adequate hanging space for those long dresses? If you are extending your home, plan a little more carefully to make the best use of space.
For a basic walk-in wardrobe, you will need at least 2.5 metres by 1.5 metres. When space is tight consider adding more hanging space and put a stylish chest of drawers into your bedroom. Clever storage ideas will ensure even a small walk-in closet has a separate nook for everything.

2. Catalogue your clothes
Start by making an inventory of EVERYTHING clothing, shoe and accessory related. In fact, anything you want to store in your new walk-in wardrobe needs to go on the list – handbags, scarves, jewellery, shoes, fitness gear and so on. Consider everything you need to get ready for all occasions from work to the gym. For example, do you want a special place for your yoga mat?
This is a good time to cull any clothes you no longer fit into or no longer like to wear. Make it fun and consider these wardrobe organiser apps for your big sort out!

3. Measure up
When designing a bespoke walk-in wardrobe, you’ll want to make sure everything fits in exactly as it should. To achieve the best possible storage solution for each item of clothing you will need to measure certain clothing items, especially larger items and those that will go on hanging rails.
Walk-in wardrobes should ideally be at least 4ft by 4ft, but you will need a width of greater than 10ft if you want to accommodate seating or a central storage island. It’s a good idea to start with a basic plan using standard closet dimensions and then figure out how to adapt it to fit all of your clothing, especially if you aren’t planning on going bespoke.
Coats and longer dresses may need up to 68 inches of space and bulky clothing will require deeper storage (as much as 28 inches). Trousers and jeans need a vertical drop of about 50 inches if hung up full length (obviously less if you are hanging them folded in half).
If you are choosing to work with an interior designer and cabinetmaker (great idea) they will be able to help you design smart personalised storage ideas and build a bespoke solution for you. For more design inspiration see here.

4. Storage composition
Use your wardrobe inventory to ascertain how much hanging space, shelving for folded clothes, shoe rack space and additional drawers are required to comfortably accommodate everything. Also think about how you would like to organise your clothing. Do you want separate workwear and occasion wear areas or will you be organising by clothing type (dresses, shirts, trousers, blouses and so on?
If you have room for an island (great storage for lingerie, socks, belts and other smaller clothing items and accessories). Remember to make sure there’s enough space around your island to pull out any drawers.

5. Style
Is your walk-in wardrobe a practical gamechanger or are you seeking the ultimate in luxury living? Think about the style of your bedroom and incorporate that into the design of your walk-in wardrobe. If you are going for the French boudoir look and you have the space, how about incorporating a chic dressing table and an ornate mirror?!
Also, consider whether you want all open storage inside your walk-in closet or some cupboards with doors on if space allows.

6. Don’t forget the shoes and accessories
Traditional bedroom storage solutions almost always result in a pile of shoe boxes in the corner of the room, a tangle of jewellery on a bedside table and scarves draped over a chair. Your walk-in wardrobe can accommodate your growing shoe collection, jewellery, scarves, hats, handbags and more.
Cubby holes for shoes or especially designed shoe racks or cupboards will enable you to see your entire shoe collection with ease. Remember shoe bars only work with heels. Consider these shoe storage ideas before finalising your wardrobe design. Material-lined rattan baskets are a great idea to go on higher shelves and keep bits and bobs organised.