Many of us dream of having a bespoke walk-in wardrobe with a dedicated dressing area, but the idea remains firmly on the ‘nice to have’ list rather than the ‘to do’ list. However, it may be a much more realistic possibility than you think. 

Walk-in wardrobes are no longer just for divas with a stash of designer clothes; they are a practical way to organise and store your belongings. With ready access to all your clothes, shoes and accessories, you will find it much easier to pull together a stylish outfit and make the best use of all your purchases. 

No more discovering that you have bought five tops in exactly the same colour because you had not been able to see them in an overstuffed wardrobe. Here are the steps you can take to bring your dreams into reality.

Assess your space

Your gut reaction might be that you simply don’t have enough space for a walk-in wardrobe, but put any preconceptions to one side and make an objective measurement of your space. Remember that you will be able to get rid of bulky items of furniture such as free standing wardrobes and chests of drawers, which could free up a lot of floor space. 

If you have underused spaces such as nooks, alcoves or sloping ceilings, remember that these can be integrated into custom made furniture. The wardrobe does not necessarily need to be in your bedroom; it could be fitted into a box room, or even an attic conversion. 

Consider your storage needs

We all have different amounts and types of clothes and accessories, depending on our lifestyles, careers, interests, and general enthusiasm for fashion. Consider which type of garments you have most of or wear most often, as this will influence the amount and position of hanging rails, drawers, shoe racks, organisers and so on you will need.

Consider different layouts

Your furniture designer may suggest different layouts for your walk-in wardrobe to make the best use of space. A narrow space may suit a gallery style wardrobe with storage along both sides; while larger spaces can make use of three walls with a U shape. Smaller rooms may be able to accommodate a L shaped corner wardrobe.

Select materials and finishes

Your supplier will be able to provide you with a range of finishes and colours so that your fitted furniture coordinates seamlessly with the rest of your decor.

Incorporate mirrors and lighting

Mirrors are essential to enable you to check your outfit and carry out personal grooming tasks. They also reflect more light and help to make the space feel bigger. A combination of full length mirrors, vanity mirrors, or mirrored doors can work well.

Finishing touches

Add seating such as a comfortable chair or an ottoman that can be combined with further storage space. This will provide somewhere to sit while putting on shoes, or to lay out clothes while you dress. A central island can provide further surface space to place decorative items such as vases to bring a personal touch to the space.