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Walk in vs conventional wardrobes

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We are planning some renovations which will include a new master bedroom. Would like some advice as to whether a wall of conventional built in wardrobes would hold more stuff than a walk in wardrobe.

Mansard in Earls Court SW5 · More Info

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Vesna McMaster

8 years ago

We've just done a reno with odd-shaped rooms, and squared off some corners by having walk-in rather than built-in. IT'S FANTASTIC. With a little thought and planning you end up with almost no dead space and HUGE amounts of storage. The room's a dream. It's like Narnia in there.

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Comments (16)

robandlyn
8 years ago
Nothing beats a walk-in-wardrobe in my opinion (after having both before)
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MB Design & Drafting
8 years ago
Walk ins tend to have a bit more space but really a well designed robe with draws, shelves, hanging is better than a WIR with just shelves and hanging for example. So just design the fit out to a high standard be it WIR or conventional. Wardrobe fit-out tends to be an afterthought as its a small detail when compared to the bigger more exciting stuff like bedrooms and ensuites...... but wow, what a difference it all makes!
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I have read that walk-in wardrobes should be around 1800mm wide, which means that when you put the entry door in the middle, you get 600mm of space for hanging clothes on each side. If you have less pace than this,and are happy with just one side of hanging space, you could go as narrow as 1200mm. (BTW, doors in Australia are usually 820mm wide) Here's a related story: [12 Tips to Make the Most of a Small Walk-in Wardrobe[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/12-tips-to-make-the-most-of-a-small-walk-in-wardrobe-stsetivw-vs~29064596)
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scottevie
8 years ago
Probably depends on how efficient the internal layout of each is?...This is something we would love feedback on also. Current plan is to have a walk-in approx 1500W X 3000L. Entrance to ensuite to left and entrance to WIR on the right with a dressing table/mirrored space between. How much space have you got available and what is the layout of your space?
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jmm1837
8 years ago
This subject has come up a few times before. I particularly remember the advice from Clever Closets in the comments on this posting:

https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/walk-in-wardrobe-dsvw-vd~3525384?n=8
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Hal Braswell Consulting
8 years ago
Walk in closets of any type, whether for clothes or a pantry, tend to waste a lot of space because of the walkway often eating 50% of the floor space . IMO for a walkin to be worthwhile there must be value-added function such as a dressing area and a vanity . A pet peeve is a walk in too large to be a reach in but too small to be an efficient walk in.

I like a wall dedicated as 24" deep built-ins from the floor to the ceiling. Composed of 30" wide tall cabinets, the bottom can consist of three drawers and the top of butt doors. Some tall cabinets can be for full length items or two rows of hanging clothes. A system like that keeps clothes hidden but handy and can eliminate the need for a dresser or chest of drawers, saving floor space in a small bedroom.
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scottevie
8 years ago
@Hal Braswell Consulting, what dimensions would you suggest as a minimum for a WIR to be efficient? Thanks
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Carole
8 years ago
Regardless of whether you opt for conventional or walk in, as other have indicated, it is more about how you can maximise the available space. How many metres do you need for each person and what is the most efficient layout for the various types of hanging space, shelves, drawers, shoe racks, handbags etc. that suit your needs. If you have a standard conventional wardrobe it is probably between 4 to 5 metres for two people (width of master bedroom). Is this space already optimally organised, how much more would you like?

We are currently finalising plans for a second storey extension that will have my ideal walk in which is a walk through to the ensuite with a combination of long and half hanging space, drawers and shelves, shoe racks, and trouser racks for each person. (2x3.0m).
mdud thanked Carole
oklouise
8 years ago
Inside a well designed walk in wardrobe you can see everything more easily with double hanging racks and open shelves. It's a private dressing area: walk in and keep the mess of discarded clothes draped over a chair or in a dirty clothes basket and there's room for deeper over head shelves for suitcases and long term storage. Wardrobes are OK if you don't have enough room for the walk-ins and, in a perfect world you would have a minimum 2 sqm walk in wardrobe each
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Carmen Q
8 years ago
If you have a walk in robe, it needs to be big and long rather than small and square. A small square robe has lots of corners where things get lost and a lot of lost area to floor space. Better in this situation to have a conventional robe and a larger bedroom.

Consider your bed size. You may want a queen or a king. No one sleeps in doubles any more. In many modern rooms the bed leaves only a runway either side, the width of the bedside table which makes it hard to get dressed. If this is the case I would rather a conventional

robe to save room.
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archimondo
8 years ago
Our place has four walk-in-robes minimum 1.8m x 1.8m. and now that the girls have left home, for the third time, we love the extra storage space. One is used for the Christmas tree and decorations, one has lots of outdoor cushions and picnic gear, and the other spare has space for the overflow from our robe.
mdud thanked archimondo
Kim Westwood
8 years ago
if you have the room walk in robes the best. much better than the old wardrobe sitting in the room. So much storage space and we all need some extra storage.
donnawildy
7 years ago
This is the first home that I've lived in that has a walk in wardrobe and i love it hands down
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PRO
User
7 years ago
When deciding on the right closet wardrobe, the best advice is to have a plan and design it for your lifestyle.
For instance, do not just use a "cookie cutter" system or design, as I guarantee you that you will regret it in the long run.
And also do not fall into the trap of designing the male side the same as the female side, again this will be a big mistake for you.
Think about it and plan it, such as design the space for the ratio of categories, such as trousers, skirts, long jacket and dresses etc.
Men & Women clothing ratio and catergory sizes are very different, and you will just waste precious space if you don't still to a ration plan. If your going to create the right closet space, get it right and spend the time and prepare it, get the advice from professionals that do design and installs daily.
If you do it right, it will create amazing value to your home that you will reap the rewards for many years to come....
A closet is a real investment these days and home buyers are treating them like a room all on their own and judging the space that way too.
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Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I vote for walk in closet.
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Tilly
7 years ago
It depends on what look your after. I like minimal.
Love my wardrobe wall, built in shoe racks, storage compartments, drawers and heaps of hanging space, all behind closed doors.
It's really just a personal choice.
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