Storage and style go hand-in-hand.
Pick a wardrobe for its beauty (despite knowing it’s much too small), and you’ll soon see clothes spilling out into your bedroom. But pick a bulky budget piece that doesn’t work with your decor, and you’ll soon be trading it in for a nicer design.
Toeing the line between storage and style is tricky, but with Rehome’s help, we can show you why built-in wardrobes are one of the most sensible choices. For beauty and function combined, consult Rehome’s 7 built-in wardrobe ideas.
1. Mirrored wardrobes
Mirrored wardrobes are a must-have for morning outfit checks. With a full-length mirror on the front of your wardrobe, you don’t have to allocate room for a freestanding one!
Their dual functionality is a space-saving bonus for small homes (in more ways than one.) By reflecting light, mirrored doors amplify the brightness of the room.
They can make even the most compact of bedrooms feel larger and more open, distributing what light there is (even if there is little) more evenly across the space.
This optical illusion is a clever trick that’s been used by interior designers as far back as the 19th century!
Plus, mirrored wardrobes work with every kind of decor. They’ll look equally great in the rustic styling of a cosy bedroom as they will in a minimalist space.
2. Shaker-style
Speaking of minimalism, Shaker-style wardrobes are rooted in the simple design principles of the 18th-century Shaker movement. These wardrobes are sophistication personified, known for their clean lines and recessed door panels.
The minimalistic nature of the Shaker style means it works equally well in period properties as it does in modern flats. They’re available in an array of colour schemes and finishes, whether you prefer the natural warmth of wood or a painted finish in soft greys, blues, or whites.
That’s without mentioning their robust construction! Built-in, Shaker-style wardrobes are ideal for homeowners looking to invest in furniture designed to last for decades.
3. Sliding doors
Is space at a premium in your bedroom? Have you avoided purchasing a built-in wardrobe because the space is too narrow for hinged doors? Sliding doors are the solution!
You don’t have to miss out on a built-in wardrobe just because you live in smaller quarters. Unlike traditional doors, sliding ones move horizontally along a track, which means they don't require any additional space to open.
By eliminating the need for door clearance, they free up valuable floor space that can be used for other furniture (or even just for expanding the room).
They can be manufactured using materials like glass, mirrored surfaces, wood, or high-gloss finishes to be an exact match to your current furnishings.
4. Integrated lighting
Sometimes, wardrobes are a lot dimmer than we need them to be. If you sleep in a darker room, you’ve likely even removed your clothes from their hangers and out into the light for a better look!
Certain types of built-in wardrobes can exacerbate this problem, as their recessed dimensions may overlap your room's main light source. So, how can this be avoided?
LED-integrated wardrobe lights are a great start. These low-cost, long-lasting diodes come in many different forms.
From LED strips to spotlights, recessed lighting to aluminium extrusions, these devices can be strategically placed to illuminate specific areas of the wardrobe. You can even purchase sensor lights that switch on when your wardrobe door opens!
5. Overhead storage
Overhead storage is an excellent way to utilise the often-overlooked space above your main wardrobe.
Typically achieved by placing cabinets or shelves at the top of the wardrobe, this clever design trick can be a great area for storing items that aren’t used frequently, such as seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or suitcases.
By using vertical space that would otherwise go untouched, overhead storage keeps your bedroom clutter-free while expanding your wardrobe’s capacity!
6. A multifunctional wardrobe (a cloffice!)
If you work from home or need a dedicated desk space, integrating an office into your built-in wardrobe is a smart way to capitalise on square footage!
A closet office (also known as a ‘cloffice’) involves placing a desk or tabletop surface within your wardrobe, all neatly tucked away behind its doors! You may have room for a computer, printer or office supplies (provided your desk/floor area allows it!)
In homes where a full home office isn’t feasible, an integrated ‘cloffice’ means you can create an organised work area without dedicating an entire room to it!
Plus, when you’ve completed your work day, you can simply close the wardrobe doors and keep your home and professional life separate.
7. Rustic wood wardrobes
Go back to basics and purchase a rustic wooden wardrobe crafted from rough-hewn wood. They feature visible grain patterns and knots that give them a weathered, rustic appearance.
You’ll often see elements like barn-style doors, antique hardware, and distressed finishes included in these designs, all of which add to their charming vintage appeal.
These built-in wardrobes, with their natural elements and earthy tones, are perfect for making your bedroom feel more homely. Their high-quality construction, using solid wood, means they’re also built to withstand years of daily use.
Shop for used and ex-display wardrobes with Rehome!
Searching for a replacement wardrobe isn’t something you’ll do very often. In most cases, a well-built, high-quality wardrobe can last a lifetime. But if you’ve fallen victim to a flat-pack purchase and are looking for something sturdier, we’ve got just the products.
The UK’s number one Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom outlet has no shortage of designer wardrobes!
With approved-used and ex-display products from top brands like Clive Christian, Smallbone of Devizes and Neville Johnson, you can get the luxury storage you want while saving thousands of pounds.
