Wardrobe planning guide: sliding, hinged and walk-in wardrobes

A good wardrobe is planned from the inside out. Start with what you own and how you dress every morning, then choose the doors and the finish.

Sliding or hinged?

Sliding wardrobes save floor space, so they suit bedrooms where the bed is close to the wall. They open one section at a time and need a slightly deeper carcass for the track. Hinged wardrobes open fully, cost less and are easier to fit with internal drawers and accessories. For a large master bedroom or a spare room, a walk-in closet with an island dresser gives the most luxurious storage.

Standard wardrobe sizes

• Depth: about 600 mm (2 ft), so hangers fit sideways
• Height: full height to the ceiling, with a loft above about 7 ft
• Short hanging (shirts, tops): 900 to 1000 mm
• Long hanging (dresses, kurtas, sarees on hangers): 1400 to 1600 mm
• Shutter width: 450 to 600 mm for hinged doors

Plan the inside in zones

Keep everyday clothes between knee and eye level. Drawers handle innerwear and accessories, shelves take folded clothes, and the loft holds suitcases and seasonal bedding. Saree trays, a locker drawer and a tie or belt pull-out are worth planning in Indian wardrobes.

Lofts: yes or no?

In most Bangalore apartments with 9 to 10 ft ceilings, a loft adds a lot of storage for suitcases, quilts and festival items. If the ceiling is low or you want a lighter look, stop the wardrobe at door height and keep the wall above clear.

Small details that matter

Trouser pull-outs, a jewellery tray, a mirror on the inside of one shutter, soft-close hinges and profile LED lights that switch on when the door opens make daily use far easier. Glass display shutters work beautifully for shirts and bags when the inside is lit.

Materials

Wardrobes are away from water, so MR-grade plywood is the right, economical choice for the carcass. We use 18 mm Greenply Ecotec plywood with 18 mm HDHMR shutters and machine-sealed edges. See our plywood guide for the difference between board grades.

What a wardrobe costs

A 6 ft wide, full-height wardrobe with a loft is about 54 sq ft of furniture: around Rs 66,000 in Essentials. Our wardrobe cost guide has more examples.

Wardrobes by room

• Master bedroom: full-height with a loft, drawers for both people and a full-length mirror
• Kids' room: lower hanging rails they can reach, adjustable shelves that change as they grow
• Guest room: a smaller wardrobe with open hanging space and a locker drawer
• Walk-in: needs at least 5 ft of width for units on one side and room to stand

Hardware that lasts

Hinges, channels and sliding tracks are the moving parts, and they decide how a wardrobe feels after five years. Soft-close hinges stop doors slamming, full-extension drawer channels let you see the back of the drawer, and a good sliding track keeps heavy doors gliding smoothly. Ask for the brand names in your quote.

Looking after your wardrobe

Wipe laminate shutters with a soft damp cloth; avoid harsh cleaners on gloss. Keep a pack of silica gel in each section during the monsoon, and leave a small gap behind the wardrobe on external walls so air can move.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, a sliding or a hinged wardrobe?

Hinged wardrobes cost less and give full access; sliding wardrobes save space in front. In most bedrooms with 2 ft or more of free space in front, hinged works well.

What is the standard depth of a wardrobe?

About 600 mm (2 ft), so clothes on hangers fit sideways without touching the doors.

Should I add a loft to my wardrobe?

In most apartments with 9 to 10 ft ceilings, yes: it adds storage for suitcases and seasonal items.

How many drawers should a wardrobe have?

Two to four per person is usual: one for innerwear, one for accessories and the rest for folded clothes you use often.

Can a wardrobe go on an external wall?

Yes, with a small air gap and a moisture-resistant back. Check the wall for dampness before installation.