Storage challenges can quickly turn an otherwise beautiful home into a cluttered, stressful environment. When standard furniture solutions fall short, a custom wardrobe can transform your space's storage capacity, organizational potential, and aesthetics. But how do you ensure your custom wardrobe will perfectly meet your needs? Let's explore the essential steps to planning a wardrobe that truly works for your home.
Assessing Your Space and Needs
Before diving into wardrobe designs, take time to evaluate your space and storage requirements thoroughly.
Measuring Your Space Accurately
Approximate dimensions are the foundation of any successful custom furniture project. Start by measuring:
- Wall dimensions: Measure the height, width, and depth of your available space. Do this at the floor and above head height—if there's a difference, use the smaller number.
- Ceiling height: Don't forget to account for crown molding or other ceiling features.
- Architectural elements: Note the location of windows, doors, vents, electrical outlets, and light switches.
- Door clearance: Ensure there's adequate space for doors to open fully without obstruction.
Note: Ordering from us, approximate dimensions are fine (within an inch or so), as we design our pieces to leave some room. So, it doesn't have to be perfect.
Pro tip: Create a simple floor plan on graph paper or using a digital tool, noting all measurements and fixed elements.
Identifying Storage Requirements
Understanding your specific storage needs will help determine the internal configuration of your wardrobe:
Conduct a clothing inventory, categorizing items as:
- Long-hanging (dresses, long coats)
- Short-hanging (shirts, jackets)
- Folded items (sweaters, jeans)
- Accessories (ties, scarves, jewelry)
- Shoes and boots
- Seasonal items that may require less accessible storage
Consider your habits and preferences:
- Do you prefer to hang or fold certain items?
- Do you need specialized storage for collections or hobbies?
- How might your storage needs change in the future?
Accounting for Room Flow
Even the most beautiful wardrobe will be frustrating if it disrupts the natural flow of your room:
- Leave sufficient clearance for walking paths (at least 30 inches)
- Consider how doors will open and ensure they don't block access to other areas
- If your wardrobe will be near a bed, allow space for making the bed easily
Planning Your Wardrobe Configuration
With a clear understanding of your space and needs, you can begin exploring configuration options.
Exploring Layout Options
Different spaces call for different wardrobe configurations:
- Standalone units: Perfect for flexibility and potential future room rearrangements.
- Wall-to-wall solutions: Maximize storage capacity and create a built-in look.
- Corner configurations: Utilize otherwise awkward spaces and create a wrap-around effect. Browse our corner wardrobes.
- Combining collections: For example, Alta wardrobes can be combined with other pieces from the Alta collection or with pier wall beds for multifunctional spaces.
Designing Internal Organization
The interior configuration will determine how effectively your wardrobe meets your daily needs:
- Hanging space ratio: Determine the proportion of long-hanging to short-hanging sections based on your inventory.
- Shelving and drawers: Consider how many of each you'll need and their ideal locations.
- Specialized storage: Shoe shelves, jewelry trays, tie racks, and other accessories can be incorporated for specific items.
- Adjustable components: Some elements like shelves and hang rods can be made adjustable and expandable to adapt to changing needs.
Future-Proofing Your Design
A well-designed custom wardrobe should serve you for many years:
- Allow for some flexibility in your internal configuration
- Consider how your storage needs might evolve over time
- Think about how the wardrobe will work if you rearrange the room
Selecting the Right Aesthetics
Your wardrobe isn't just functional—it's also a significant piece of furniture that impacts your room's appearance.
Choosing Exterior Finishes
The exterior finish affects both how your wardrobe looks and how it integrates with your existing decor:
- Matte finishes: Available in white, black, or various textures and wood grains, these provide a subtle, sophisticated look.
- Glossy finishes: In black or white, these create a more contemporary, high-impact appearance.
- Mirrored surfaces: Perfect for smaller rooms, they reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
- Colored glass: Make a bold statement with a range of color options that can complement or accent your room's palette.
When selecting finishes, consider:
- The existing color scheme and style of your room
- The amount of natural light
- Whether you want your wardrobe to blend in or stand out as a focal point
Hardware Selections
Handles and knobs may seem like small details, but they significantly impact the overall look:
- Minimal, streamlined handles for a modern, clean look
- Decorative handles to add character or complement other furniture
- The finish of the hardware (chrome, bronze, brass, black) should complement other metal elements in the room
Visualizing the Final Product
One of the challenges with custom furniture is envisioning how it will look in your space:
- Browse inspiration galleries and past project galleries of similar configurations
- Look at samples of your chosen finishes together in the lighting conditions of your room
- Use tape on the floor and wall to mark out the wardrobe's dimensions
- Consider the view of the wardrobe from different angles in the room
From Vision to Reality: The Custom Ordering Process
Working with experts simplifies the journey from concept to completed wardrobe.
Preparing for Consultation
To make the most of your design consultation:
- Have ready your measurements and room photos
- Have examples of styles you like
- Know your budget parameters
- Prepare questions about materials, construction, and timeline
Understanding the Timeline
Custom furniture requires patience, but the result is worth the wait:
- Design consultation and finalization
- Manufacturing time (typically about 3 weeks)
- Delivery scheduling
- Installation by our professional team
White Glove Delivery Experience
Unlike big-box retailers that leave you with flat packs and confusing instructions, custom wardrobes should come with comprehensive service:
- Delivery to your home
- Professional assembly in place
- Packaging materials removed
- Basic instructions for care and maintenance
Maintaining and Evolving Your Custom Wardrobe
Protect your investment and adapt it as your needs change.
Care and Maintenance
Different finishes require specific care:
- Matte and wood grain finishes: Dust regularly and clean with a damp cloth
- Glossy, mirrored, and glass finishes: Use non-abrasive, ammonia-free cleaners to maintain shine
Adapting Your Wardrobe Over Time
The beauty of modular wardrobes is their ability to evolve:
- Some internal components can often be reconfigured, such as adding/removing/adjusting shelves and hangrods
- Additional matching pieces can be added later
- Storage toppers can be added for extra height
Your Perfect Wardrobe Awaits
Planning a custom wardrobe requires thoughtful consideration of your space, needs, and aesthetic preferences. While the process may seem detailed, the reward is a storage solution that perfectly fits your lifestyle and home.
With made-to-order, fully assembled furniture, you can create a wardrobe that maximizes your space while reflecting your personal style.
Ready to start planning your perfect custom wardrobe? Our design experts are available to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a seamless journey from concept to completion.
