Top Tips To Choose The Perfect Wardrobe For Your Bedroom

Whether you’re revamping your bedroom or moving into a new space, finding the right wardrobe can feel like a big decision. It’s not just about what looks good — it’s a multitude of things that you don’t want to regret six months down the line.

This guide answers every major question you need to know before buying a wardrobe in the UK. We will be starting from the obvious (measuring your space) and going to the non obvious (delivery and installation) to make it easier for you.

Let’s help you find a wardrobe that is a perfect fit for you and looks good.

What Should You Consider Before Buying A Wardrobe?

Choosing the perfect wardrobe can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Buying a wardrobe is all about finding a storage solution that actually fits your lifestyle. Before you scroll through endless styles or chase a sale, take a moment to think practically. 

Let’s go through the most important things to think about before you buy, one simple question at a time.

What Do You Need Wardrobe To Store?

Start with a mini audit of your belongings. Do you mostly hang clothes, or fold them? Got an army of shoes? Or an accessory Heaven? Knowing this will help you decide between more hanging space, shelves, or drawers.

Checklist:

• Long hanging space for dresses, coats, or suits
  
  
• Double hanging rails for shirts and trousers
  
  
• Shelves for knitwear, jeans, or bags
  
  
• Drawers for small items like underwear or accessories
  
  
• Shoe racks or bottom space for boxes
  
  
• Extra compartments for seasonal storage

Make a note of your must-haves — this list will save you time (and regrets) later.

What Size Wardrobe Is Right For Your Space?

It’s easy to fall for a wardrobe based on looks — but if it overwhelms the room or doesn’t meet your storage needs, it’ll be more of a headache than a help. Here’s how to get it just right.

Measure The Space For A New Wardrobe

Start with your available floor and wall space. Key measurements to take:

• Width — Measure from wall to wall where the wardrobe will sit.
  
  
• Height — Measure from floor to ceiling. Most flat-pack wardrobes are under 200cm tall, but always check.
  
  
• Depth — 55–60cm is standard, but some designs offer slimline profiles (great for tight spaces).

Also factor in:

• Clearance space for doors — especially if you're choosing hinged doors.
  
  
• Skirting boards, radiators, or sloped ceilings that might get in the way.

Top tip: Tape out the footprint of the wardrobe on your floor with masking tape. It helps visualise how much room it’ll take.

Strike A Balance With Wardrobe Size And Floor Space

If you're thinking: “Should I compromise on the size to save the floor?” We would like to ask you to stop right there. A better question you can ask is: how efficiently are the insides of wardrobe designed?

A slimmer wardrobe with clever internal storage can outperform a bulky one with a poor layout. Think:

• Double hanging rails
  
  
• Pull-out drawers
  
  
• Shoe compartments
  
  
• Vertical shelving

If floor space is really tight, consider corner wardrobes or narrow profiles — especially in guest rooms or student flats. And always check the door swing radius if you’re not going for sliding doors. 

Maximise Vertical Space with a Tall Wardrobe

Tall Wardrobe take advantage of vertical space, which is often wasted in smaller rooms. Sometimes, they end up making the room feel cramped. But, the trick is to:

• Choose light colours or mirrored fronts to keep things airy.
  
  
• Use the top shelves for low-use or seasonal items.
  
  
• Keep everyday access items within easy reach (chest to shoulder height).

If you’re working with low ceilings or awkward angles (looking at you, loft conversions), consider sliding doors or customisable heights.

What Types Of Wardrobes Are Best For Your Room?

Not every wardrobe suits every space. The right one depends on your room size, layout, and how much clearance you’ve actually got. That said, here’s how to match the wardrobe type to your space — without ending up with something that’s all doors and no flow. 

Should You Go For A Fitted Or A Freestanding Wardrobe?

Both have their perks, but the right choice depends on your room layout, lifestyle, and budget.

Freestanding wardrobes are more flexible — easy to move, usually more affordable, and great if you rent or plan to relocate. But they may leave awkward gaps or unused space.

Fitted wardrobes are custom-built to your room, maximising every inch — ideal for awkward layouts or sloping ceilings. They tend to cost more, and once they’re in, they’re staying put.

Quick tip: If you rent or move often, freestanding is the safer bet. If you’re settling in for the long haul, fitted could be worth the investment.

Hinged Vs Sliding Doors — Which One Should You Choose?

Hinged doors are the classic pick. They swing open fully, giving you access to everything at once. They're ideal if you’ve got the floor space for the door to open outwards — think master bedrooms or spare rooms with breathing room.

Sliding doors are space-savers. They glide side to side, so there’s no need for clearance in front. Perfect for smaller rooms, tight corners, or if your bed sits close to the wardrobe.

Quick thought: Hinged gives better visibility and a more traditional look. Sliding keeps things sleek and compact. Go with what your room can handle.

2-Door, 3-Door, Or Corner Wardrobe — What Fits Best?

Room size and layout play a huge role in getting this right.

• 2-door wardrobes are best for single occupants, guest rooms, or smaller spaces. Compact but efficient.
  
  
• 3-door wardrobes give you more storage and usually include a combo of shelves and rails — ideal for couples or anyone with a larger wardrobe (the fashion kind).
  
  
• Corner wardrobes are underrated heroes. They tuck into corners and make use of often-wasted space — perfect for box rooms or when every inch counts.

Pro tip: Don’t just look at width — measure ceiling height too. Tall wardrobes give you extra storage at the top for things you don’t need every day.

How Do You Choose The Right Wardrobe Style And Finish?

Your wardrobe isn’t just storage — it’s a visual anchor in your bedroom. The right style and finish can elevate the entire space, while the wrong one sticks out like a sore thumb. Here’s how to nail the look in 2025.

Which Wardrobe Finishes Are Trending In 2025?

Wardrobe finishes have moved on from just "white or wood." According to Interior Door Systems, this year’s favourites in UK homes are all about texture, tone, and mood.

• Matte finishes – Subtle, modern, and forgiving on fingerprints. Works brilliantly with Scandinavian (or Scandi) and Japandi interiors.
  
  
• Gloss finishes – Reflective and sleek, especially in white or grey. Great for smaller or darker rooms where you want to bounce more light around.
  
  
• Mirrored panels – Not just a style statement, but great for adding depth and light (see the trick from the last section).
  
  
• Natural wood tones – Oak, walnut, or light pine — perfect for that warm, lived-in look that suits Cottagecore or rustic styles.
  
  
• Coloured accents – Think muted greens, dusky blues, or even bold blacks. 2025 is all about personalisation.
  
  

Style-matching tip:

• Scandi? Go white or pale wood, clean lines, matte finish.
  
  
• Japandi? Warm wood + minimal design, black handles.
  
  
• Cottagecore? Creamy tones, curved edges, maybe a bit of antique finish.
  
  

What Materials Are Most Durable And Budget-Friendly?

The inside matters just as much as the outside. Here’s a quick breakdown of materials so you know what’s lasting and what’s… just cheap.

• Solid wood – Heavy, expensive, but lasts forever.Timeless, robust heirloom quality that you can sand and refinish for decades.
  
  
• MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) – Most common in modern wardrobes. Smooth, paint‑ready panels that give a sleek finish at a friendly price.
  
  
• Particle board – Lightweight, eco‑friendly and budget‑smart, perfect for ever‑changing room layouts.

Maintenance tip:
Keep any finish clean with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners — especially on gloss or mirrors. And if your wardrobe has exposed edges or joints, a little furniture wax now and then won’t hurt.

What Smart Storage Features Should A Modern Wardrobe Have?

A wardrobe should do more than hang your clothes—it should transform the way you organise, access and enjoy your daily routine. Whether you’re aiming for a forever‑tidy closet or just want a stress‑free 7 am outfit grab. 

It should be a right mix of rails, shelves, drawers and trays is where the magic really happens.

Hanging Rails Or Shelves? Or Both?

There’s more to rails than just "long bits of metal" and shelves are altogether a different ball game. You can choose from:

• Full-length hanging rails are perfect for coats, dresses, and longline pieces.
  
  
• Half rails (stacked one above the other) double up your space for shirts, trousers, and shorter items.
  
  
• Adjustable shelving gives you freedom to adapt the space if your storage needs change.
  
  
• Fixed shelves? Not bad — but you’ll be locked into the layout.

Tip: If you wear more folded items than hanging ones, prioritise shelves and drawer space over multiple rails.

Use Drawers, Trays, & Organisers

If your wardrobe is the "chuck it and shut it" type… these are your secret weapon.

• Built-in drawers are great for socks, underwear, t-shirts — the daily grab-and-go items.
  
  
• Pull-out trays (for accessories or jewellery) keep things accessible without cluttering shelves.
  
  
• Dividers or storage cubes help you keep similar items together — and stop your scarves from taking over every corner.

Think of these like kitchen organisers for your clothes. Once you use them, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.

How Much Should You Budget For A Good Wardrobe?

Wardrobes can range from super affordable to full-blown bespoke builds. But how do you find something that fits your space and your wallet? Let’s look at the breakdown.

What’s The Price Range For Wardrobes In The UK?

There are three major price ranges for wardrobes, and here’s a rough idea of what to expect for free standing wardrobe:

Fitted wardrobes sit in a different league. Expect them to start from £1,500–£3,000+, depending on size, materials, and customisation. Some builds can go as high as £20,000–£30,000 as well. 

How To Find A Stylish Wardrobe Without Overspending

It’s not all about spending more — it’s about buying smarter:

• Shop off-season or during big UK sale periods (Easter, January, Black Friday, and Christmas sales).
  
  
• Don’t be afraid of flat-pack rolling in your room — modern builds are better than ever and often more stylish than you’d expect.
  
  
• Focus on clean lines and timeless finishes (like oak, white gloss, or mirrored doors) that go with any room.
  
  
• Look for modular designs where you can expand storage over time.

What Should I Know About Delivery And Assembly?

You’ve picked your wardrobe, you’ve measured your space — now comes the part that often gets overlooked: getting it in, putting it together, and not losing your mind (or your screwdriver).

Do Wardrobes Come Flat-Packed Or Pre-Assembled?

Most wardrobes today, especially those sold online or from high-street retailers, are flat-packed. This means they arrive in boxes and need to be assembled at home.

Pros And Cons Of Flat-Pack Wardrobes:

Pre-assembled wardrobes are less common and more expensive. They can save you time but might be tricky to get into smaller UK homes, especially older properties with tight access points.

Can You Install A Wardrobe Yourself?

Short answer: yes, if you’re reasonably confident with a screwdriver. Most wardrobes come with detailed instructions, and with two people and a free afternoon, it’s totally doable.

That said, you might want to hire a fitter if:

• The wardrobe is especially large or heavy.
  
  
• You’re short on time or tools.
  
• You want a flawless, stress-free finish.

Pro tip: Before you start, lay out all parts and hardware. Double-check you’ve got everything. A missing screw halfway through is straight away nightmarish.

Tips For Smooth Delivery And Setup In UK Homes

UK homes — especially flats and terraced houses — come with their own set of quirks. Here’s how to prep like a pro:

• Measure your doorways, stairwells, and hallway widths before you buy. This avoids awkward surprises when your delivery shows up.
  
  
• Check the ceiling height of the room — especially if you’re going for a tall wardrobe or placing it under eaves or slanted ceilings.
  
  
• Clear the room in advance. Wardrobe assembly needs floor space, so move beds, desks, or rugs temporarily.
  
  
• Make sure someone’s in to receive the delivery and sign for it. Missed deliveries = re-delivery fees with some sellers.
  
  
• Some companies will only deliver to the front door, especially for flats without a lift — so be prepared to carry the boxes in yourself.

Ready To Choose The Right Wardrobe?

Your wardrobe isn’t just a piece of furniture — it’s something you use every single day. And when chosen well, it can make your bedroom feel more spacious, more organised, and more you.

From sliding doors for small spaces to finishes that match your aesthetic, we hope this guide helped narrow things down and sparked a few ideas.

Take your time. Measure twice. And when you're ready, you'll know exactly what to look for.

FAQs

Are sliding wardrobes good for small bedrooms?

Absolutely — sliding wardrobes are a game-changer in tight spaces. Since the doors don’t swing outward, they save valuable clearance and keep the area feeling open. They’re especially practical for flats, box rooms, or rooms with close furniture placement. If you opt for mirrored sliding doors, you can visually expand the space and make the room appear more bright. 

How long does wardrobe delivery/assembly take in the UK?

Delivery and assembly times vary depending on the type of wardrobe and the retailer you choose. For dream home store freestanding flat-pack wardrobes, delivery is completed within 48 hours. The assembly can take 1–2 hours if done professionally, or longer if DIY-ing. 

On the other hand, fitted wardrobes typically require a 2–4 week lead time. It is because the professionals will come to your place of residence for custom measurements before manufacturing it. Afterwards, installation can take 1–3 days depending on the complexity.

Do mirrored wardrobes make a room look bigger?

They really do — and it’s not just a design myth. Mirrored wardrobes reflect light and bounce it around the room, which can make small or dark bedrooms feel more spacious and airy.

They’re especially useful in rooms with:

• Low ceilings
• Minimal natural light
• Compact layouts

To maximise the effect, position the mirrored wardrobe opposite a window or light source, and keep surrounding décor minimal.

Are fitted wardrobes worth the investment?

They can be — if:

• You want a built-in look that uses every inch of space.
• Your room has awkward corners, sloped ceilings, or alcoves.
• You’re a homeowner looking for a long-term solution (and possibly added property value)

They’re usually more expensive, and not something you can take with you when moving. So, not ideal if you're renting or on a tighter budget.