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Writer's pictureMelbourne Wardrobes Online

Tips on how to design your DIY wardrobe

Before your order your new wardrobe, let's take a moment to ensure your wardrobe suits your space and lifestyle needs


Wardrobe organisation when building a  DIY wardrobe in Melbourne

Choosing the right wardrobe style can make all the difference in making your space feel more open and organised.


Whether you're a minimalist looking for a functional solution or a fashionista with a penchant for statement pieces, there's a wardrobe out there that can fit your lifestyle needs.


Take into consideration your space constraints and storage requirements when deciding on sliding doors, open shelving, or even a walk-in closet.


Whatever your preferences may be, a stylish and functional wardrobe can elevate your space and streamline your daily routine.


Plan, Plan Plan


When you begin planning your wardrobe, compile a list of all the items that require storage, and ensure ample space is available to accommodate them. Measure your clothing and accessories, and take into account any bulky items that you are likely to need. Additionally, consider allocating a specific area for frequently used items so they're always close at hand.

DIY wardrobe organising tips

Then the fun really begins, let's plan out the configuration of your wardrobe internals such as shelving, drawers, hanging rods etc., to ensure you make the most of every inch of space available.


Don't forget to look beyond the usual jeans and shirts and remember to allow for things like:


  • active wear

  • shoes

  • swim wear

  • suits

  • jewellery

  • handbags

  • watches

  • ties & belts

  • winter coats - a Melbourne necessity (these can be bulky and take up a lot of space)

  • hats

  • scarves

  • clothes you want to hang vs folded clothes

Sharing a wardrobe?

If you're sharing a wardrobe, consider how you'll divide the space and allocate storage for each person's items. Whether it's an apartment or a small house, space is always at a premium. To avoid any confusion or arguments, sit down with your cohabitant and discuss how you'll divide the wardrobe space. Will you split it evenly down the middle? Or will you allocate certain sections for certain items


A starting point question is - how much space will each person realistically need? Do you have a lot of oversized coats that take up a lot of room? Or maybe you have an extensive collection of dresses that require hanging space? By figuring out the specifics, you can make sure that each person has ample space to take care of their belongings.




measuring your DIY wardrobe Melbourne

Measure the space to ensure you have enough room for the wardrobe you want.


When it comes to choosing a wardrobe, it's important to measure the space in which you plan to place it.


Whether you opt for a built-in wardrobe or walk-in /walk-through robe, taking the time to measure the area beforehand can save you from making an expensive mistake.


After all, the last thing you want is to fall in love with a wardrobe only to find out it's too big or too small for your space, or the doors don't fully open to allow the internal shelves to actually slide out. Where are your bedroom doors? - will they hinder your access to your new wardrobe if the door is open, and let's make sure the door handle doesn't crack into your new mirror sliding door!


It's important to ensure that your personal items fit inside the wardrobe too. To do this, we recommend measuring the width of your clothing across your shoulders, to make sure that the wardrobe is deep enough to accommodate them.


...and let's size up those shoes! We need to know the heights of all footwear destined for our shoe shelves. Do we have some sky-high stilettos or knee-high boots in the mix? We need to measure them all so we can create the perfect home for them


As a general guide in your wardrobe planning:

  • Allow about 950mm (H) for short hanging space

  • Allow about 1900mm (H) for long hanging space

  • Remember to include a 3/4 hanging level as well if you need it for shorter dresses or longer coats

So, break out the measuring tape and take note of the height, width, and depth available to ensure you find the perfect wardrobe that not only fits your space but also meets all your storage needs.


Explore various materials for your wardrobe doors

- such as mirrors, laminates, or open doors - to find the right fit for your style and needs.


Updating your wardrobe doors can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of your bedroom. With so many different materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the perfect one.


Sleek and stylish mirror wardrobe doors are a popular option, as they provide both functionality and style. Not only do they allow you to check your outfit before leaving the house, but the reflective surface can also make a room feel bigger and brighter.


Alternatively, laminate doors can add a pop of colour or texture to your room while remaining affordable and durable. White wardrobe doors have long been a popular choice, but embracing darker shades like black can bring a touch of sophistication to your space.


Additionally, timber-look options offer the illusion of real timber for a modern, up-market look, all at a cost-effective price point.

mirror wardrobe doors melbourne

When it comes to choosing sliding wardrobe doors, we also need to decide on framed or frameless wardrobe doors. Both options have their own unique charm, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and style.


Framed sliding wardrobe doors have a classic look and feel, adding a touch of elegance to any room. On the other hand, frameless doors provide a more contemporary and sleek appearance. So, whether you opt for a traditional look or something more modern, the perfect wardrobe doors can add the finishing touches to your bedroom décor.


Wardrobe Internals

The most important thing to consider as you get started with planning your wardrobe/closets is what sort of lifestyle you have. Are you a minimalist? Then consider adding open shelves and hanging rods for a more streamlined look.


planning shoe layout for your DIY wardrobe Melbourne

Do you have an extensive shoe collection? Then opt for adjustable shelving or insert drawers into the bottom of your wardrobe/closets to allow for more storage space. Do you have a lot of folded items such as t-shirts, trousers, and sweaters that need to be organised?

Then install adjustable shelving and dividers for easy organisation.



Don't forget the bottom of your wardrobe, ensure you utilise this often forgotten space with shelves, drawers or baskets to save an accumulation of discarded shoes, dropped belts and dust bunnies.






Don't overlook the stylish shelving finishes for your wardrobe's interiors!


Pinterest and shows like The Block have highlighted the myriad of options for the internal finishes of wardrobes.


We're seeing rich dark melamine choices for walk-in and walk-through wardrobes creating a real up-market finish.


While traditional timber internals are always a hit, there's a buzz around the new timber-look melamine. From soft pale shades of coastal oak ash through to walnut and estella oak, they're worth considering!

Of course, you can never go wrong with the timeless elegance of classic white.


Wardrobe hardware

Finally, the finishing touches - the hardware such as handles, hinges, and knobs - these small touches have a big impact when it comes to making your wardrobe/closets feel complete.


Ultimately, deciding on a wardrobe design that suits your needs and space is the key to successful construction. You must consider many factors before settling on a wardrobe style - from material choice to hardware selection.


With these tips in mind, you should be well-equipped to design a beautiful and functional wardrobe.


Having access to expert advice from the team at Melbourne Wardrobes Online provides an added layer of assurance when researching and going through the planning stages for creating an internal wardrobe fit out that suits your home and lifestyle.




If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the team at Melbourne Wardrobes Online.


We're always happy to help.




Melbourne Wardrobes Online


Fast efficient delivery of sliding wardrobe doors, internals and hardware across Melbourne



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