Wardrobes are great additions to a home, allowing for additional storage space without compromising on the design of the room. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other closet renovations and can be built by homeowners themselves.
Made-to-measure wardrobes fit perfectly into any space, making the most of existing alcoves or wall cavities. They also come in a range of finishes and can be designed to suit any style.
1. Use it as a TV cabinet
A repurposed wardrobe can become the perfect TV cabinet, and it’s easy enough to do. Just remove everything but the frame and drawers, and add a cloth material that’s wide enough to cover them. The result is a custom concealment solution that’s a lot less awkward than a traditional TV stand with hinged doors that need to be swung open whenever the television is being used.
A large TV can feel like a black hole in the room, but there are plenty of ways to make it look intentional rather than sticking out like an ugly thumb. For example, if you have a wall-mounted TV with a fireplace mantel, hang a pair of framed paintings above it to create a decorative arrangement that makes the TV feel part of the composition. Or, if you prefer something more formal, try a grid gallery that wraps around the TV.
2. Turn it into a library
Turn an existing wardrobe into a home library for a chic and classic look. This closet turned reading nook from Fiddle Leaf Interiors features plush Sunbrella pillows and a gorgeous map pillow for an eclectic touch.
Like custom walk-in closets, fitted wardrobes cost more than freestanding organizers, but they offer the ability to customize storage options like drawers and shelves. They also tend to follow any odd shapes and quirks in a room better than wall units.
For a DIY option, try covering your wardrobes with wallpaper to transform them into show-stopping shelving that blends seamlessly into your decor scheme. As seen in this master bedroom, a patterned wallpaper makes these built-in wardrobes appear to be one continuous feature wall. The panels are even painted to match the bedroom’s original paneling for continuity. Tie chalkboard labels to bins in a shared closet to keep everyone organized (and prevent mix-ups). Add hooks and rails for accessories like hats, scarves, and necklaces, too.
3. Make it a bar
If you have a room with sloped ceilings, fitted wardrobes are an excellent option to add a tailored look and increase storage space. They also fit seamlessly into a room, reducing clutter and improving aesthetics.
Blogger Elsie turned her floor-to-ceiling shoe closet into a sleek display with shelves, boxes, and a drawer for flats and sneakers. She even added a simple battery puck light to illuminate the shoes. Make sure to regularly declutter and reorganize, as this will help keep your wardrobe organized and tidy. Having designated areas for items like shoes, overnight bags, and jewellery can be especially helpful.
4. Make it a study
Whether you have kids or work from home, incorporating a study desk into your fitted wardrobes is a clever way to maximise space. Many homeowners find that they are lacking a dedicated study room, so this clever idea offers the perfect solution for anyone who requires an extra workspace in their home.
Alternatively, bedrooms or the top of landings can also be a great location for a study nook. All you need is a bookcase and a table, sawn in half to create a double-sided workspace that can be used by two people simultaneously.
Choose a neutral colour, such as Shaker, to ensure your furniture blends with your bedroom decor. This is a timeless and classic finish, which will work with any style. It is also extremely versatile, allowing it to fit seamlessly into any room of the house.
5. Turn it into a dressing room
Turning your wardrobe into a dressing room is a great way to stow away clothing and make a room feel luxurious. You can even incorporate a free-standing vanity unit to create a space to do makeup, manicures and hair.
Kit out your walk-in with floor to ceiling clothes storage, combining full length and double hanging rails, slide-out shoe racks, and pigeon-hole storage for folded shirts and sweaters. Leave space above for out-of-season or bulky items that might get snagged on a hanger, and stack shorter piles of clothing neatly.
Add lighting to reduce visual clutter, and consider installing a vanity mirror with built-in lighting for a luxe look. Use divider tags to mark bins, and tie chalkboard labels to bins for a more organised look. Install hooks at different heights to hold scarves, hats and belts.
6. Turn it into a walk-in
An affordable built in wardrobes are perfect if you want a dressing room that feels like it was built into the space and not added later. They can be fitted to fit between two walls perfectly, or if you have alcoves either side of a fireplace they can be built into those too.
They can be designed with extra hanging space, shelves and drawers to fit your storage needs and provide more organisation than a freestanding wardrobe could. Having everything in one place makes it much easier to find things, and you can even add specialized storage options like shoe racks and tie racks.
The possibilities are endless – turn your unused space into a walk-in wardrobe and start living out your dreams. Get a quote from raumplus to start planning your dream storage solution.
7. Turn it into a pantry
Whether your wardrobe is as big as an actual walk-in closet or simply tucked in a corner, it can still be a pantry. Just add some clever storage ideas to keep it organized.
If you have tall built-in cabinets, try a library ladder to reach the high stuff. The ladder also looks chic and edgy in a space with otherwise clean lines.
Simple wooden crates can make a stylish and functional display for shoes or even clothing. Add a few easy-to-paint shabby-chic details like vintage lace shelf edging or old window frames to elevate the look.
Spice jars, cooking oils, and other smaller items can easily get lost on a jam-packed pantry shelf. Swap out hinged doors for pocket door versions like these to save room and allow you to slide out shelves when you need them.
8. Turn it into a laundry room
Typically, fitted wardrobes have neutral finishes to blend into the rest of a room design. But a splash of colour can make a statement and set your design apart from the crowd.
Fitted wardrobes can easily be customised to house laundry storage for a family home. Add a laundry hamper or two to hold clean and dirty clothes, and incorporate stylish shelves and bins for extra laundry supplies. A family laundry schedule on the wall helps everyone stay on top of their household chores.
Awkward alcoves often get overlooked as storage areas, but can be kitted out to create a versatile space with the help of a built-in wardrobe. Hanging rails and pigeonhole shelving can be combined with shoe and accessory storage to accommodate the whole family’s clothing needs. Use a combination of drawers and stacked cabinets to maximise storage in smaller rooms with limited floor space.
9. Turn it into a music room
If you love to jam with friends or host a party, turn your bonus room into the ultimate music space. Invest in good sound insulation and furniture with solid acoustics, and add a few pieces of eye-catching décor to show off your musical style.
Slab-fronted wardrobes make a stylish feature wall, especially when clad with a bold wallpaper. In this bedroom scheme by Suzy Hoodless, a porcelain pink print transforms the functional storage into a striking focal point, matching it to the walls and settee for an elegantly cohesive look.
Incorporate an area rug to mute noises and add a soft, cozy feel underfoot. Opt for a versatile design like this one, which uses a mix of wool and cotton. Mood lighting also helps set the tone. LED lights in all colors of the rainbow are a cost-effective option that offer the flexibility to switch up the vibe.
10. Turn it into a playroom
If a walk-in wardrobe isn’t in your budget, consider transforming an alcove into a fitted closet instead. You can add bespoke shelving and drawers for shoes, clothing and extras like hats and purses. Tie chalkboard labels onto bins for an easy-to-sort option or add hooks to hold coats and bags.
Using paneling as a feature on walls and wardrobe doors is also beautiful. This idea creates a unified look that is incredibly stylish and works particularly well in a room with a high ceiling.
Store everyday basics and special occasion wear in open cubbies and tuck away out-of-season clothes on lower shelves. If you have little ones, tuck in their favourite toys on higher shelves and fill an over-the-door shoe rack with a mix of structured totes and small baskets for everyday footwear.