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When planning a wardrobe, one of the most important considerations is its depth. The ideal wardrobe depth will ensure that hanging clothes have enough space, shelves are functional, and items are easily accessible. This guide will help you work out how deep should a wardrobe be, whether you’re planning a custom-built wardrobe or choosing a ready-made solution.
A standard wardrobe depth for hanging clothes is typically around 60cm, which allows enough space for garments to hang without being crammed or pressed against the back of the wardrobe. This depth comfortably accommodates most types of clothing on standard hangers, including shirts, blouses, jackets, and dresses, without wrinkling or overcrowding.
For people who wear oversized jackets or have bulkier items, such as thick jumpers, a slightly deeper wardrobe of around 65cm may be beneficial. This extra depth provides additional breathing room for larger garments and ensures items don’t get crushed. If your wardrobe depth is any shallower than 60cm, clothes may brush against the back wall or door, making it difficult to slide hangers in and out smoothly.
Walk-in wardrobes often allow for more flexibility in depth, as they are usually part of a dedicated room or closet space. In this setup, deeper storage areas can be used for items like seasonal clothing, luggage, or other bulky items that don’t need daily access. Walk-ins typically maintain a minimum depth of 60cm for hanging areas, but additional shelving and cabinetry can vary depending on your specific needs.
Built-in wardrobes, especially those in bedrooms, are generally designed with a fixed depth to maximise room space. For built-ins, a depth of 60-65cm is generally ideal, as it provides enough space for standard hanging clothes and fits comfortably in most room layouts. If the built-in wardrobe is intended for a small room or narrow space, some people opt for sliding doors, which don’t require additional space for door swing clearance, allowing for a shallower design without compromising accessibility.
Shelf depth is another factor to consider in wardrobe design. Shelves within a wardrobe are typically around 30 to 40cm deep, which provides ample storage for folded clothes like sweaters, jeans, or t-shirts. Shallower shelves work well for small items, such as accessories, bags, or shoes, making them visible and accessible.
For wardrobes with deep shelves, it’s important to consider reachability. Shelves deeper than 45cm may make it harder to access items at the back, especially for folded clothing that doesn’t get used as often. One solution for deeper shelves is to use pull-out trays or drawers, which allow easy access to items stored further back. Pull-out shelves are particularly useful for larger wardrobes or walk-in spaces, as they prevent items from getting lost or overlooked.
When it comes to storing accessories like belts, ties, or jewellery, smaller, shallower compartments work best. Drawers or trays with a depth of around 10 to 15cmare sufficient for small accessories, providing enough room for everything to be stored flat and preventing items from becoming tangled. These drawers can be positioned at waist height or above to keep accessories within easy reach.
Shoe storage generally requires a depth of around 30 cm, which fits most footwear comfortably without taking up excessive wardrobe space. For bulkier footwear like boots, slightly deeper shelves may be required, typically around 35-40cm. If you’re limited on space, consider angled shoe racks that let you stack shoes vertically, saving space and giving you a clear view of each pair.
Different wardrobe types require slightly different depth considerations:
– Sliding-door wardrobes: Sliding doors allow you to use a depth of 60cm effectively, as there’s no need to account for the space that traditional doors would swing into. This makes sliding-door wardrobes a popular choice for bedrooms with limited space, as they provide a sleek, streamlined appearance without compromising depth.
– Built-in wardrobes: For built-in designs, 60-65cm is generally the ideal depth for versatility and ease of use. However, if your room is particularly small, a shallower wardrobe can be functional, particularly if the space is used primarily for shelves and drawers rather than hanging space. You can also opt for dual-purpose storage, like pull-out shoe racks or narrow pull-out drawers, to make the most of a shallower depth.
When planning your wardrobe depth, it’s also essential to consider ease of movement and comfort. If the wardrobe will be in a small room or walkway, ensure there’s at least 90cm of clearance space in front, so you can comfortably stand, open doors, and access all parts of the wardrobe. This is particularly important for wardrobes with hinged doors, as they require extra space when opened. If your wardrobe is too deep for the room, it may feel cramped and obstructive, making it harder to navigate around.
For a more detailed analysis of your storage needs, or to start planning the wardrobe of your dreams, contact our friendly team today.