Wardrobes

Instrument furniture offers multiple, unique freestanding wardrobes that complement your home, including wardrobes with sliding doors, mirror finishes, and drawers inside. You can also choose different colours or customise further based on your preferences. Not sure which wardrobe to choose? Refer to the below buyer’s guide for help.

How Do I Calculate How Much Wardrobe Space I Need?

Use these guidelines to calculate how much wardrobe space you need:

• Start by clearing out clothes you don’t wear.

• Lay your clothes out, categorising them into blouses, short dresses, jackets, and pants for hanging; long coats, dresses, and evening gowns; and shirts, shorts, and other items for folding. 

• Count how many pairs of shoes you have.

• Consider how many clothing items and shoes you plan to own.

Use the above calculations and considerations to determine how many hangers, shelves, and drawers you’ll need, and then note the following:

• Hanger's holding shirts and blouses will occupy about 2.5cm of rod space each. 

• Pants, trousers, and skirts will occupy 3cm of rod space each.

• Dresses, jackets, and suits will need 7cm of rod space each.

• Wardrobes must be no less than 50cm deep (front to back). A standard hanger is 40cm wide, plus thick garments add extra width, and then you need to factor in some breathing space. 

• You’ll need at least 136cm of height space to hang evening gowns and other longer garments.

• Allow 90cm between the top of one clothing rod and the top of another clothing rod when considering a wardrobe with double hanging space. 

• Boots and shoes require at least 30cm width by 30cm depth space (front to back) and 10cm height (extra height is needed for tall boots). 

• Shelving space for folded items will depend on the size of the garments and how they’re folded. A general rule of thumb is to plan 40cm x 30cm x 5cm for a jersey and 30cm x 55cm x 4cm high for a T-shirt.

If you need further advice, read our in-depth wardrobe size guide.

What Sizes Do Wardrobes Come In?

We offers slim, small wardrobes perfect for kids’ rooms, studio apartments, student accommodation, and extra large wardrobes and sizes in between. 

Typical width dimensions are: 40cm, 50cm, 120cm, 150cm, 180cm, 200cm, 280cm, 300cm, 330cm, 400cm.

Height options differ depending on width, with wider wardrobes yielding taller heights.

Types of Wardrobes

Wardrobes are available in several shapes, sizes, and styles. These are the features that make each one unique:

Materials

Wardrobes can be made using solid wood, high-density laminated board, wicker, plastic, glass, and more. 

Consider a durable yet lightweight material like a high-density laminated board if you plan to move your freestanding wardrobe for redecorating purposes. Plastic and wicker are more affordable alternatives but aren't as long-lasting. Solid wood is the best for longevity but can be difficult to move.

Colours

Freestanding wardrobes are available in several traditional and fashionable colours, including wood tones, black, white, grey, champagne, brown, and an assortment of striking hues. 

When choosing a colour for your wardrobe, consider the colour scheme of your room and home. Select a colour that will complement your interior décor while enhancing the room. For example, dark hues can make a room feel smaller, and wood tones may look out of place in a sleek, highly modern setting. 

Note: At instrument, many of our wardrobes can be completed in matt, gloss, or glass finishes. The glossy look is great for light stimulation and adds a sleek touch to all designs. Matt finishes are easier to keep clean but are just as sophisticated in appearance.

Styles

Wardrobes are available in various contemporary, traditional, and classic styles. Our suggestion is to choose a wardrobe that befits the style of your room/home.

Contemporary and modern wardrobes include minimalist options (usually with smooth, sleek sliding or bi-folding doors), original designs, bold colours, and natural wood finishes. 

Traditional freestanding wardrobes typically feature more conventional materials such as solid or imitation wood and usually boast ornamental designs such as panelling, embellishments, or carvings. 

Classic wardrobes are more elaborately decorated to reflect the period when they were fashionable. They are also more likely to feature basic hinged doors. 

Another style to add is mirrored wardrobe designs, where mirrors are fixed to the outer door panels to create a bold, often full-length, reflective effect. This style suits contemporary and traditional designs and is favoured for its room-enhancing properties (mirrors help to make a small room appear larger and brighter than it is).  

*Freestanding wardrobes can feature one or more doors. The number of doors can influence the wardrobe style, with more doors repeating a pattern or enhancing a theme.

Types of Doors

The types of doors include hinged, bi-folding, and sliding. 

Hinged doors are the most common and operate by swinging open and closed (remember to factor in space for doors to open if you choose this option).

Bi-folding doors work like a concertina, with panels that fold against each other.

Sliding door wardrobes are the best space-saving solution, and glide over/under each other on rails. Need more inspiration? Browse these sliding wardrobe ideas.

Wardrobes with Drawers

Many wardrobes feature interior or exterior drawers to expand organisational options. These drawers are typically found at the bottom of a wardrobe and are ideal for storing hats, undergarments, accessories, and linen. 

*If you choose a wardrobe with bottom drawers, ensure the dimensions include sufficient height to hang long garments, like dressing gowns.

Still, trying to decide which wardrobe to pick? Read our comprehensive wardrobe types guide.