Design Ideas

Wardrobe Design Guide: Sliding vs Hinged, Internals, Materials and Cost

Sliding or hinged? Loft or no loft? How to plan wardrobe internals, choose materials that resist NCR humidity, and budget for modular wardrobes.

By the AHU Interior design teamUpdated 3 min read

Built-in wardrobe with open hanging, glass shelves and a dressing unit with round mirror

A wardrobe is the one piece of furniture you open several times a day for years. When it is planned around what you own — saris and suits, school uniforms, winter quilts, suitcases — getting ready becomes easier and the bedroom stays calm.

This guide covers the decisions that matter, in the order we make them with our clients.

Sliding or hinged shutters?

Sliding vs hinged wardrobes
SlidingHinged
Space in frontNeeds none — ideal for tight roomsNeeds clearance for the shutter to swing (about 45–60 cm)
AccessOne section at a timeFull view of the wardrobe
Depth neededSlightly deeper for the track systemStandard depth (about 60 cm)
CostHigher — tracks and heavier shuttersMore economical
Best forCompact bedrooms, mirrored or glass frontsMost bedrooms, kids’ rooms, lofts

A practical rule: if there is less than about 90 cm between the bed and the wardrobe, choose sliding shutters.

Plan the inside first

Count what you own before deciding how many shutters you need. Then divide the space:

  • Long hanging (about 150 cm) for dresses, kurtas and coats.
  • Double hanging (two rails) for shirts and trousers — it doubles capacity.
  • Shelves for folded clothes, saris and bedding; keep them about 30–35 cm apart.
  • Drawers for innerwear, accessories and documents, with a locker if needed.
  • Pull-outs: trouser racks, tie and belt organisers, a jewellery tray.
  • Loft above for suitcases and seasonal quilts.

Materials for NCR’s seasons

Delhi NCR swings from dry, dusty summers to humid monsoons. Wardrobes need to cope with both.

  • Carcass: good-quality MR or BWR plywood, or HDHMR board. Use BWP plywood on walls that share a bathroom or show any dampness. See our board materials guide.
  • Shutters: laminate for durability, acrylic or PU for a seamless look, veneer for natural wood. Compare them in our finishes guide.
  • Back panels: keep a small gap from external walls and check for seepage before installing.
  • Gaskets and good hinges keep dust out during the dry months.

Design details that make a difference

  • Profile or recessed handles keep a clean, modern look and avoid catching clothes.
  • Sensor lights inside the wardrobe help on dark winter mornings.
  • A full-length mirror on the inside of one shutter, or as a sliding panel.
  • A dressing unit beside the wardrobe with a mirror and good, glare-free light.
  • Running the wardrobe to the ceiling avoids a dust ledge on top.

Browse more wardrobe design ideas, wardrobe colour combinations and master bedroom ideas.

What does a modular wardrobe cost?

Wardrobe prices depend on size, shutter type and internal accessories. As a planning guide, a master bedroom with a full-height wardrobe, bed back panel and lighting starts at about ₹1.2 lakh. Sliding systems, glass or lacquered shutters and many pull-out accessories increase the budget. For a whole-home estimate, use the cost calculator.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can’t find your answer? Ask our design team.

What is the standard depth of a wardrobe?

Around 60 cm (2 ft) for hinged wardrobes, which allows clothes to hang comfortably. Sliding wardrobes need a little more depth for the track system.

Should a wardrobe go up to the ceiling?

Usually yes. A full-height wardrobe with a loft adds valuable storage for luggage and bedding, and avoids a dusty gap on top.

Are sliding wardrobes durable?

Yes, when they use a good-quality track system and are installed level. Cheap tracks are the most common reason sliding shutters jam, so it is worth investing in the hardware.

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