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.
Read the guideDesign Ideas
Wardrobes design ideas
The best wardrobes start from what you own, not from a catalogue. Planned well, a wardrobe keeps the bedroom clear and makes getting ready on a busy morning effortless.
At a Glance
Storage planned around what you own and how you get ready.
- Mix hanging, drawers and open shelves according to your clothes, not a standard template.
- Sliding shutters save space in compact rooms; hinged shutters give full access.
- Add a dressing unit with a mirror and good lighting for everyday routines.
Shutter styles
- Hinged — full access, economical, works in most rooms.
- Sliding — saves space in compact bedrooms; ideal with mirror or glass panels.
- Walk-in — open shelving and hanging in a dedicated dressing area for larger homes.
Inside the wardrobe
- Long hanging for kurtas and dresses; double hanging for shirts.
- Shallow pull-out shelves for saris; drawers for accessories and a locker.
- Trouser racks, tie and belt organisers and a jewellery tray.
- A loft for suitcases and winter quilts.
Read the full wardrobe design guide for dimensions and materials.
Finishes
Laminates are durable and economical; acrylic adds gloss; veneer brings real wood grain; lacquered glass and mirrors make small rooms feel larger. Compare them in our finishes guide.
More Inspiration
Photographs on this page are licensed sample images used for inspiration; they are not AHU Interior projects. Image credits
Which is better: sliding or hinged wardrobe?
Hinged wardrobes give full access and cost less; sliding wardrobes save space where the room is tight. If there is under about 90 cm in front of the wardrobe, choose sliding.
How do I stop my wardrobe getting damp?
Check the wall for seepage first, use BWR or BWP plywood on walls shared with bathrooms or exteriors, and leave a small ventilation gap behind the carcass.
Planning Guides
Read before you plan
Wardrobe Laminate Colour Combinations for Every Bedroom
Wardrobe colour and laminate combinations that work — wood and white, two-tone, pastel, dark and mirrored ideas for master bedrooms, kids’ rooms and small rooms.
Read the guide
Laminate, Acrylic, PU or Veneer? Choosing Cabinet and Wardrobe Finishes
Compare laminate, acrylic, PU paint, membrane and veneer finishes for kitchens and wardrobes — looks, durability, maintenance and relative cost.
Read the guideBegin a Project
Let’s create a space that feels like you
Tell us about your home or workspace. We’ll listen, ask the right questions, and suggest how we could shape it together.