Wardrobe

Measure the available width, depth and ceiling height, allowing for skirting boards, cornices and nearby furniture. Include space for doors and drawers to open without hitting the bed. Then compare internal capacity: a wider wardrobe does not necessarily offer more hanging space if much of it contains shelving. Mark the full footprint on the floor, including projecting handles, to see how comfortably you can move around it.

Sliding doors suit rooms where there is limited space between the wardrobe and bed because they do not swing outwards. However, they usually reveal only part of the interior at once. Hinged doors can provide a wider view of your clothes but need clearance to open fully. Consider access to internal drawers too: the door opening must allow them to pull out without obstruction.

Choose the layout around what you own. Dresses and long coats need uninterrupted hanging height, while shirts and folded trousers may suit shorter rails arranged in two tiers. Shelves work well for knitwear and bags, and drawers keep smaller items organised. Measure your longest garments on their hangers and compare the usable rail clearance. Adjustable fittings offer flexibility, but check which shelves, rails and drawers are included.

The usable internal depth must accommodate your hangers and clothing without the doors pressing against them. Measure a hanger with a bulky jacket on it, then compare that with the space between the wardrobe’s back and closed doors. External depth includes panels and door mechanisms, so it can overstate storage space. Shallow wardrobes may use front-to-back rails instead; check the hanging arrangement before choosing a slim design.

A tall, narrow wardrobe can make use of vertical space, while integrated drawers may reduce the need for a separate chest. Sliding doors help where opening space is tight, although the cabinet still needs sufficient depth. A finish close to the wall colour can make a large piece feel less dominant. Mirrored doors combine storage with a dressing mirror, but consider what they will reflect from the bed.

Confirm whether it arrives assembled, in sections or flat-packed, and compare the largest delivery piece with doorways, stairs and tight turns. Ask how much floor and ceiling clearance assembly requires: some wardrobes are built lying down before being raised upright. Check whether delivery includes assembly and positioning, and follow the manufacturer’s wall-anchoring instructions. A wardrobe that fits its final position may still need considerably more space during installation.