Which Storage Is Best For Your Space?
Walk-in wardrobes and fitted dressing rooms have a whole lot in common. They’re both spaces dedicated to storing your clothes and accessories, separate from your bedroom. And each has their own show-stopping, luxury appeal. But there’s one key difference.
While both spaces act as a dedicated place to store clothes, the difference is that walk-in wardrobes are designed with open storage, whereas dressing rooms are fitted with door fronts.
It’s a simple definition but each offers its own unique benefits. So if you want to find out more, let’s take a deep dive into the world of clothing storage and rummage for answers…
Why choose a walk-in wardrobe?
Because of the open-plan nature of their fitted storage, walk-in wardrobes feel wonderfully immersive because they let you step right into the heart of your clothing collection to browse what’s there.
You can see everything at a glance, which is especially useful for those hectic mornings where you might have to ‘grab and go’ in a hurry. But that doesn’t mean you can’t linger and appreciate your surroundings when the mood strikes. Far from it!
Walk-in wardrobes are visually captivating as they make your collection the star of the show. And for that extra wow-factor, the right lighting will pick out every glimmer and highlight on your accessories for a high-end, glamorous look.
Why choose a fitted dressing room?
Dressing rooms are certainly no slouch when it comes to stunning visuals either. With added door fronts to your storage, you’ve got even more freedom to find your style and create something unique.
You could add sliding doors, with a wide range of panel configurations, or opt for a bold painted finish with accent handles. When you pair your doors with a mirror finish, you get a look that’s sophisticated, practical and extra luxurious.
Since dressing rooms use door-fronted storage, they’re a sensible choice if you need to put away seasonal clothes you might not use for months on end. And as an added bonus, they invite you to open them up and explore, which can be a wonderfully entertaining process in its own right.
What types of storage can I have?
Whichever you choose, dressing rooms and walk-in wardrobes are both fantastic storage options for your clothes and accessories.
They also give you completely free rein to customise how your wardrobe is laid out﹘there’s no one way to configure your space! Here are just a few ideas to spark your imagination.
Double hanging rails
The last thing you want to do with long dresses and suits is to have to fold them up.
Double rails let you hang them up easily, keeping them crease free and ready for any occasion.
Pigeonhole shelving
A great option for shoes, bags and accessories, pigeonholes keep everything separate whilst also making your pieces a bold visual accent in your room.
Great for collectors and fashion aficionados.
Boot rails
Where some shoes might be too tall for pigeonhole shelving, a boot rail can really come in handy.
Using specially designed clips, your boots are suspended from the rail, keeping them together and easy to find.
Overhead shelving
Still need room for suitcases, towels and bedding?
Overhead shelving will make a fantastic addition.
It’s great for any items you might only need every so often and keeps them out of sight too.
Soft-close drawers
A staple that many people find useful in their fitted storage design.
Drawers are great for your everyday bits and bobs, like socks and underwear, but they’re also very useful for any clothing that could stretch if hung up.
Loose-knit jumpers, we’re looking at you!
Glamour cabinets
An alternative to a dressing table, glamour cabinets combine a mirror and storage to give you a convenient place to get ready.
And with elegant built-in lighting they add that extra dash of sophistication to any fitted wardrobe design.
Pull down rails
No rail is too high when you add this feature. Simply grab the handle, pull, and your clothing comes to you.
Designed with a smooth action, it’s the smarter way to access the upper areas of your fitted storage.
What to consider when designing your space
When you get to the stage where you’re thinking about designing your own bespoke walk-in wardrobe or dressing room, it’s a good time to ask the following questions.
What type of space are you working with?
Is it a loft space, a box room, or a fairly standard spare room?
If you’re working around difficult room geometry, doors can help to obscure problem areas like sloped ceilings and eaves.
However, a smaller interior might lend itself better to open shelving to give you better access.
Do you need any extra furniture to make getting ready easy?
A vanity table makes a wonderful addition to walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms and lets you take care of your hair, grooming, make-up and clothing all from one place.
An island unit provides a place to sit while you try on shoes and offers additional storage too.
Do you need to store any clothes for long periods?
If you have an extensive collection, chances are you’ll need to pack away any seasonal wear as the months change. In this instance, you’ll likely find having door-fronted cabinets convenient for long-term storage. This will be less of an issue if you keep your clothes in regular rotation.
And for an even more luxuriant feel, wallpapers with a hint of metallics or a gilt finish will give you an extra gleam when the light hits it just right. Bliss!
What types of clothing and accessories do you have?
Whether you have handbags piled up to the ceiling or a shoe collection that would make a fashion retailer feel inadequate, it always pays to tailor your storage to suit your collection.
Think about how much you have and how you want to showcase your best pieces.
How good is the light in your space?
You’d be surprised how much of a difference this makes! Lighting is essential while you’re getting ready but even more so if you need to reach into the back of deep storage to see what’s there.
Integrated lighting not only looks glamorous but it’s practical too.
Answering these questions is a good start when deciding whether to have a walk-in wardrobe or a dressing room, but if you’re still not sure what’s right for your home, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Get expert advice
Sharps can help you weigh up your options, provide guidance on how to optimise your space and design completely bespoke storage that fits to a tee.
So, whatever storage you need﹘from shelving, to shoe cascades, and corner units﹘everything is created with you in mind.
Book your free design visit today and start your journey to beautifully organised clothing.
Interior stylist Gemma Gear’s Perfect walk-in wardrobe
Interior stylist, Gemma Gear, knows a thing or two about dramatic room transformations and we were thrilled to help with her latest project in her period property.
Gemma wanted to create a statement walk-in wardrobe that matched the character of her home but it also needed to have a fresh, contemporary feel. Our team at Sharps helped her create stunning storage that captures her own unique style.
