It’s a question that, when answered correctly, can change the entire flow of your day: what kind of wardrobe do you really want? So many of us shut the doors on poor storage because it’s easier to put the clutter out of sight than it is to contend with sub-par systems day after day.
But when you finally embrace custom wardrobes and jump into the design process for yourself, it’s a whole different story. You get to define how your wardrobe is laid out, you get to customise the storage solutions you build in, and you get to benefit from having a space created by and for you.
The question is, how? We can help with that. Ready on for a step-by-step guide to designing custom wardrobes that you’ll love, even on your busiest mornings or your most stressful nights.
Step 1. Take stock of what you have.
For our money, all design plans for custom wardrobes should always start in the same place:
Before you even think about shelves, drawers, or hanger space, you need a clear picture of the items your wardrobe will be hosting. That means doing a gentle audit of everything that lives in your current storage. Not a big, dramatic cleanout, just an honest look at the types of garments, accessories, shoes, and miscellaneous bits that need a consistent home.
Once you know what needs storing, you can start shaping the design around your life, not the other way around.
Step 2. Map out how you use your space right now.
How you interact with your wardrobe space will differ from how everyone else does. That’s just the nature of being an individual.
For example, some people want grab-and-go visibility in the morning. Others need zones for workwear, evening outfits, gym gear, or seasonal pieces. Think about your routine and where your current storage setup slows you down or stresses you out.
This part of the process puts clarity around what your wardrobe should be doing for you daily, so you’re not just adding more noise and clutter to your routine instead of sorting out the problems you truly have.
Step 3. Pick the right layout.
Speaking of which, once you have that clarity, the next step of designing custom wardrobes is to pick the perfect layout for your needs. Are you after a walk-in? Does a sleek wall-mounted system sound best? Are you after a simple reach-in wardrobe that’s as efficient as possible?
Custom wardrobes are all about building a layout that suits how you use your space, so it can cater to your lifestyle (no matter what kind of day you’re having). On top of your space mapping, the right layout will also take into account your room’s dimensions, natural light, the flow of traffic, and how much visibility vs. privacy you want for your belongings.
If you’re not sure which layout will suit you best, it helps to speak to a specialist who deals with custom wardrobes every day. Some can come to your home and measure it out just to make sure you’re working with the right options for your space.
Step 4. Select your ideal storage features.
Once you’ve got one of the many custom wardrobes layouts on lock, the next step is to select any special features you’d like to integrate into that layout. This is where the wardrobe truly becomes yours, so think hard about what would make your life easier when you reach into that wardrobe.
Do you need drawers for your folded items, or do you prefer everything hanging up? Do you prioritise daily outfits over special occasion wear, and can a double-hanging rail help with that? Do you need jewellery trays to store your precious items, or overhead shelving for seasonal clothes? What about soft-close drawers or discreet shoe storage?
All of these things are the little storage features that make custom wardrobes so worthwhile, so it’s worth exploring them for yourself. When in doubt, find wardrobe inspiration in galleries and platforms like Pinterest to nail down your “wants” list, or chat with a custom wardrobes specialist.
Step 5. Pick out your finishes and style.
Finally, once the structure is complete, all that’s left is the look. Are you leaning towards Scandinavian simplicity? A bold contemporary finish? Soft neutrals? Glossy whites? Woodgrain textures?
Custom wardrobes should feel like part of the room, not a big block of storage that steals the spotlight. The finish ties the whole thing together and helps elevate the aesthetic of your space, and you can go in any direction you like with this.
There you have it! A step-by-step guide to designing custom wardrobes from scratch, brought to you by the experts in this very craft. If you’re just starting out or you’re halfway through the process and looking for some technical design support, we can help you reach the finish line with a custom wardrobe you’ll love for decades.
We’re Wardrobe World, and we take your storage seriously.
We help Auckland homeowners like you design and install custom wardrobes to suit their unique lifestyles. If you’ve been struggling with your storage and you’re ready to upgrade, get in touch with our team for a full walkthrough of your custom options today.
