Beyond Storage: Luxury Wardrobes

A considered approach to wardrobes as architectural elements that define luxury living spaces

When it comes to creating exceptional interiors, it’s usually the various surrounding elements that we interact with daily that call for serious consideration. The highly underrated wardrobe serves as a beautiful marriage between form and function, making your space contribute to an improved lifestyle.

Over the decades, we have observed how most clients who initially dismiss wardrobe design’s importance eventually end up claiming it as the favourite part of their interiors once they have been executed. Why? It’s simple – a well-designed wardrobe does not merely function – it enhances.

Often, clients will come to us seeking the ideal wardrobe cabinet – something simple and functional. Yet what they truly seek, without even realising it themselves, is something truly transformative. A wardrobe space beyond basic storage.

Discerning clients seek a statement piece that will follow and enhance the aesthetic values of their bedroom while improving upon its organisational challenges. Visually, it holds as much impact as other interior elements such as the bed, lighting, and accessories.

Generally speaking, wardrobes are considered from a purely utilitarian point of view, which leads to missed opportunities. Whether you’re thinking about a 6-door wardrobe across your bedroom wall or a seamless corner wardrobe tucked away, considering these storage solutions a part of your architecture will completely transform the impact they have on your sanctuary.

You may consider the number of doors of a wardrobe to be nothing more than numbers that signify its size, but your choice here can completely alter the room’s proportions and spatial flow.

A single door wardrobe (or 1-door wardrobe as some call it) features a simplified silhouette but has limited access due to a smaller width. A 2-door wardrobe is a classic choice as it has a symmetric appeal and decent storage space. 3-door or 4-door wardrobes provide a more comprehensive wardrobe solution and serve as a canvas for more visual interest. We often play with things by keeping one door see-through or covered with a full-length mirror to play with textures. There’s a recent surge in demand for sliding mirror wardrobe doors, as they save space and enhance functionality. A 4-door wardrobe with a mirror remains one of our most popularly requested configurations.

For a larger bedroom, a suitably sized 5-door wardrobe or 6-door wardrobe installation looks more proportionally balanced. You can play with varying door styles, materials, and textures to keep things from looking too clinical and dull.

When it comes to space-efficient design, a sliding door wardrobe serves as a contemporary, sleek solution that doesn’t require space for doors swinging open. Sliding wardrobe doors must be engineered and executed with precision and enhanced dust sealing for the best wardrobe experience.

Glass wardrobe doors offer an entirely new depth to wardrobes – whether we’re talking smoked, frosted, or plain – the play with transparency adds intrigue to your wardrobes and allows you to display your prized possessions with the level of refinement they deserve.

For a wardrobe, the selection of material will account for a major part of its visual appeal and longevity.

Let’s compare the stunning solid hardwood with the synthetic veneered MDF. The former not only provides exceptional structural integrity to support your heavier belongings but also lasts for many years without bending or cracking, unlike its synthetic counterparts. It develops a gorgeous patina over time, which only enhances its heritage value and is the preferred choice for creating a luxury wardrobe. Some popular varieties include:

• Oak: A pronounced grain that works in both classic and modern interior settings.
• Walnut: Deep, rich colours that add the much-loved warmth and depth associated with quality wooden wardrobes.
• Ash: A straighter grain pattern that offers better stain resistance while maintaining high durability levels.

In specific cases, veneer can prove to be the better option, yet we place great emphasis on selecting the right thickness. A 0.6mm veneer is the minimum criterion to avoid unwanted cracks, bends, or damage caused by cleaning, weight, humidity, or high UV levels. 

When it comes to painted wardrobes, such as the ever-famous white wardrobe, the method of preparation is what will separate basic from exceptional. Multiple primer coats, skilled hand-sanding, and a non-yellowing lacquer sealant are some of the details involved in perfecting that smooth finish for your white wardrobe design.

While standard, mass-produced options provide an easy, quick fix preferred by some, those with a refined taste seek something more tailored and unique. 

In most luxury homes located in space-conscious locations, it’s always better to go for fitted wardrobe design. They come with many advantages:

• Perfect proportions: Fitted wardrobes are designed to cover your specific space, extending a full floor-to-ceiling length that cancels out any dust-collecting gaps.
• Spatial efficiency: Tailored down to the exact centimeter, bespoke options ensure you make the most out of your space, including any awkward angles and corners.
• Architectural integration: A well-executed fitted wardrobe feels like an organic extension of the room by seamlessly enveloping its architectural features, instead of an object awkwardly placed as an afterthought.
• Customised organisation: An organiser for your collection of timeless watches, or a specialised showcase for luxury handbags, you can tailor your wardrobe’s inner design to fit your collection precisely, to the smallest pair of socks.

For a recent project, we decided to shift a dead space – an irregularly shaped corner with a sloped ceiling – into a bespoke corner wardrobe. Not only did this utilise an otherwise wasted space by offering more storage, but it also made the room feel more spacious and evenly designed than before.

Although many seek to buy fitted wardrobes, their freestanding counterparts hold their perks. If you like to frequently renovate or redecorate, their mobility can make things much easier for you.

Not every bedroom can offer a perfectly rectangular, spacious area, which creates the opportunity for more creative solutions:

• Reduced-depth cabinets: When full-depth isn’t possible, 450mm deep sections can serve the purpose without overbearing your space.
• Fitted wardrobe corner solutions: The use of wardrobes with an angled door lets you utilise any awkward nooks that may have gone wasted.
• Bedroom corner wardrobe units: Modern fitted wardrobes around the bed​ are an L-shaped configuration that provides generous storage with quick access.
• Height utilisation: Full-length wardrobes can have the higher sections reserved for less-used items.

When it comes to wardrobes, their exterior design, proportions, and materials set the aesthetic value. Yet it’s the interior that will determine how satisfied you will be with its functionality after a few years. With luxury furniture, it’s always the careful consideration reflected in hidden details that defines true sophistication.

A wardrobe’s inner design may be concealed, yet it holds a lot of significance for how it enhances your quality of life. Do you fold your T-shirts or prefer to hang them? Do you like to keep your shoes boxed or openly displayed? Do you store fine accessories like jewelry and watches? 

Your unique personal choices and collection of belongings should shape the interiors for your storage. Specified dimensions, hanging spaces, shelving, organisers, accessories, humidity controls, integrated illumination, and biometric locks – a control over these elements will help customize the wardrobe experience to suit your exact needs.

When it comes to interiors, few details make as big a visual impact as lighting. Recessed LED strips with motion sensors greet you with subtle, accent illumination every time you open your wardrobes. A layered lighting approach is preferred by designers for larger or walk-in wardrobe units, which creates a boutique-inspired ambience.

The organisation standards have greatly evolved with time to meet our fast-paced lifestyles. An effective organization not only helps maintain a cleaner environment but also provides quick and easy access to all belongings by offering better visibility. For most, a day starts with picking out the outfit, and a good start sets the tone for a positive day ahead.

Broader wardrobe organizer ideas include:

• Shoe storage: Slanted, pull-out drawers for easy access and high visibility.
• Pull-down rails: Utilise your wardrobe height by keeping the high-hung items in reach. 
• Watch winders: Luxury timepiece collections deserve luxurious storage.
• Jewellery drawers: Specified compartments and small drawers for different types of jewellery.
• Trouser presses: Pull-out hanging frames with built-in presses for a crisp, tailored experience.
• Scent storage: Temperature-controlled cabinets maintain luxury fragrance collections for longer periods.

For many of our discerning clients in the UAE with properties that feature expansive master suites, a walk-in wardrobe is a luxury staple. It transcends the functions of mere storage, providing a luxurious, boutique experience dressing room, a showcase for your collections, and even a social space for intimate gatherings.

A luxury modern walk-in wardrobe needs to be approached with the same attention as an entire room, as it requires detailed attention for elements such as floors, ceilings, wall treatments, lighting, and climate control. It should include subtle details such as:

• A central island with drawers for smaller belongings creates an enhanced layout.
• Different sections are specified for each clothing category for an organised visual.
• Specialised storage for accessories such as pieces of jewelry, watches, handbags, sunglasses, etc.
• A minimal yet plush seating area for accommodating wardrobe changes or to simply slip your shoes on.
• A layered lighting system that combines statement, accent, and major lights for an enhanced experience.
• Incorporating full-length mirrors for any outfit assessment needs, and to simply tie the space together.
• A dressing table complete with a vanity mirror is often incorporated to create a designated ‘getting-ready’ zone.

A walk-in wardrobe need not be restricted to generous dimensions. Recently, we converted a spare box room into an impressive walk-in wardrobe with smoked glass cabinetry for a more expansive feeling, and leather-lined drawers and statement lighting, which made it feel like a luxury experience even with the smaller dimensions.

A well-executed bedroom wardrobe design blends seamlessly with the room’s overall aesthetics. When approaching modern wardrobe designs for the bedroom, consider:

• Proportions: A wardrobe size should be aligned with the room’s dimensions.
• Alignment: To achieve better cohesion, align the wardrobe’s heights with doorways, windows, or other significant architectural elements.
• Flow: The swing direction of your wardrobe door should never be restricted, nor should it restrict movement within the room.
• Cohesion: The finish of a wardrobe needs to complement the design values of pre-existing architectural and interior elements in the space.

For kids and nursery rooms, there needs to be additional considerations. A kid’s wardrobe needs to be sturdy and adaptable to grow with the child’s requirements by incorporating elements such as adjustable hanging heights and flexible shelving units.

In all our years of designing, manufacturing, and remodeling bespoke wardrobes, we have observed some common errors that are made, so make sure you avoid them with your storage piece:

1. Insufficient depth: A standard wardrobe is typically 600mm deep, yet it’s not enough for accommodating a smooth experience, especially in the hanging sections. We recommend a minimum size of 650mm or 700mm.
   
2. Poor door-to-interior ratio: For instance, consider a 4-door wardrobe without any divisions – it’s an organisational mess. Divisions should be aligned by doors.
   
3. Overlooking seasonal storage: Don’t forget to include high-level or deep-base compartments reserved for storing off-season clothes and accessories.
   
4. Ignoring ventilation: Your belongings need to breathe for better longevity and freshness, especially when battling humid environments. Include perforated panels or small gaps to encourage airflow.
5. Mismatched quality: Often, clients are so focused on lavish exteriors that they tend to forego the interiors, which eventually results in a frustrating experience and subsequent remodeling.
   
6. Forgetting corner solutions: Corner spaces in fitted wardrobes become difficult to access despite being a part of the structure. Use accessories like carousel units or angled hanging railings to improve accessibility.
7. Budget wardrobe ideas executed poorly: Skimping on wardrobe solutions is a common practice, as most tend to undermine their importance. This results in a highly unimpressive, substandard result that fails to impress visually or functionally.

It’s important to reiterate back to our initial statements: a wardrobe is so much more than storage. Often, it’s where your day starts and your day ends, creating a touchpoint before you go take on the world. 

Few interior elements in your home have the opportunity of adding ease and refinement to your life on such a regular, daily basis as the humble wardrobe.

At FCI London, you can view our curated collection of wardrobe solutions that are designed to meet your specific needs. We proudly house the largest luxury fitted wardrobe showroom in London. With over 100 door styles and more than 200 finishes, there are endless possibilities to help achieve something that is specified just for you. Our award-winning team is trained to understand your storage requirements and has all the tools, materials, and techniques required to meet them. 

About FCI London: With over three decades of experience designing and specifying luxury furniture and storage solutions for properties across the globe, our team brings unparalleled expertise to every project.