We all need somewhere to hang our clothes, but finding the perfect storage solution can be tricky when your bedroom is on the smaller side. However, just because you’re lacking space doesn’t mean you have to miss out on style! Compact spaces may require a little more creativity when it comes to utilising wall and floor space, but there are some hard and fast rules that you can follow to ensure you find the right solution for you, and wardrobes make no exception. We’ve rounded up our top tips for finding the best wardrobe design for your small bedroom.
How do I choose a wardrobe for a small bedroom?
Original Rustic double wardrobe | @holcombedreaminteriors
The first thing you’ll need to think about is the size. Will the wardrobe actually fit in your small bedroom? While it might be tempting to try a 3 door wardrobe, the reality is that it’ll overwhelm the space you have, making it the focal point of the room, rather than your bed. Instead, choose furniture that’s appropriately sized for the space it will be living in.
A double wardrobe still provides plenty of hanging space, and choosing designs with drawers means you have more room to store your clothes or linens without using up precious hanging space. But make sure you leave enough space! You’ll need around 20cm at the front of your chosen wardrobe to allow for opening the doors and manoeuvring around it. For more details on optimal bedroom layouts, take a look at our bedroom measurement guide.
Wardrobes with sliding doors for small bedrooms
When space is at a premium, wardrobes with sliding doors can be a game-changer. Unlike traditional hinged doors that swing outward, sliding doors glide neatly along the frame, meaning you don’t need to factor in additional clearance space at the front. This makes them ideal for tighter layouts where every centimetre counts.
They’re particularly well-suited to narrow or awkward bedrooms, where placing furniture can be more challenging. Sliding door wardrobes allow you to position your bed, bedside tables, or other furniture closer together without compromising accessibility. The result is a more efficient layout that feels less cramped and more functional.
Use the whole wardrobe
We all know that wardrobes provide indispensable, hidden storage. But why not make the most of the extra storage created on the outside of the piece? Above it, next to it, the sides, maximise the space you’ve gained! The top of a wardrobe comes as a ready-made shelf, perfect for ornaments or your favourite rattan storage boxes. Why not pop a floor-standing plant pot or wicker basket next to the wardrobe to fill with spare accessories — your options are endless.
Where should you put a wardrobe in a bedroom?
Make the most of alcoves
Parquet wardrobe | @mypetitenewbuild
Many older properties feature bedroom alcoves around a chimney breast; some may be fortunate enough to still have a beautiful fireplace fitted. Alcoves offer an amazing opportunity to squeeze in those often cumbersome wardrobes, especially in a bedroom lacking space. Fit one into one side of the chimney breast, while creating a sense of balance and symmetry with another furniture piece, such as a chest of drawers or dressing table, on the other side.
Make sure you measure up the space so the wardrobe slots seamlessly into its surrounding walls. If you’re working with a period property, remember that walls tend not to be perfectly straight. Take measurements from several parts of the wall to ensure it will fit all the way along.
Consider a built-in wardrobe
Madeline mirror | @layered.home
If you’re worried that a wardrobe may make your space feel cluttered and claustrophobic, a built-in wardrobe offers a beautifully sleek alternative. Whether you fill available alcoves or make use of a vacant wall, these floor-to-ceiling bedroom additions can actually make your room feel more spacious. What’s more, it means that your favourite furniture pieces can take centre stage, whether it’s your bed, dressing table, chest of drawers, or bedside tables.
Best wardrobe designs for small bedrooms
Blend your wardrobe in
Brompton wardrobe | Brompton tallboy | @a_house_and_its_chows
When dealing with smaller bedrooms, we can’t create space, but we can certainly create the illusion of space. An easy way to achieve this is by matching your wardrobe colour to your walls, allowing them to almost dissolve into their surroundings. This premise is the same regardless of wall colour. While some may shy away from using darker furniture in a darker room, it can actually create a beautiful cocooning effect, perfect for a good night’s sleep.
Make a statement
Parquet double wardrobe | @jlg-designs
If your wardrobe needs to sit at an awkward angle, or you’re struggling to find a piece that matches your existing colour palette, why not make a statement? Give your bedroom that instant wow factor with a stylish and eye-catching wardrobe option. If it has to take up floor space in a small room, make sure it’s worth the square footage! We love how the detail of the Parquet range provides an interesting edge to any bedroom. Its decorative style, intriguing mid-century modern characteristics, and rich warmth from its honey hue make for a beautifully unique wardrobe, no matter your existing decor.
Wardrobes with mirrors
Wardrobes with mirrors included are another smart and stylish solution for smaller bedrooms. By incorporating a full length mirror into the wardrobe doors, you remove the need for a separate mirror elsewhere in the room, freeing up valuable wall and floor space.
How tall wardrobes can make a small bedroom feel bigger
Taller wardrobes are an excellent choice when you’re looking to maximise both storage and visual space. By drawing the eye upwards, they emphasise the height of the room, making ceilings appear higher and the overall space feel larger.
They also reduce the need for additional storage furniture, such as extra chests or shelving units, which helps to minimise clutter. With everything neatly stored in one place, your bedroom benefits from a more streamlined and intentional layout, which is key to creating a calm and spacious feel in a smaller room.
What can I use instead of a wardrobe?
Canterbury bed | Canterbury bedside table | Canterbury tallboy | @mrsh_at_bears_cottage
While wardrobes offer ample storage space for bedrooms, they may not suit every home spatially. Tallboys, with their narrow and space-saving design, provide an excellent alternative. Their slim profile allows them to fit easily alongside other bedroom furniture, such as dressing tables and much-needed bedside tables.
You should now be ready to kit out your small bedroom with the perfect wardrobe design. Head over to our wardrobe collections to find a stylish piece, or gain some more tips for styling small homes. Don’t forget to show us your style on Instagram and TikTok, tag us, or use #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.
