Bedroom Wardrobes and Storage: Dimensions, Solutions and Ideas

A bedroom wardrobe setup combines traditional wardrobes, chests of drawers, and open hanging systems to organise clothing efficiently and keep it within easy reach.

In many homes, the bedroom also serves as a dressing room. Alongside the main enclosed wardrobe for clean laundry, an extra solution is often required: for worn clothes that do not need washing yet, or for laying out an outfit for the next day. Clever room planning combines enclosed furniture with open wardrobe elements. A well-planned storage system works just like a Swiss Army knife – every item of clothing has its dedicated place and is instantly accessible.

Dimensions & Room Planning: How Deep and Wide Should the Furniture Be?

Furniture dimensions depend heavily on the available space and the type of clothing. When planning a bedroom layout, you must consider not only the footprint of the furniture, but also clearance areas for moving around.

• Wardrobe depth: A standard wardrobe for hanging clothes requires an internal depth of at least 55 cm, ideally 60 cm. If space is tight, people often look for a wardrobe that is only 50 cm deep. At this depth, wide coat hangers bump against the back panel or doors. The solution: mount the wardrobe rail perpendicular to the back panel rather than parallel, often as an extendable pull-out rail.
• Chest of drawers width: For folded clothes, socks, and underwear, chests of drawers are the top choice. A bedroom chest of drawers keeps items organised without visually overwhelming the room. For larger rooms, a width of 200 cm works well, combining the storage capacity of a small wardrobe with a handy waist-height surface.
• Clearance and movement: Allow at least 80 cm of free space in front of wardrobes with hinged doors and chests with pull-out drawers. This ensures doors and drawers can open fully without colliding with the bed.

Storage Solutions for the Bedroom

The choice of furniture depends on individual needs for hanging and folded laundry. The most common carcase materials are chipboard or MDF, finished with a hard-wearing melamine resin coating. Popular bedroom finishes range from classic white, anthracite, and black through to wood effects.

Enclosed Systems: Wardrobes and Sideboards

The core of bedroom storage is usually a 2-person wardrobe, combining hanging rails and internal shelves. This is complemented by lower-profile units. A bedroom sideboard in white or black blends discreetly into the room design. If the room doubles as an entertainment area, integrating a TV sideboard or a low TV unit provides additional drawer space for accessories.

Open Systems: Hooks and Rails

To avoid the dreaded "clothes chair", open wardrobe fittings are practical additions in the bedroom. They provide a place to air worn shirts or hang dressing gowns.

• Wall hooks: Coat and robe hooks can be mounted in a space-saving manner on the wall, behind the door, or on the outer side of the wardrobe. Depending on the interior style, various materials can be used, such as aluminium hooks for a modern aesthetic or chrome hooks for a polished accent.
• Hanging rails: A wall-mounted wardrobe rail is a minimalist solution for alcoves. Extendable pull-out rails, on the other hand, fit beneath internal shelves inside cabinets, making them ideal for shallow-depth units.

Internal Hardware: Fittings and Drawer Runners

The everyday functionality of bedroom drawers and wardrobes depends entirely on the quality of the installed hardware. For DIY enthusiasts building or upgrading furniture, the following technical details are crucial:

• Drawer runners: A full-extension runner allows the drawer to pull out 100% from the carcase. This is particularly important for deep chests of drawers, allowing easy access right to the back. A single-extension runner opens to only around 75%.
• Hinges: Wardrobe doors are typically mounted using a concealed cup hinge. The standard drilling diameter for the cup is 35 mm. Depending on the cabinet construction, you will need a full overlay hinge (the door completely covers the carcase edge) or an inset hinge (the door sits flush inside the carcase side panels).
• Damping: Integrated soft-close mechanisms on hinges and drawer runners ensure doors and drawers shut gently and quietly – an essential feature in the bedroom.

Assembly and Fitting Tips

Assembling bedroom furniture requires careful attention and the right tools.

Required tools:

• Cordless screwdriver with suitable bits (usually PZ or PH for wood screws)
• Spirit level and tape measure
• Rubber mallet for wooden dowels
• Hammer drill (for wall fixings)

Step-by-step guidance:

1. Check the base: Wardrobes must stand completely level. Use a spirit level and adjust the height-adjustable cabinet feet as needed. If the cabinet is not level, the doors cannot be adjusted correctly on their hinges later.
2. Assemble the carcase: Join the panels using cam lock fittings and wooden dowels. Ensure the back panel is nailed or screwed on strictly square, as this provides the entire cabinet with essential structural rigidity.
3. Fit anti-tip brackets: Multi-drawer chests and tall wardrobes shift their centre of gravity forward when doors or drawers are opened. Always secure these units to the wall using suitable wall plugs and brackets.
4. Adjust the fittings: Use the adjustment screws on the cup hinge to align the door reveal in height, depth, and lateral alignment.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Bedroom Wardrobes

How deep should a clothes wardrobe be? For clothes on standard hangers, an internal depth of 55 cm to 60 cm is recommended. For a wardrobe that is only 50 cm deep, hang shirts and jackets perpendicular to the back panel on an extendable pull-out rail so that doors close without catching.

Which chest of drawers is best for a bedroom? For folded clothing, chests fitted with full-extension runners are ideal because they provide complete access to the interior. A width of 120 cm to 200 cm offers generous storage space for two people.

How do I securely install wall hooks? The fixing method depends on the wall structure. Solid brickwork or concrete requires standard wall plugs. For plasterboard stud walls, use dedicated hollow-wall anchors so the hooks can support the weight of heavy dressing gowns or coats.

What is the difference between full extension and partial extension? With a partial-extension runner, roughly a quarter of the drawer remains inside the carcase, making it harder to reach items at the back. A full-extension runner slides out completely, greatly improving visibility and accessibility.