Bedroom Wardrobes — Dimensions, Solutions, Ideas

A functional wardrobe in the bedroom requires a minimum depth of 50 cm to 60 cm for coat hangers, as well as a width tailored to the ceiling height and number of users.

Planning bedroom storage is a matter of geometry, material choice, and solid assembly. Anyone assembling furniture themselves must know the exact room dimensions in advance and understand the wardrobe construction. A well-planned wardrobe makes efficient use of available space without overwhelming the room.

Dimensions and Proportions: Depth, Height, and Width

The dimensions largely determine which garments can be stored and how. Wardrobes generally follow fixed modular dimensions.

• Depth: A standard coat hanger requires approximately 55 cm of depth. A wardrobe with a depth of exactly 50 cm often requires hangers placed at an angle or pull-out wardrobe rails; otherwise, the sleeves of jackets and blazers bump against the back panel or the doors. For purely folded clothes (T-shirts, jumpers), 40 cm is entirely sufficient.
• Height: Common models feature heights between 180 cm and 220 cm. A model 180 cm high is particularly suitable for rooms with sloped ceilings or low clearance. In taller rooms, it pays to utilise the vertical space up to the ceiling to store seasonal clothing in the upper section.
• Width: The space requirement depends on the number of users. A wardrobe for 2 people should be at least 200 cm to 250 cm wide. For very spacious bedrooms, models with a width of 3 m or even 4 m are an option, often composed of several modular carcasses. For single occupants or smaller rooms, a wardrobe 120 cm wide or a compact 80 cm model is often adequate. A wardrobe 200 cm wide represents the classic compromise for couples with average space requirements.

Materials and Visual Impact

The stability and weight of the furniture depend on the material used. In most cases, the carcass consists of melamine-faced chipboard or MDF. These materials are dimensionally stable and do not warp. The surface is determined by a decor representing wood reproductions (such as Sonoma Oak) or plain colours.

Dark colours, such as on a black wardrobe or a model in anthracite or dark brown, create a solid presence and suit large, bright rooms. A white wardrobe reflects light and makes small bedrooms appear visually larger. Those who prefer a natural feel and a breathable room climate opt for a solid wood wardrobe. However, wood works over time and requires slightly more tolerance at the joints during assembly.

Door Systems: Hinged Door vs. Sliding Door

The choice of doors influences the clearance required in the bedroom.

A classic 2-door wardrobe is usually equipped with hinged doors. These are fixed to the carcass via a concealed hinge (generally with a 35 mm drill hole). Hinged doors require space equal to their own width to open fully.

When the gap between bed and wardrobe is narrow, custom sliding wardrobe doors are the technically sensible solution. Like a curtain on a theatre stage, the doors glide past one another on roller runners without protruding into the room. The guide tracks are screwed securely into the top and bottom panels.

Internal Fittings and Complementary Furniture

An empty carcass offers little structure. Subdivisions are created using shelves resting on shelf supports (mostly in the System 32 with 5 mm drill holes) and wardrobe rails.

For small items, socks, and underwear, matching wardrobe accessories such as internal drawers are recommended. These should ideally feature full extension runners so the drawer can be pulled out 100% and the rearmost section remains accessible. If wardrobe space is insufficient, these items can be housed in a separate bedroom chest of drawers or a sideboard.

Guidance for Self-Assembly

Assembling a large wardrobe requires a systematic approach.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver with driver bits (usually PZ or TX)
• Rubber mallet (for wooden dowels)
• Spirit level
• Folding ruler or tape measure and pencil

Assembly Steps

1. Preparation: Sort all components according to the instructions. Protect the bedroom floor with cardboard.
2. Carcass assembly: Connect the side panels with the base and top panels. Cam and dowel fixings and wooden dowels are predominantly used here.
3. Back panel: The wardrobe achieves its structural squareness and stability only through the back panel. This is nailed or fixed with small wood screws. Always check with a spirit level to ensure the carcass is completely square.
4. Uprighting: Large wardrobes (from 200 cm width) are often assembled flat on the floor and then raised upright. Two people are strictly required for this. The ceiling height must be at least equal to the diagonal clearance (tilting dimension) of the wardrobe, otherwise it will catch against the ceiling.
5. Doors and internal fittings: Clip on the hinges or hang the sliding doors into the tracks. Afterwards, adjust the doors via the adjustment screws on the hinge in height, depth, and overlay until the gap reveals are uniform.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on Bedroom Setup

How deep must a wardrobe be? To hang clothes straight on standard hangers, an external depth of 55 cm to 60 cm is required. With a depth of 50 cm or less, rails must be mounted perpendicularly (pull-out rails), or the wardrobe is used purely for folded garments.

How much wardrobe width should be calculated for 2 people? As a guideline, allow 100 cm to 150 cm per person. A wardrobe for two people should therefore be at least 200 cm wide. For an extensive collection of clothing, 250 cm to 300 cm is recommended.

Which is better: sliding doors or hinged doors? That depends on the room. Sliding doors do not swing out into the room when opened, making them ideal for tight bedrooms. Hinged doors, on the other hand, allow simultaneous access to the entire wardrobe interior, but require clearance to open.

How do I upright a large wardrobe without damaging the ceiling? Before assembling flat, calculate the diagonal tilting dimension (the diagonal of the side panel). If this measurement exceeds the room height, the wardrobe must be assembled upright in place.