Children's Wardrobes: Dimensions, Solutions, and Ideas
A functional children's wardrobe combines a height adapted to the child's stature with a flexible interior layout made of height-adjustable shelves and clothes rails.
As children grow, their storage requirements change. Tiny baby grows give way to bulky winter jackets, and suddenly the old chest of drawers is no longer sufficient. A well-designed children's wardrobe is the logistical hub of the room. For DIY enthusiasts tackling the assembly themselves, planning comes down to exact dimensions, selecting the right materials, and secure wall fixing.
Dimensions and Room Planning: How Big Should the Wardrobe Be?
The dimensions of the furniture piece determine how much floor space remains in the room and whether the child can reach their clothes independently.
- The height: A wardrobe with a height of 180 cm is often ideal for children's bedrooms. It provides ample storage space, does not feel overpowering in smaller rooms, and allows older children to reach the top compartment without a step stool.
- The width: For a single child, a 2-door model measuring around 80 cm wide is usually sufficient. Those who plan for extra space for toy boxes or winter clothing inside the wardrobe opt for models that are 110 cm or configured as a wardrobe 120 cm wide.
- The depth: Standard wardrobes are around 60 cm deep so that adult clothes hangers fit across easily. For children's clothing, a depth of 50 cm is entirely sufficient. A 50 cm deep wardrobe saves valuable centimetres in narrow rooms.
Materials and Tools for DIY Assembly
Most flat-pack wardrobes are made from melamine-coated chipboard or painted MDF. These materials are easy to maintain and resistant to scratches. Those opting for natural materials choose a solid wood wardrobe, which stands particularly stably due to its high density, though it is noticeably heavier during assembly.
For assembly, you will generally require:
- Cordless screwdriver with bits (often PZ or TX)
- Spirit level for aligning the carcasses
- Wooden mallet for wooden dowels
- Hammer drill (for the essential wall mounting)
Important: Every wardrobe in a child's bedroom must be securely anchored to the wall with anti-tip hardware. Use suitable wall plugs and screws tailored to your specific wall type (concrete, plasterboard, brick).
Interior Fittings and Hardware
The mechanical hardware determines safety and long-term durability in daily use. Pay close attention to the components used.
Doors and Hinges
Classic hinged doors are mounted to the carcass using a concealed hinge (usually with a 35 mm cup diameter). For children's bedrooms, a soft-close mechanism is essential. This damper decelerates the door before closing and prevents trapped fingers. In tight spaces, custom sliding wardrobe doors are a space-saving alternative, as they require no clearance to swing open into the room.
Drawers and Runners
Drawers in the lower section are practical for underwear and socks. Check whether a single extension or a full extension runner is installed. A full extension runner pulls out 100%, making access to the rear area of the drawer effortless. Sturdy ball bearing runners glide smoothly even under heavier loads.
Grid Flexibility
Shelves should be adjustable via the System 32 (a continuous line of holes spaced 32 mm apart). This allows you to adapt the compartment heights as the child grows. Additional shelf supports and fittings can be selected from a dedicated range of wardrobe accessories.
Solutions for Siblings and Teenagers
When two children share a room, storage demands increase. A wardrobe for 2 people should be at least 3 metres wide so that each child receives their own clearly defined section. A symmetrical interior layout with separate drawers prevents morning squabbles. In addition, a children's chest of drawers can be used to relieve pressure on the main wardrobe.
As children reach their teenage years, aesthetic preferences change. Bright colours give way to neutral tones. A white wardrobe is timeless and brightens up the space. Teenagers increasingly favour industrial designs, such as concrete-look fronts, dark brown finishes, or a striking wardrobe in anthracite.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Wardrobes
What depth is practical for a children's wardrobe? A depth of 50 cm is easily sufficient for children's hangers and saves floor space. If adult hangers are to be used later, a depth of 60 cm is required.
How do I retrofit door dampers? If doors slam shut loudly, you can retrofit clip-on dampers to the existing hinge or replace the hinge entirely with a model featuring integrated soft-close. Ensure the cup hole diameter matches.
How should I position the clothes rail? For young children, the clothes rail should be installed at a maximum height of 100 cm to 110 cm so they can hang up their jackets themselves. The area above can be reserved for shelves holding less frequently used items.