Planning an Open Wardrobe and Dressing Room: Shelving Systems and Rails

An open dressing room relies on a modular support system where wardrobe rails, shelf supports, and drawer runners must be precisely matched to structural requirements and the carcass drilling grid.

When planning an open wardrobe system or a walk-in dressing room, attention is often focused on visible finishes. However, true functionality and durability are determined by the hardware and underlying support system. An open wardrobe system behaves like a car chassis – visible shelves are merely the bodywork, whilst stability and load capacity come entirely from invisible fittings and connectors.

This guide is aimed at fitters, joiners, and experienced DIY enthusiasts looking to plan or modify wardrobes from scratch. Learn which technical specifications to look for when choosing shelving systems, hanging rails, and runners.

Key Purchasing Criteria for Shelving Systems and Wardrobe Rails

To construct a structurally sound dressing room, dimensions, load capacities, and hole spacing must align precisely.

Dimensions and System 32

Most modern furniture carcasses are based on System 32. This means the line-drilled holes in the side panels have a vertical spacing of exactly 32 mm. The diameter of these drill holes is usually 5 mm, or less commonly 3 mm. Anyone retrofitting wardrobe accessories such as shelf supports or rail brackets must take these dimensions into account.

Regarding carcass depth: 600 mm is the benchmark for hanging garments. If space is restricted and the wardrobe is only 500 mm deep, jacket and shirt sleeves will protrude slightly beyond the front edge. For height, standard dimensions typically range from 1800 mm to 2200 mm, though open systems are frequently planned up to the ceiling to maximise available room.

Load Capacity of Wardrobe Rails

A fully loaded wardrobe rail must withstand substantial tensile and bending forces. Load capacity is defined by the material (typically steel or aluminium), wall thickness (e.g. 1.5 mm), and profile shape. Due to their geometry, oval tubes provide greater bending stiffness than traditional round tubes. Across spans from 1000 mm upwards, most rails sag under the weight of winter coats. In these setups, a centre support bracket screwed into the shelf above is essential.

Drawer Runners for Internal Pull-Outs

An open system requires enclosed sections for underwear and accessories. When selecting drawer systems, there are distinct technical differences. A full-extension runner pulls out 100% from the carcass, allowing unrestricted access to the rear of the drawer. A single-extension runner (partial extension) opens to roughly 75% of its depth.

For wardrobes, runners with lengths between 450 mm and 500 mm are most frequently used. The load capacity for standard clothing storage should be at least 30 kg.

Overview of Types and Components

Wardrobe Rails and Flanges

The core element of any dressing room is hanging storage.

• Oval tube: The standard profile (usually 30 x 15 mm) for heavy loads. Attachment is carried out using wardrobe rail sockets (flanges), which are either inserted into the 5 mm hole line or secured with chipboard screws (e.g. 3.5 x 15 mm).
• Round tube: Frequently used in industrial designs (pipe aesthetics). The diameter is usually 25 mm.
• Pull-out wardrobe rails: When carcass depth is less than 500 mm, clothes hang perpendicular to the wall. These pull-outs are mounted directly underneath a shelf.

Shelf Supports

Shelf supports are used to adjust shelf positions flexibly.

• Plug-in studs: Simple metal pins (Ø 5 mm) inserted into the line-drilled holes.
• Spoon shelf supports: Provide a flat supporting surface for wooden shelves.
• Locking shelf supports: Prevent the shelf from sliding forward – a vital feature in open systems without doors.

Drawer Slides and Soft-Close Mechanisms

Various runner types are available for drawer fittings.

• Ball bearing runners: Side-mounted on the drawer. Mechanically straightforward, robust, but visible.
• Undermount runners: Fitted concealed beneath the drawer base. Ideal for a clean look in open dressing rooms.

The closing mechanism must also be selected: Soft-close dampens the drawer movement and pulls it shut quietly. Push-to-open is the exact opposite mechanism, where handleless fronts pop open upon pressing. Both mechanisms cannot be combined within the same runner. When using push-to-open, traditional handles or a bar handle are omitted.

Which System for Which Application? (Decision Guide)

Planning depends on available room dimensions and specific storage requirements.

• When planning for 2 people: Allow for a width requirement of at least 3000 mm to 4000 mm. Divide the wardrobe into modules, for example three 1000 mm carcasses or four 800 mm units. A large wardrobe setup strictly requires vertical dividing panels between modules to carry the load of the rails.
• When the space is narrow: In hallways or narrow alcoves, a carcass depth of 600 mm is often impractical. Choose front pull-outs (telescopic rails) designed for depths between 350 mm and 450 mm.
• When utilising corners: An open corner wardrobe requires dedicated corner brackets for the shelving. In corner zones, rails are often fitted continuously around the corner, requiring accurate mitre cuts and dedicated 90° tube connectors.
• When planning to add doors later: Position drawers so they do not collide with future hinges. Use concealed hinges for full overlay mounting if the door should cover the carcass edge completely. Alternatively, bespoke wardrobe sliding door hardware can be fitted in front of the open system at a later stage.

Installation Guidelines for Fitters

Assembling a modular system accurately requires precision. A carcass that is not plumb will inevitably cause drawers to stick.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver with driver bits (PZ for Pozidriv or TX for Torx)
• Spirit level (at least 1000 mm in length)
• Tape measure and pencil
• Hacksaw (for cutting wardrobe rails to size)
• Drill with 5 mm wood drill bit (for hole lines)

Step-by-Step Base Assembly

1. Carcass connection: Join the side panels, base, and top panel of the module. In modular furniture units such as a 200 cm wide wardrobe, this is typically done using cam and pin connectors (eccentric connectors) paired with wooden dowels.
2. Levelling: Stand the carcass upright. Use height-adjustable cabinet feet (commonly with M8 or M10 threads) to compensate for uneven floors. Check that the spirit level indicates perfectly level and plumb alignment both vertically and horizontally.
3. Cutting rails to size: Measure the internal clear dimension between the side panels. Deduct the thickness of both rail sockets (usually 2 mm to 4 mm in total). Cut the tube with a hacksaw and deburr the cut edges.
4. Fixing the flanges: Position the sockets. The clearance to the underside of the shelf above should be at least 40 mm to 50 mm, allowing hangers to hook on comfortably. Fasten the flanges using 3.5 x 15 mm countersunk screws.
5. Fitting drawer runners: Use System 32 hole centres for exact height positioning. Fasten the cabinet profile runners securely using Euro screws (specialised screws for 5 mm drill holes).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much space is needed for an open wardrobe for 2 people?

A system for two people generally requires an overall width of 3000 mm to 4000 mm. This allows for a practical division into hanging sections, shelves for folded clothing such as jumpers, and drawers for underwear.

What depth is ideal for wardrobe rails?

The ideal carcass depth is 600 mm. At this depth, jackets and shirts hang freely without rubbing against the back panel or protruding at the front. With a depth of 500 mm, bulky garments will project slightly into the room.

When is a centre support bracket required for a wardrobe rail?

For clear spans of 1000 mm or more, an oval or round rail should be supported in the centre. Without this additional fixing to the shelf above, the metal tube will bend under the weight of heavy clothes.

What is the difference between full-extension and single-extension internal drawers?

A full-extension runner pulls out to 100% of its length on telescopic slides. A single-extension runner stops at roughly 75% of travel. For deep wardrobes (e.g. 600 mm), full extension is strongly recommended to make full use of the rear storage area.

Can an open wardrobe be retrofitted with doors later?

Yes, this can be done without issues. For hinged doors, concealed cup hinges are required, usually with a 35 mm cup diameter. Pay attention to the mounting type: full overlay is used when the door covers the carcass edge completely, whereas an inset mounting leaves the carcass edges visible.

Suitable Hardware Categories for Your Project

When finalising the planning of your dressing room, you can source the necessary hardware components and fittings across the following ranges:

• Fittings and hardware suitable for solid wooden wardrobe carcasses
• Fittings tailored for compact storage units and 120 cm wide wardrobe builds
• Modular components and wardrobe accessories