Wardrobe Organisation in System 32: Flexibility for Baskets and Shelves

February 15, 2026

System 32 is a standardised hole line grid with a continuous drilling spacing of exactly 32 mm, which allows the flexible positioning of fittings, runners, and shelves in cabinet construction.

Proper internal organisation of wardrobes requires precise planning and the selection of the correct fittings. Whether dealing with a compact carcass or a massive wardrobe build of 3 or 4 metres in width – the foundation for modifications is almost always the continuous line of holes. This grid allows joiners and proficient fitters to integrate shelves, drawers, and wire baskets with millimetre precision and without extra measuring.

This guide explains the technical specifications that are critical when selecting runners, baskets, and shelf supports for wardrobe systems.

Key Buying Criteria for Wardrobe Organisation

Before installing runners or baskets, the exact parameters of the carcass must be analysed. The compatibility of the fittings depends on the following technical factors:

1. Carcass Depth and Installation Length

The nominal length of drawer runners depends on the internal depth of the cabinet. A typical wardrobe often features an external depth of 600 mm, which results in an internal clear depth of approximately 560 mm to 580 mm. In this case, runners with a length of 500 mm or 550 mm are used. However, if dealing with a shallower carcass, such as one with an external depth of 50 cm, space is limited. For such constructions, runners with nominal lengths of 400 mm or 450 mm must be selected to prevent collision with the back panel.

2. Load Capacity in Kilograms

The weight of the stored items defines the required load capacity of the runners.

For lightweight wire baskets (laundry, socks), standard runners with a load capacity of 15 kg to 20 kg are sufficient.
For enclosed wooden drawers storing heavy winter clothing or bed linen, runners with a dynamic load capacity of 30 kg to 35 kg should be used.
For extremely wide pull-outs in a large wardrobe, heavy-duty runners rated from 45 kg are required to prevent structural sagging.

3. Compatibility with System 32

The System 32 acts as an invisible coordinate system within the carcass, assigning each fitting its exact place. The drill holes generally have a diameter of 5 mm (for shelf supports and Euro screws) or, more rarely, 3 mm (for specific wood screws). The distance from the first row of holes to the front carcass edge is standardly 37 mm. Fittings manufactured to this standard can be screwed directly into the existing row of holes without pre-drilling.

Overview of Types and Options

The type of fitting determines operating convenience and storage space utilisation. The following systems are available for retrofitting or new builds:

Drawer Runners for Wooden Drawers

Ball bearing runners: These runners are screwed to the side of the drawer. They typically require a lateral installation clearance of 12.7 mm per side. They are robust and often available as full extension runners, meaning the drawer can be pulled 100% out of the cabinet.
Undermount runners: These runners are mounted invisibly beneath the drawer base. They require a specific drawer box construction (usually with a maximum 16 mm thick chipboard for the sides). They offer a very clean appearance and almost always come equipped with soft-close mechanisms.

Basket Pull-Outs and Wire Racks

Wire baskets are ideal for optimal ventilation of clothing. They are usually mounted on dedicated roller runners or lightweight ball bearing runners. Many of these systems are adjustable in width and can be adapted to various internal carcass widths.

Shelves and Shelf Supports

The simplest form of division is achieved with shelves. These are held by shelf supports inserted into the 5 mm holes. There are simple metal plug-in studs, shelf supports with plastic caps (to prevent slipping), or special clamping supports for glass shelves. For dark decors, such as a cabinet in anthracite or dark brown, burnished or black shelf supports can be selected to blend in seamlessly.

Which System for Which Scenario? (Decision Guide)

The choice of the right hardware components from wardrobe accessories depends heavily on the intended use and the design of the furniture.

If the wardrobe features sliding doors: In a wardrobe with sliding doors, there is a critical dimension: door overlap. Internal drawers often cannot be pulled out if the opened sliding door protrudes into the clear opening of the carcass. In this scenario, the pull-outs must either be planned narrower and padded with spacer strips, or no pull-out may be placed in that specific area.

If the wardrobe is planned for two people: A wardrobe for 2 people benefits from a strictly symmetrical layout. A continuous centre partition divides the carcass. Both sides can be fitted independently within the 32 mm grid. Here, using partial extension runners for trouser racks and full extension runners for deep laundry drawers is recommended.

If the wardrobe is fitted with hinged doors: If internal drawers are mounted behind classic hinged doors, the hinge protrusion must be considered. A standard concealed hinge (e.g. with a 110° opening angle) often protrudes into the carcass interior when open. The drawer would hit the door when pulled out. The solution: either use wide-angle hinges (155°) that swing the door completely clear of the internal opening, or mount the drawer runners with spacer blocks (usually 25 mm thick).

If heavy items are being stored: For tools, heavy files, or thick winter clothing in a sturdy wooden wardrobe, only full extension runners with a load rating of at least 35 kg should be chosen. Partial extension runners (which only extend by approx. 75%) make accessing the rear area considerably more difficult.

Installation Advice: Mounting in the Grid

Retrofitting runners into an existing carcass is straightforward thanks to the standardised hole pattern.

Required tools:

Cordless screwdriver
Cross-head screwdriver (size PZ2)
Folding rule
If necessary, a 5 mm wood drill bit with depth stop (if holes are missing)

Installation steps for drawer runners:

Define the height: Count the holes in the grid starting from the base panel to hit the exact same height on both sides.
Screw the runners in place: Position the carcass runner along the row of holes. Fastening is ideally done with Euro screws (usually 6.3 x 13 mm or 6.3 x 14 mm). These grip perfectly into the 5 mm system holes and guarantee high pull-out strength.
Check alignment: Ensure that the runner is horizontal. Thanks to the grid, this is achieved automatically provided you have selected the same hole on both sides.
Engage the drawer: Place the drawer box onto the runners or clip it (in the case of undermount runners) into the front locking devices.

Important note: Do not confuse opening mechanisms during planning. A soft-close mechanism gently brakes the drawer during closing and pulls it shut. A push-to-open system (tip-on) pushes the handleless drawer open when pressed. Both systems work mechanically in opposite ways and cannot be combined in the same runner.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Wardrobe Organisation

How deep must a cabinet be for standard runners at minimum? For the most common drawer runners with a nominal length of 450 mm, the internal clear depth of the carcass must be at least 453 mm to 455 mm. With an external depth of 50 cm, this is generally achievable without issues, provided the back panel is not grooved too far inwards.

Can I retrofit wire baskets into any cabinet? Yes, provided the side panels run parallel and a row of holes is present. Many wire basket systems feature telescopic runners or spacer frames that allow continuous adjustment to the internal carcass width (e.g. from 760 mm to 820 mm).

What diameter do the holes have in System 32? The standard hole diameter for accommodating shelf supports and Euro screws is exactly 5 mm. The hole depth is usually 12 mm to 13 mm, which is why Euro screws with a 13 mm length represent the standard size for runner installation.

Why is my internal drawer catching on the wardrobe door? This happens when the open hinged door or the hinge protrudes into the internal clear dimension of the carcass. Solutions include spacer strips beneath the drawer runners that offset the runner a few millimetres inwards, or replacing existing concealed hinges with zero-protrusion hinges.

How many shelves make sense for a cabinet height of 180 cm? With a height of 180 cm and use purely as a shelving wardrobe (without a clothes rail), 4 to 5 shelves are recommended. This results in compartment heights of approximately 300 mm to 350 mm, which is the ideal dimension for stacked jumpers or T-shirts without the stacks becoming unstable.

Matching Fittings and Hardware

To successfully complete the internal organisation of your project, you will find the appropriate components and fittings in our hardware ranges. Whether for a children's wardrobe or a large bedroom layout, the system logic always remains the same:

Explore suitable hardware solutions for children's wardrobes.
Plan efficient storage for two with dedicated wardrobe components.
Find heavy-duty runners and brackets for large wardrobe builds.
For space-saving door systems, discover our selection of sliding wardrobe fittings.
For solid timber constructions, choose robust hardware and fixings for wooden wardrobes.