Create a calmer bedroom or study nook with a wardrobe and desk combined. As Perth’s custom cabinetry specialists, Joyce Kitchens designs and installs made‑to‑measure storage and workspaces that integrate beautifully with your home’s kitchen, bathroom and laundry style.
Why combine a wardrobe and desk?
A wardrobe and desk combined (also called a desk wardrobe combo or a wardrobe with desk built in) is a smart space‑saver for bedrooms, studio apartments, guest rooms and teen study zones. The right design gives you:
- Streamlined storage: hanging, drawers and shelving with a practical, ergonomic work surface.
- Better flow: one unified run of cabinetry instead of mismatched pieces.
- Future flexibility: convert from study to vanity or home office with minor tweaks.
- Consistent style with your kitchen renovations Perth homeowners love—think shaker fronts, handleless lines and durable finishes that match your home.
Our Perth design and renovation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end‑to‑end design, manufacturing and installation across Perth and WA. The process mirrors our kitchen, laundry and wardrobe projects, so it’s efficient and predictable.
1) Consultation, measure and brief
- We meet in your home or our Perth showroom to understand storage needs, device charging, lighting and style goals (shaker kitchen look, coastal, contemporary, Hamptons).
- We take precise site measurements and check access, skirting and power points.
2) Design and 3D renders
- You get layout options (single wall, corner, alcove) and 3D visuals.
- We plan power, data, integrated cable management and LED strip lighting.
3) Materials and hardware selection
- Choose from melamine, 2‑pack paint, thermofoil doors, timber veneer, laminate benchtops, porcelain and stone benchtops (see WA silica regulations below).
- Hardware from Blum, Hettich or Hafele with soft‑close drawers and durable hinges.
4) Manufacture in WA
- Precision CNC manufacturing and quality control in WA for tight tolerances and fast servicing.
5) Installation and finishing
- Installed by licensed tradespeople. We align with AS/NZS cabinetry standards and your electrical plan.
Compliance and standards for peace of mind
- We follow relevant aspects of AS/NZS 4386 (Domestic kitchen assemblies) for cabinet structural performance and fixings where applicable to wardrobes/desks.
- We reference NCC requirements and work with HIA and Master Builders WA guidance for residential works.
- For surfaces formerly classed as “engineered stone”, we align with WA’s current silica regulations and recommend compliant alternatives.
Useful Australian authorities:
Materials and finishes that suit WA life
Materials for a wardrobe and desk combo need to handle daily wear and Perth’s warm climate. Here’s how we specify them—just like we do for high‑traffic kitchens, sculleries and laundries.
Cabinet carcasses
- Moisture‑resistant melamine carcass: Durable, easy‑clean and stable. Ideal for wardrobes and desks.
- Plywood carcass: Premium feel and screw‑holding strength for heavy drawers or long desktops.
Door and drawer fronts
- 2‑pack paint: A sprayed, hardwearing painted finish available in any Dulux colour—great for shaker profiles or sleek, handleless looks.
- Thermofoil: Budget‑friendly wrapped doors in contemporary textures.
- Timber veneer: Adds warmth and a furniture‑grade aesthetic.
Desktop/benchtop surfaces
For desks we often recommend high‑pressure laminate for value and resilience. Where a continuous look with your kitchen is important, we consider porcelain or compliant stone surfaces.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate (for desktops/benchtops)
Note: WA has adopted national controls on engineered stone containing crystalline silica. Many clients now choose porcelain/sintered surfaces or laminate. Always check current regulations before specifying “engineered stone”.
| Aspect | Engineered Stone (check WA regulations) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very hard, scratch resistant; heavy and needs pro fabrication | High wear resistance, light and cost‑effective |
| Heat / UV | Good heat tolerance; protect from direct high heat | Moderate heat tolerance; use trivets and desk mats |
| Look | Stone‑like appearance; seamless with kitchen stone benchtops | Huge range of colours, timber looks and matte finishes |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; non‑porous | Very low maintenance; easy to wipe clean |
| Cost | $$$ (higher) | $ (budget‑friendly) |
| Regulatory note (WA) | Subject to silica restrictions; consider porcelain/sintered alternatives | No silica fabrication risk |
Hardware and lighting
- Blum soft‑close drawers and hinges for quiet bedrooms.
- Pull‑out keyboard trays, cable grommets and integrated charging.
- LED strip lighting with warm CCT for task lighting and wardrobe illumination.
In kitchen spaces near your study nook, we can match features like an undermount sink, splashback tiles and a waterfall edge for continuity.
Layouts and styles that work
Popular configurations
- Single‑wall wardrobe with desk built in: Hanging space to one side, drawers below, open shelving above the desk for books and décor.
- Corner desk wardrobe combo: Maximises compact rooms; L‑shaped desktop with tall robe on the short leg.
- Alcove built‑in: Floor‑to‑ceiling cabinetry that hides cables and adds acoustic softness to the room.
- Freestanding “furniture” look: Sits off the wall with shadowlines—great for renters planning a later move.
Style options
- Shaker profiles: Timeless, pairs with shaker kitchen doors for a whole‑home theme.
- Handleless/flat panel: Minimalist, push‑to‑open or integrated finger pulls.
- Coastal/Hamptons: Soft whites, timber accents and matte hardware.
- Contemporary: Super‑matte laminates, black hardware, concealed task lighting.
Local case examples
Subiaco teen study + robe: 3.2 m run with melamine carcass, 2‑pack shaker fronts in Dulux Natural White, 25 mm laminate desktop in oak tone, Blum soft‑close, LED task strip. Ties in with the family’s island bench and pantry organisation upgrades in the kitchen.
Fremantle apartment nook: Corner desk wardrobe combo with matte black handleless doors, plywood carcass for strength, porcelain benchtop to match the kitchen renovations Perth project next door, and concealed cable tray. Compact, quiet and rental‑friendly installation sequence.
Costs and timelines in Perth
Every space is unique, but these figures will help you budget a custom wardrobe and desk:
- Supply and install: From $3,500–$6,500 for a simple single‑wall unit; $6,500–$12,000+ for larger runs, 2‑pack or veneer, premium hardware and lighting.
- Design and documentation: Usually included with your project when proceeding to manufacture.
- Timeline: 4–8 weeks from sign‑off to installation, depending on finish (2‑pack adds curing time).
Flat‑pack vs custom: flat‑pack can be faster and cheaper, but custom cabinetry WA manufacturing ensures perfect fit, stronger fixings and a cohesive look with adjoining kitchen, laundry and bathroom cabinetry.
Practical planning checklist
- Measure the wall length, ceiling height and skirting depth.
- Confirm desk height (typically 720–750 mm) and knee clearance.
- List devices to charge and where power/data points sit.
- Decide on hanging vs shelving vs drawer ratios.
- Pick a style: shaker, handleless, or coastal.
- Choose finish durability level: laminate vs 2‑pack vs veneer.
- Select hardware: soft‑close drawers, pull‑outs, cable grommets.
- Set lighting: warm LED task strip and wardrobe rails.
- Consider continuity with your kitchen (colour, benchtop, handles).
- Check WA regulations for any stone products; consider porcelain or laminate.
Bring your wardrobe and desk to life
From kitchen renovations Perth families rely on, to beautiful wardrobes and study nooks, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom solutions across WA. Book a free design consultation and see finishes in our showroom.
FAQ
Is a wardrobe with a desk built in a good idea for small bedrooms?
Yes. Combining storage and a study surface reduces clutter and saves floor space. With cable management, soft‑close drawers and warm LED lighting, it’s quiet and practical for homework, gaming or working from home.
How much does a custom wardrobe and desk combo cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect $3,500–$6,500 for a simple single‑wall unit and $6,500–$12,000+ for premium finishes like 2‑pack paint, veneer, porcelain tops and integrated lighting. Complex corners or tall units add to cost.
What materials are best for a desk wardrobe combo?
Moisture‑resistant melamine carcasses, quality hardware (Blum or Hettich), and a durable desktop such as high‑pressure laminate are excellent. If you want a stone look, consider porcelain/sintered surfaces that comply with WA regulations.
Do I need council approval for internal wardrobe renovations in WA?
Most internal wardrobe and desk installations don’t need council approval. If structural changes, plumbing or significant electrical work are involved, your designer will advise on permits and compliance with AS/NZS standards and the NCC.