Wardrobe Ideas for Small Bedrooms: Smart Storage That Feels Bigger

Core space-saving insights

Whether you call them wardrobes or bedroom cupboards, the right design can completely change how a small room feels. Below are proven cupboard ideas for small bedrooms we use across Perth homes.

Measure for function first

• Ideal internal depth: 600 mm for hangers; 550 mm can work with low-profile hangers.
• Shoe shelves: 300–350 mm deep; adjustable heights fit sneakers to heels.
• Top shelf: 350–450 mm; keep seasonal items in labelled boxes.

Choose the right doors

• Sliding doors save floor swing in tight rooms and suit shallow spaces.
• Hinged doors allow full access and concealed internal drawers; best where you have 900 mm+ clear space.
• Mirrored doors bounce light, visually enlarging small rooms (ensure safety glass to AS/NZS 2208).

Go vertical and modular

• Double-hang rails (top/bottom) for shirts and jackets; single hang for dresses and coats.
• Use pull-out baskets, pant racks and soft-close drawers for easy reach.
• Maximise dead zones: over-door cubbies, corner carousels, and toe-kick drawers.

Light it right

Integrated LED strip lighting with motion sensors makes early starts easier and reduces glare. Warm white (3000K) flatters colours; place lights forward of the rail to avoid shadows.

Blend storage into the room

• Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry makes ceilings feel taller.
• Paint-matched doors or subtle Shaker-style profiles echo your home’s trim and even your shaker kitchen for a cohesive look.

Our Perth-focused renovation process

We design and build custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust, from single wardrobes to whole-home joinery with kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

1. In-home consultation: A Joyce Kitchens cabinet maker Perth-based designer measures, notes power points, skirting, ceiling heights and door swings.
2. Design and 3D visuals: We propose small built-in wardrobe ideas tailored to your room’s footprint, budget and style.
3. Selections: Finishes, handles, soft-close drawers, lighting and accessories (Blum and Häfele hardware).
4. Compliance: Built to relevant AS/NZS cabinetry and glazing standards for domestic use.
5. Manufacture in WA: Local production ensures quality control and faster lead times.
6. Installation: Typically 1–2 days for a small built-in; we protect floors and clean on completion.
7. Aftercare: Guidance on maintenance and adjusting hinges over seasonal changes.

Coordinating a broader renovation? We routinely align wardrobe colours with kitchen schemes (think island bench, splashback, or butler’s pantry) so your kitchen renovations Perth and bedroom upgrades feel connected.

For guidance on project contracts and homeowner protections, see HIA or Master Builders WA.

Materials and finishes that perform

Small rooms benefit from durable, light-reflective finishes that resist WA heat and UV.

Carcasses

• Melamine board on moisture-resistant substrate: hardworking, budget-friendly, easy to wipe.
• Plywood upgrade for premium builds where screw-holding and longevity are priorities.

Doors and panels

• Melamine/matched ABS edging: great value and colour range.
• 2-pack polyurethane: seamless paint in any Dulux colour; consider UV-resistant formulations for sunny rooms.
• Vinyl wrap (thermoformed): smooth Shaker profiles at a sharp price; avoid strong, direct heat sources.
• Timber veneer: adds warmth; pair with minimal handles for a modern-Aussie feel.
• Mirror or smoked glass: ensure safety compliance (AS/NZS 2208).

Hardware and accessories

• Quality runners and hinges such as Blum and Häfele improve daily use and longevity.
• Pull-out shoe shelves, tie/belt racks, valet rods, and jewellery drawers with inserts.
• Motion-sensor LED strip lighting, cable grommets for charging, and integrated ironing centres.

Benchtops for make-up nooks or dressing stations

If your design includes a small dressing surface, consider the comparison below. Note that some engineered stone products are changing due to national silica controls—discuss current options with your designer and stone mason. See Safe Work Australia for updates.

Layouts and styles for small bedrooms

Proven layout options

• Reach-in built-in: A classic wall-length unit with sliding doors; ideal for narrow rooms.
• Corner wardrobe: L-shape interiors capture tricky corners; add curved shelves to ease access.
• Bridge storage: Cabinets above the bed with integrated lighting; flank with shallow robes.
• Under-window drawers: Low drawers maintain light while adding folded storage.
• Micro walk-in: If you can spare 1200–1400 mm of depth, a compact U-shape can outperform a reach-in.

Style notes

• Coastal/Hamptons: White or pale 2-pack Shaker, shell pulls, rattan baskets. Mirrors lift natural light.
• Contemporary: Flat, matt doors, finger pulls, black accents, warm timber shelves.
• Classic Federation: Framed panels with heritage knobs; consider a timber veneer top on the dresser.

Tip: Keep door profiles simple in small rooms. A soft Shaker line echoes a shaker kitchen without visual clutter.

Looking for cupboard design for small bedroom schemes you can replicate? Start with three finishes max: a neutral door colour, a timber accent, and one metal tone for handles or trims.

Costs and budgeting in WA

Every project is unique, but these Perth-based ranges will help plan your spend.

• Entry (melamine, sliding doors): $2,200–$3,800 inc. GST for a 2–3 panel built-in.
• Mid (mix of drawers, lighting): $3,800–$6,500 depending on accessories and door finish.
• Premium (2-pack, veneer, glass, lighting): $6,500–$10,000+ with custom internals.
• Add-ons: Mirror doors (+$600–$1,200 per panel), internal drawers (+$250–$450 each), LED lighting (+$250–$600).

Combine projects—say, wardrobe plus laundry—so materials align and you save on site visits. We often sync wardrobes with laminate benchtops or an engineered stone benchtop used in a nearby study nook for continuity.

Practical planning checklist

• List what you store: hanging long/short, folded, shoes, accessories, luggage.
• Measure bed size and door clearances—ensure 700–800 mm walkway around a queen bed.
• Choose door type: sliding for tight rooms; hinged for full-cabinet access.
• Decide on mirrors to visually expand the room.
• Pick two or three finishes that match your home’s palette.
• Decide on handles vs finger pulls for a cleaner look.
• Plan lighting: motion sensors and charging in drawers/shelves.
• Discuss ventilation if storing linens or in coastal humidity.
• Confirm compliance for safety glass and cabinetry fixings (AS/NZS standards).
• Book a professional measure with Joyce Kitchens to finalise your small built-in wardrobe ideas.

Comparison: Engineered stone vs laminate (dressing tabletop)

Note: Australian regulations around high-silica engineered stone are evolving; talk to us about compliant options and stunning alternatives that achieve the same aesthetic.

WA case-style examples

Perth inner-city apartment

Brief: Wardrobe ideas for a small bedroom with only 2.7 m of wall space. Solution: 2700 mm sliding mirrored doors, 550 mm-deep carcass, double hang each side, central drawers with soft-close runners, and LED strip lighting. Result: More than doubled storage while reflecting light into the room, making it feel wider.

Fremantle heritage cottage

Brief: Keep character while adding storage. Solution: 2-pack Shaker doors in antique white to match trims, brass knobs, and a 1200 mm dressing top in laminate stone-look to stay within budget. We mirrored details from the clients’ shaker kitchen and used the same handle profile for a cohesive home.

Ready to design your small-space wardrobe?

From value-driven melamine to premium 2-pack, our team blends form and function so your small bedroom feels calm and uncluttered. Book a design consult with Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s trusted team for wardrobes, kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

FAQ

What is the best wardrobe design for a small bedroom?

For most small rooms, a reach-in built-in with sliding doors, double hanging, internal drawers and LED strip lighting delivers the best storage-to-space ratio. Add mirrored panels to bounce light and make the room feel larger.

Are sliding doors or hinged doors better in tight spaces?

Sliding doors save valuable floor swing and suit narrow rooms, while hinged doors allow full-cabinet access and are ideal if you have 900 mm or more clearance. In very small bedrooms, sliding is usually the winner.

How much does a small built-in wardrobe cost in Perth?

As a guide, expect $2,200–$3,800 for entry melamine with sliding doors, $3,800–$6,500 for mid-range with drawers and lighting, and $6,500+ for premium 2-pack or veneer with glass accents. Mirrors, extra drawers and lighting add to the total.

What depth do I need for hanging clothes?

Allow 600 mm internal depth for standard hangers and winter coats. You can work with 550 mm using slim hangers and careful rail placement, but 600 mm is the safe all-round choice.

Do mirrored wardrobe doors make a small room look bigger?

Yes. Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of depth, helping compact bedrooms feel wider and brighter. Ensure glazing complies with AS/NZS 2208 for safety.