From compact apartments to family homes, smart bedroom storage design turns clutter into calm. Joyce Kitchens designs and builds custom wardrobes, built-in cupboards and walk-in robes that work beautifully with your broader kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation plans—purpose-made for Perth and WA conditions.
Why bedroom storage design matters
Done well, bedroom storage delivers more capacity, faster morning routines and a cleaner look. The key is a custom approach: right-sized cabinetry, hanging zones for different garments, drawers that fully extend, and lighting that helps you see colours clearly at 6am.
- Boost capacity with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and smart internal fittings like soft-close drawers, pull-out shoe racks and double hanging.
- Improve resale with a cohesive look that complements your kitchen renovations Perth homeowners prioritise, like Shaker-style doors or minimalist slab fronts.
- Design for WA: coastal air, strong UV and seasonal heat demand moisture-resistant materials and quality hardware.
Core insights: Plan like a pro
1) Start with a clothing inventory
Count long coats, dresses, shirts, folded knits, shoes and accessories. In most WA wardrobes, 60–65% hanging, 25–30% drawers/shelves and 5–10% accessories is a reliable starting split.
2) Optimise your zones
- Double hanging: 900–1,000 mm high each, perfect for shirts, skirts and trousers.
- Long hanging: 1,500–1,700 mm for dresses and coats.
- Drawers: 180–220 mm front heights suit tees and intimates; 250–300 mm for jumpers.
- Shoes: 150–200 mm per shelf (more for boots) or use angled shelves and pull-out trays.
3) Access and ergonomics
- Use full-extension undermount runners so drawers open completely.
- Place daily-use items between 600–1,600 mm off the floor.
- Sliding wardrobe doors save space in tighter bedrooms, while hinged doors suit wider rooms and provide full access.
4) Lighting that works
LED strip lighting under shelves and sensor lights inside cabinets make colour matching easier. Warm-to-neutral (3,000–4,000K) reads true in bedrooms. For walk-in robes, include a ceiling light plus task lighting inside cabinetry.
5) Ventilation and finishes
In coastal WA, choose moisture-resistant substrates and consider louvred panels or slight shadow gaps for airflow. Use ABS edging and quality sealing around wet-area adjacencies (e.g., ensuites).
Two WA case-style examples
- Subiaco apartment: A built-in wardrobe with sliding mirror doors, double hanging and pull-out shoe drawers added approximately 30% more usable capacity within a 2.4 m wall. Durable melamine carcase with soft-close drawers for a quiet, apartment-friendly result.
- Fremantle family home: A compact walk-in robe used timber veneer feature doors on the main run and melamine internal carcasses to balance budget and luxury. Integrated LED strip lighting and valet rods simplified busy mornings.
Our renovation & installation process
- Consultation: We measure, review your clothing inventory and discuss style preferences (from Shaker-style panels to sleek slab doors) to match the rest of your home—kitchen, bathroom vanities and laundry renovation plans included.
- Design & 3D visuals: Layouts for built-in wardrobes, walk-in robes or space-saving cupboards. We specify hardware (e.g., Blum or Hettich soft-close systems) and lighting.
- Materials & quote: Clear options across melamine, thermolaminate, two-pack polyurethane and timber veneer. We’ll also advise on mirrors, glass and internal accessories.
- Manufacture in WA: Custom cabinetry WA made and assembled to Australian standards such as AS/NZS 4386 for domestic cabinetry.
- Installation: Coordinated install with protective coverings and tidy-up. We can integrate with broader home works, from a new scullery or butler’s pantry to a refreshed laundry.
- Aftercare: Care guides for long-term performance in Perth’s climate.
Materials & finishes for wardrobes
Choosing the right materials for doors and internals is about balancing durability, budget and aesthetics. If you’ve weighed options like an engineered stone benchtop in the kitchen, you’ll understand how finishes change day-to-day use and cleaning—even in the bedroom.
Comparison: Common wardrobe door and panel options
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melamine (on HMR board) | Cost-effective, very durable, wide colour/texture range | Square-edge look; profiles limited | Family homes, rentals, kids’ rooms |
| Thermolaminate (vinyl wrap) | Seamless edges, can form Shaker profiles, easy to clean | Sustained high heat can affect wrap—avoid direct heaters/sunlight hotspots | Classic or Hamptons-style bedrooms |
| Two-pack polyurethane | Premium painted finish, any colour, crisp detail | Higher cost; longer lead time | High-end renovations and feature walls |
| Timber veneer | Natural grain, warm and luxurious | Needs gentle care; avoid heavy impacts | Statement doors and master suites |
Internally, we typically use moisture-resistant melamine on HMR board with ABS edges. This delivers excellent value and durability in WA conditions.
Layouts & styles
Built-in wardrobe vs walk-in robe
- Built-in wardrobe: Ideal for standard bedrooms; can be full height with sliding or hinged doors, mirror doors to amplify light, and internal drawers to replace bulky chests.
- Walk-in robe: Customised zones for two people, island drawer units, open shelving for display. Add a dressing mirror and considered lighting for a boutique feel.
Doors and fronts
- Sliding doors: Space-saving, wide openings; choose mirror, glass, melamine or panel styles.
- Hinged doors: Full cabinet access and easy internal organisation on doors (hooks, racks).
- Profiles: From flat slab to Shaker-style frames for a classic, cohesive look alongside a shaker kitchen elsewhere in the home.
Hardware and accessories
- Soft-close drawers and doors with quality undermount runners.
- Pull-out hampers, tie and belt racks, jewellery organisers, valet rods.
- LED strip lighting with sensors; dimmable options for evening use.
Prefer a minimalist, modern line or a coastal Hamptons aesthetic? We’ll align your bedroom with the rest of your home, from bathroom vanities to the scullery, for a consistent, made-for-you finish.
Costs in Perth & WA
Every project is unique, but the following ranges help frame budgets:
- Built-in wardrobes (2–3 sliding doors): From $2,500–$6,500+ depending on width, internal fit-out and door finish.
- Walk-in robes: From $6,000–$15,000+; add islands, lighting and premium finishes for $12,000–$25,000+.
- Premium doors (two-pack or timber veneer): Typically +20–50% over melamine depending on design detail.
Allow for electrical (lighting and GPOs), minor plaster/paint touch-ups and, where relevant, flooring transitions. We’re happy to coordinate with your builder or follow HIA-aligned contract processes. For guidance, see the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA resources.
References:
HIA WA •
Master Builders WA •
WA Building and Energy
Bedroom storage design checklist
- Measure wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, note skirting, cornice and any splay angles.
- List clothing categories and seasonal items (long vs short hanging, folded knits, shoes).
- Choose door type early (sliding vs hinged) to set internal depths and clearances.
- Select materials: melamine for value, thermolaminate or two-pack for premium looks.
- Pick hardware: soft-close drawers, quality hinges, valet rods, pull-out hampers.
- Plan lighting: LED strip inside carcasses, sensor switches, colour temperature 3,000–4,000K.
- Decide on mirror doors or a full-length mirror inside.
- Consider airflow and proximity to wet areas (ensuite): specify HMR cores and sealed edges.
- Coordinate colours with adjacent rooms (kitchen, laundry, bathroom vanities) for a whole-home palette.
- Set budget bands and timing; allow lead times for two-pack and veneer.
Ready to explore bedroom cupboard storage ideas that actually work? Our Perth-based designers can help you plan a single wardrobe or a full home update across kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobes.
FAQ
What is the best material for wardrobe doors in Perth’s climate?
For most WA homes, melamine on HMR board is a durable, value-packed choice. Thermolaminate is excellent for Shaker profiles, while two-pack polyurethane and timber veneer deliver premium looks. Avoid direct heat sources on thermolaminate doors and specify quality ABS edging for longevity.
How much does a custom built-in wardrobe cost in WA?
As a guide, expect $2,500–$6,500+ for a typical built-in with sliding doors and a tailored internal fit-out. Premium fronts, extra drawers and lighting increase cost. Walk-in robes generally start around $6,000 and can exceed $15,000 depending on size and finishes.
Sliding or hinged doors—which is better for bedroom storage?
Sliding doors save floor space and suit narrow rooms, while hinged doors give full access and work well where there’s room to swing a door. The internal design can be the same; let the room size and furniture layout guide your decision.
Can Joyce Kitchens match my existing Shaker kitchen style in the bedroom?
Yes. We can continue a Shaker-style profile and complementary colour palette into your bedroom storage so the home feels cohesive—great when you’ve recently updated your kitchen, laundry or bathroom vanities.
How long does design and installation take?
After design approval, WA manufacture typically takes 3–5 weeks for melamine and thermolaminate, and 5–7 weeks for two-pack or veneer. Installation for a built-in is often 1–2 days, while a larger walk-in robe may take 2–4 days.
