From compact built-in robes to luxe walk-in wardrobes, here’s how Joyce Kitchens Perth plans, designs and installs closets that work hard, look great and last in WA conditions.
Closet ideas that actually work
Great closet design is about more than shelves. For Australian homes, it’s a balance of space, climate, daily routines and finish durability. At Joyce Kitchens, our closet ideas blend clever storage with the craftsmanship we’re known for in kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms and laundries. That means precise planning, quality hardware and made-to-measure custom cabinetry WA.
1) Start with the clothes you own
- Count garments needing long-hang vs double-hang. Typical split is 20–30% long-hang (dresses, coats) and 70–80% double-hang (shirts, pants).
- Shoe count drives shelf metres. Allow 200–230mm height per pair for flats, 250–300mm for heels/boots.
- Folded garments like knits love 350–400mm deep shelves to avoid over-stacking.
2) Size for Australian homes
- Reach-in BIR depth: 600mm (to suit standard hangers) or 620–650mm with sliding doors.
- Walkway clearance in a WIR: aim for 900–1000mm for easy passing and access (aligns with good access principles drawn from AS 1428.1 guidance).
- Hanging heights: 1000–1100mm for double-hang; 1650–1800mm for long-hang. Top shelves at 2000–2200mm, depending on ceiling height.
3) Borrow proven kitchen thinking
We apply the same logic from a shaker kitchen or a modern, handleless pantry: zone the space, keep frequently used items between shoulder and hip height, and choose durable finishes. Options like soft-close drawers, integrated lighting and pull-out accessories make a wardrobe feel as premium as a new scullery.
4) Light and power
- LED strip lighting under shelves for shadow-free illumination.
- Motion sensors inside robes to save power.
- GPOs for steamers or hair tools in dressing zones—position to AS/NZS guidelines and discuss with your electrician.
5) Ventilation for WA conditions
Perth’s hot summers call for airflow. Use louvred doors, vented kickers or a 10–15mm shadow gap at the top of doors to reduce stuffiness and protect fabrics.
Our renovation and design process
- In-home consult and measure. We capture exact site dimensions, ceiling heights and door swings.
- Design and 3D visuals. You’ll see options for wardrobe shelving ideas, drawers, pull-outs and lighting, aligned with your home’s kitchen or bathroom style.
- Material and hardware selection. Melamine, thermolaminate or 2-pack polyurethane doors; sturdy carcases; quality runners and hinges.
- Quote and schedule. Transparent pricing, lead times, and a detailed scope.
- Site check. Final measure before production—critical for existing homes and apartments.
- Manufacture in WA. Our Perth cabinet makers produce accurate, durable joinery.
- Installation and handover. Typically 1–3 days for most robes, with minimal disruption. We can coordinate with your broader reno schedule across kitchen, laundry and bathroom projects.
Wardrobe projects generally don’t require council approval unless structural work is involved. For strata apartments, seek written approval. See HIA homeowner guidance or Master Builders WA for renovation advice.
Materials and finishes
Wardrobes cop daily use, so we specify strong carcases, reliable hardware and easy-clean finishes—similar to what we’d recommend for a laundry renovation or engineered stone benchtop replacement in a kitchen.
Carcase materials
- HMR melamine (white or woodgrain) is the WA standard: durable, cost-effective, moisture-resistant.
- Plywood is stiffer and premium, useful for long spans or coastal settings.
Door and drawer fronts
- Melamine for value and variety.
- Thermolaminate (thermofoil) for profiles like classic shaker without the price of 2-pack.
- 2-pack polyurethane for a painted finish that can match a Hamptons kitchen or contemporary palette.
Hardware and internals
- Soft-close undermount drawers, full-extension runners.
- Pull-out trouser racks, tie/belt trays, jewellery drawers, pull-out shoe shelves.
- Frameless glass doors or mirrors to bounce light in tight rooms.
Benchtops for dressing areas
For make-up stations or island drawers in a WIR, benchtops matter. Note that Australia has introduced restrictions on traditional “engineered stone” due to silica risks. Always confirm legality and safe alternatives for WA projects.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate (for dressing tables and robe islands)
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Legality in WA | Subject to national/state restrictions and bans on high-silica engineered stone. Check current WA regulations. | Fully permitted and widely used. |
| Heat & stain resistance | Good resistance, but care with cosmetics/chemicals. Cutting required by licensed fabricators only. | Modern laminates perform well; use trivets for heat, wipe spills promptly. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance day-to-day; restricted fabrication protocols apply. | Very low maintenance; easy to clean and replace if desired. |
| Cost | Higher material and fabrication cost. | Most budget-friendly option with excellent design range. |
| Look | Stone-like appearance; alternatives include low-silica stone, porcelain or solid surface. | Vast colour/texture library, including timber and stone-look designs. |
| Typical wardrobe use | Now often substituted in wardrobes with porcelain, natural stone or solid surface; confirm compliance. | Ideal for dressing tables and islands; light, cost-effective. |
Always confirm current guidance with your designer and fabricator. See Safe Work Australia for updates.
Technical note: We build to relevant Australian expectations for residential cabinetry (see AS/NZS 4386 for domestic kitchen assemblies as a durability benchmark we reference in wardrobe carcase construction and fixings).
Layouts and styles
Bedroom closet ideas by layout
- Reach-in BIR: 2–4 sliding or hinged doors. Use double-hang, adjustable shelves and 1–2 banks of drawers.
- Walk-in robe (WIR): Galley, L-shape or U-shape. Keep at least 900mm circulation space; consider an island for big rooms.
- Corner solutions: L-shaped hanging with corner shelves; avoid dead zones with pull-out corner carousels.
- Alcoves and nib walls: Floor-to-ceiling cabinet with infills for a built-in look that maximises every millimetre.
Style cues to match your home
- Hamptons / Shaker: Profiled doors, matte whites, chrome or brushed-nickel hardware—echo a shaker kitchen for whole-home cohesion.
- Modern, handleless: Finger-pull rails or push-to-open, slab doors—great with timber-look melamine.
- Coastal Perth: Light timbers, rattan accents, white thermolaminate with soft-close drawers.
- Contemporary luxe: Glass-fronted doors, LED rails, dark timber tones and fluted detail.
Tip: If your kitchen has a butler’s pantry or scullery, think of the WIR the same way—zones for hanging, folding, accessories and a “prep” area (dressing table) to streamline the morning routine.
Costs in Perth and WA
Every wardrobe is unique, but these typical ranges help planning:
- Basic reach-in (2–3m): $1,800–$3,500 with melamine interiors, hanging, shelves and one drawer stack.
- Mid-range WIR (approx. 3×3m): $6,000–$12,000 with multiple drawer banks, double-hang zones, LED lighting and mirror doors.
- Premium WIR or dressing room: $12,000–$25,000+ with 2‑pack doors, glass displays, island drawers and a benchtop (laminate, porcelain, timber or compliant alternatives to engineered stone).
Extras: Mirrors, specialty pull-outs, shoe towers, internal lighting and custom handles will influence final pricing. Install access (e.g., apartments) and site prep can also affect costs.
Two WA case-style examples
Subiaco apartment, reach-in transformation
Brief: Replace a tired BIR with better access. We designed a 2.6m-wide robe with sliding mirror doors, double-hang each side, centre drawers and adjustable shelves. HMR white carcase, melamine fronts, LED strip on door sensors. Install in one day—max storage with minimal footprint.
Fremantle family home, walk-in robe with coastal mood
Brief: Light, breezy WIR to match a coastal kitchen renovation. L-shape configuration, timber-look melamine, shaker-style doors to mirror the new shaker kitchen cabinetry, and a compact dressing table with a laminate top. Pull-out shoe shelves and a jewellery drawer elevate daily use.
Practical pre-design checklist
- Measure width, depth and ceiling height; note skirting, cornice and power points.
- List clothing types: long-hang, double-hang, folded, shoes, bags, accessories.
- Decide door style: sliding (space-saving) vs hinged (full access).
- Lighting: ceiling light, LED strips, and motion sensors.
- Ventilation approach: gaps, louvres or vented kickers.
- Finish preference: melamine, thermolaminate or 2‑pack; handle style.
- Benchtop (if any): laminate, porcelain, timber; confirm compliance if considering stone.
- Budget and timeline; align with any kitchen, bathroom or laundry works.
- Strata/council considerations if in an apartment or heritage building.
FAQ
What is the best layout for a small bedroom closet?
Use a reach-in built-in robe at 600–650mm depth, sliding doors to save space, and double-hang rails with one narrow drawer bank. Keep shelves 350–400mm deep to prevent messy stacks and add LED strips for visibility.
How much does a custom wardrobe cost in Perth?
As a guide, a basic reach-in is $1,800–$3,500, a mid-range walk-in is $6,000–$12,000, and premium dressing rooms start around $12,000. Materials, accessories, lighting and access all impact price.
Which materials are best for wardrobes in Australia?
HMR melamine carcases for durability, melamine or thermolaminate doors for value, and 2‑pack polyurethane for a premium painted finish. For dressing tables, laminate is a safe, versatile choice; note that engineered stone is restricted—confirm current WA rules and consider porcelain or solid surface alternatives.
Do I need council approval to renovate a closet in WA?
Not usually. Internal cabinetry changes typically don’t need council approval unless you’re altering structure or services. In apartments, obtain strata approval before works.
How long does a custom wardrobe take from measure to install?
Allow 4–8 weeks from final measure to installation for most projects, plus 1–3 days on site depending on scope and access. Coordinating with other renovations can affect timing.