Transform a compact room or nook into a modern small walk in closet that works as hard as your kitchen. Joyce Kitchens designs and builds wardrobes, dressing rooms and built-in robes in Perth and across WA, with the same custom cabinetry precision we bring to kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
What is a modern small walk in closet?
A modern small walk in closet is a compact, walkable wardrobe space (often 1.4–2.2 m wide) with custom storage along one, two or three walls. When designed well, even a tiny walk in closet can outperform a large free-standing robe with smarter zoning, LED lighting, and tailored storage like pull-out shoe racks, valet rods and soft-close drawers.
A dedicated room or alcove you can walk into, fitted with custom cabinetry, hanging, shelving and drawers, usually accessed from the bedroom or ensuite.
Core design insights that make small spaces feel big
1) Storage maths (that really works)
- Short hanging (shirts/skirts): 1,000–1,100 mm high. Two-tier hanging doubles capacity.
- Long hanging (dresses/coats): 1,600–1,800 mm high on one section only.
- Shelves: 300–400 mm deep for folded items. 250–300 mm for shoes.
- Drawers: 150–250 mm high for small items; 300 mm for jumpers.
- Walking clearance: Aim for 800–1,000 mm between runs; 700 mm can work in a tiny walk in closet.
2) Smart zoning
Group by daily use: everyday hanging at chest height, seasonal storage up high, and accessories in soft-close drawers. Add a pull-out mirror, belt/tie trays, and a valet rod to prep next-day outfits.
3) Light, ventilation and mirrors
- LED strip lighting under shelves and inside hanging runs eliminates shadows.
- Motion sensors mean hands-free light in the middle of the night.
- Full-height mirrors visually double small walk in closets and add function.
- In coastal WA homes, include passive ventilation gaps or a discrete grille to control humidity.
4) Doors and fronts
Open cabinetry saves space, but if you prefer doors, consider flat-profile or Shaker-style panels with low-profile pulls for a clean, modern look. Sliding doors work in bedrooms where swing clearance is tight.
A factory-sprayed, catalysed paint finish used on cabinet doors and panels. It provides a durable, smooth surface in matte, satin or gloss.
Our Perth wardrobe renovation process
- In-home consult – We measure, discuss storage needs and style preferences (from minimalist to Hamptons/Shaker).
- Design & 3D renders – You’ll see small walk in closet design ideas, hardware options (Blum/Häfele), and finishes to match your kitchen renovations Perth or laundry renovation.
- Compliance & advice – We design to sound building principles and cabinetry practices informed by the NCC and AS/NZS cabinetry standards; for structural or electrical work we coordinate with licensed trades.
- WA manufacturing – Custom cabinetry WA-made for quality control and shorter lead times.
- Installation – Clean, efficient fit-out with soft-close drawers, LED lighting and final adjustments for perfect alignment.
- Aftercare – Advice on care of melamine, 2-pack, veneer and hardware, plus warranty support.
Helpful authorities for Australian homeowners: HIA, Master Builders WA, and WA Building and Energy.
Materials and finishes that last in WA
Recommended substrates
- E0 moisture-resistant particleboard or MDF for carcases in most homes; plywood for high-end builds or damp locations.
- Premium melamine internals for wipe-clean durability.
- Fronts in 2-pack, thermolaminate, melamine, or timber veneer depending on budget and style.
- Hardware: Soft-close hinges and runners (Blum/Häfele), pull-out trouser racks, shoe drawers and corner solutions.
A low-formaldehyde emission rating suitable for interior cabinetry. It supports good indoor air quality in bedrooms.
Dressing bench/island benchtops: choosing a surface
For a compact dressing bench or island in your walk in closet wardrobe, WA homeowners often choose laminate for value or porcelain (sintered stone) for premium durability.
| Surface | Pros | Considerations | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Highly scratch, stain and heat resistant; premium look; thin profiles suit modern designs. | Higher cost; requires professional fabrication and install. | Luxury dressing bench tops; colour-matching to kitchen benchtops. |
| High-Pressure Laminate | Cost-effective, wide colour range, easy to clean. | Less heat/scratch resistant; edges require careful detailing. | Smart value for small walk in closet islands or shelves. |
Engineered stone with high crystalline silica is restricted nationally. Talk to us about safe, modern alternatives like porcelain and solid surface.
Finish styles that build your home’s story
- Modern/minimalist: Flat fronts in matte white, grey or black; recessed rails; integrated pulls.
- Hamptons/Shaker: Shaker-style doors echo a shaker kitchen or coastal ensuite for a cohesive home.
- Scandinavian: Oak-look melamine or veneer with clean lines and warm LED lighting.
Layouts and styles for tiny to small walk in closets
L-shaped
Best for narrow rooms with a return wall. Use double-hang on the long run and drawers/shelves on the short run.
U-shaped
Maximises storage in squarer rooms. Keep the centre clear at 800–1,000 mm. Consider a slim dresser if width allows.
Single galley
Perfect for very tiny walk in closets or niches. Add mirrored doors opposite to bounce light and widen the feel.
Bedroom walk in closet ideas that blend with your home
- Colour-match panels to your ensuite vanity or kitchen cabinetry.
- Repeat hardware tones from your scullery or pantry fit-out for consistency.
- Use LED strip lighting with a warm 3000K tone for a relaxed, flattering light.
Costs and allowances in Perth/WA
Every project is custom, but these ranges help plan a budget for a small walk in closet:
- Entry-level (melamine internals, minimal drawers): $3,500–$6,500 incl. GST
- Mid-range (mix of drawers, LED lighting, premium hardware): $6,500–$10,500
- Premium (2-pack fronts, veneer details, sensor lighting, accessories): $10,500–$18,000+
Allowances to consider:
- Electrical (LED lighting, motion sensors, GPO for iron/steamer): $450–$1,200+
- Mirrors and glazing: $400–$1,500
- Porcelain/sintered bench for dressing island (if used): $1,200–$3,500+
- Painting/plaster touch-ups: project dependent
Prices are indicative for Perth/WA conditions, typical room sizes and standard ceiling heights. We’ll confirm with an in-home measure and detailed design.
Practical planning checklist
- Measure your space (width, depth, ceiling height, door swing, skirting size).
- Audit your wardrobe: short hang vs long hang, number of shoes, folded items, accessories.
- Pick a style: modern flat panel, Shaker, or timber-look.
- Decide on lighting: internal LED strips, sensor switches, mirror backlighting.
- Select hardware: soft-close drawers, pull-out trouser rack, valet rod, belt/tie trays.
- Choose finishes: melamine internals; 2-pack or thermolaminate fronts; laminate or porcelain benchtop.
- Consider ventilation in coastal or humid areas of WA.
- Set a budget tier and must-haves vs nice-to-haves.
- Book a Joyce Kitchens design consult for drawings and a fixed proposal.
WA project examples
Subiaco apartment: tiny walk in closet, big result
In a 1.6 m-wide alcove, we used a galley layout with double-hang, 300 mm shelves for shoes, and warm LED strip lighting. Matte white melamine and a slim mirror panel made the space feel larger without crowding the bedroom.
Joondalup family home: small walk in closet with Shaker style
We matched the family’s Hamptons-style shaker kitchen with Shaker wardrobe fronts in satin 2-pack, soft-close drawers, and a compact laminate dressing shelf. The continuity lifted resale appeal and made mornings calmer.
Ready to design your modern small walk in closet?
From tiny walk in closet ideas to premium dressing rooms, Joyce Kitchens delivers Perth-made custom cabinetry built to last. Let’s design a wardrobe that’s as thoughtful as your kitchen. Book a consult today.
Note: Cabinetry is designed and installed in line with good practice and Australian standards guidance for joinery. Your project may also intersect with NCC requirements and relevant AS/NZS standards for cabinetry and electrical work; we coordinate licensed trades as needed.
FAQ
What size room do I need for a modern small walk in closet?
A workable size starts from about 1.4 m wide by 1.6–2.0 m long. Aim for 550–600 mm cabinet depth and at least 700–800 mm clear walking space.
How much does a small walk in closet cost in Perth?
Most Perth projects fall between $3,500 and $10,500 for small spaces, depending on finishes, drawers, lighting and accessories. Premium builds can exceed $10,500.
What materials are best for humid coastal homes?
E0 moisture-resistant board for carcases, melamine internals, and 2-pack or quality thermolaminate fronts work well. Add ventilation gaps and choose corrosion-resistant hardware.
Can I fit a dresser or island in a tiny walk in closet?
Yes, if you can maintain 800–1,000 mm clear around it. In very tight rooms, a wall-mounted dressing shelf or slimline drawer stack is a better option.
Do I need council approval to add a walk in wardrobe in WA?
Most internal, non-structural cabinetry does not require council approval. If you alter structure, services or fire safety, seek advice from your builder or council.