Thinking about an open wardrobe Australia solution that feels airy, organised and easy to live with? As Perth’s custom cabinetry specialists, Joyce Kitchens designs and installs open wardrobe systems that integrate beautifully with your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and walk-in robe. Below you’ll find practical layouts, materials, costs and local WA advice to help you choose the right open closet for your home.
Why an Open Wardrobe?
An open wardrobe (or open closet) keeps clothes visible and reachable, making mornings faster and helping you curate outfits. It’s also a smart way to gain storage in smaller rooms and apartments without the bulk of hinged doors. For clients renovating a kitchen or laundry at the same time, an open wardrobe system can share finishes, delivering a cohesive home—from a Shaker kitchen to a contemporary minimalist master suite.
- Space-saving: No swinging doors—great for tight rooms and walk-in robes.
- Budget-flexible: From simple open wardrobe racks to bespoke wall-to-wall systems.
- Customisable: Adjustable shelves, drawers, shoe towers, and pull-out accessories.
- Style-ready: White open wardrobe for Hamptons, open wardrobe black for modern industrial.
Our Design-to-Install Process (Perth & WA)
Joyce Kitchens delivers end‑to‑end service for wardrobes and whole-of-home joinery, from kitchen renovations Perth to bathroom and laundry cabinetry.
- In-home consult & measure: We assess space, ceiling heights (common in WA: 2.4–2.7 m), ventilation and lighting.
- Design & 3D renders: We map hanging zones, drawers and open shelves; integrate power points for irons or LED strip lighting.
- Materials selection: Match your kitchen’s engineered stone benchtop, laminate or two-pack polyurethane finishes for a consistent look.
- Local manufacture: Precision cut in WA; hardware such as soft-close drawers and Blum hinges for reliability.
- Installation & clean-up: Typically 1–2 days per room, coordinated with your painter or flooring installer if needed.
Where relevant, our cabinetry is designed to align with appropriate AS/NZS requirements for domestic joinery and best practice. For renovation guidance and consumer protection, see the HIA and Master Builders WA. For Australian standards information, visit Standards Australia.
Materials, Finishes and Hardware
Core Cabinet Materials
- Melamine on HMR board: Durable, cost-effective; excellent for shelves and carcasses.
- Veneer: Real timber look with protective clear coats; warm and premium.
- Two-pack polyurethane: Smooth, painted finish (matte to gloss) in white, black or colour-matched tones.
- Solid timber: Characterful and repairable; higher investment and maintenance.
Frames and Rails
- Powder-coated steel frames: Perfect for an open wardrobe black statement or a clean white frame.
- Timber-look uprights: Warmer aesthetic that pairs nicely with Hamptons and coastal styles.
- Chrome or matte black hanging rails: Durable, with anti-slip options.
Hardware, Lighting and Accessories
- Soft-close drawers and Blum components for smooth, long-life operation.
- LED strip lighting with motion sensors under shelves and inside drawer fronts.
- Pull-outs: trouser racks, tie/belt organisers, valet rails, and shoe drawers.
Finishes that Coordinate with Kitchens and Laundries
If you’re renovating multiple rooms, carry finishes across spaces for a cohesive feel:
- Match a white open wardrobe in two-pack to a Shaker kitchen in the same paint colour.
- Use timber-look melamine for both wardrobe shelves and a laundry cabinet run.
- Add a dresser or island with an engineered stone benchtop (e.g., Caesarstone) to echo your kitchen island or scullery.
Comparison: Common Wardrobe Surface Options
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melamine (HMR) | Cost-effective; wide colours; easy to clean | Exposed edges must be sealed; standard look | Family wardrobes, rentals, kids’ rooms |
| Veneer | Real timber feel; premium warmth | Higher cost; protect from strong UV | Master suites, Hamptons/coastal homes |
| Two-pack Polyurethane | Seamless painted finish; colour-matched | Premium pricing; avoid harsh abrasives | Designer white or black statements |
| Solid Timber | Natural, repairable; unique character | Most expensive; seasonal movement | Feature dressing areas and display shelving |
Layouts and Styles (White, Black, Racks, Systems)
Popular Configurations
- Full-height wall system: Floor-to-ceiling shelves, double and long-hang, drawers at hip height.
- Walk-in robe island: Low drawers with an engineered stone or laminate top for accessories.
- Open wardrobe rack: Minimalist rail-and-shelf modules ideal for guest rooms or apartments.
- Hybrid: Mostly open, with a few concealed drawers for small items.
Style Notes
- White open wardrobe: Works with Hamptons or Shaker detailing; pair with brushed nickel hardware.
- Open wardrobe black: Powder-coated frames and dark shelves for loft/industrial or contemporary minimalist schemes.
- Coastal finishes: Oak-look shelves, rattan baskets and soft LED warmth—ties in with a light, galley kitchen or butler’s pantry vibe.
Tip: If your wardrobe shares a wall with a bathroom renovation Perth project, consider moisture and ventilation. Choose HMR substrates and seal edges—especially near ensuites.
Costs in WA: What to Budget
Every project is unique, but these ballparks help planning. Prices include design, manufacture and professional installation in Perth metro; regional WA may vary.
- Entry open wardrobe rack/modules: $450–$1,200 per linear metre.
- Custom open wardrobe system: $900–$2,200 per linear metre (melamine/HMR, quality hardware).
- Premium finishes (two-pack, veneer, black steel frames): +20–45% depending on scope.
- Lighting, mirrors, island tops (engineered stone or laminate): $600–$3,500+ per area.
- Integrated joinery with kitchen/laundry: Package savings possible when combined with larger renovations.
Note: Sunlight and heat can affect finishes; in WA homes with strong UV, consider UV-stable coatings and window treatments to protect two‑pack or veneer surfaces.
WA Case Examples
Cottesloe Apartment: White Open Wardrobe + Shaker Kitchen
For a downsizer’s 2-bed apartment, we created a white open wardrobe with adjustable shelves and soft-close drawers, colour-matched to a Shaker kitchen in two-pack. A compact dresser with an engineered stone benchtop mirrored the kitchen island’s Caesarstone. Outcome: cohesive look, brighter rooms, simpler morning routines.
Joondalup Family Home: Black Frame Open System
This busy family paired a black open wardrobe system in the master with a contemporary kitchen renovation. Powder-coated frames, matte black rails, and LED strip lighting delivered clear visibility at 6am. Kids’ rooms got robust melamine shelves to handle school uniforms and sports gear.
Open Wardrobe Planning Checklist
- Measure clear wall width, ceiling height, and skirting depth.
- Allow depth: 600 mm for coats; 450–500 mm for shirts and folded items.
- Hanging: 1,000–1,100 mm (short hang), 1,600–1,800 mm (long hang).
- Ventilation: Keep airflow; avoid blocking AC returns—air helps reduce mustiness.
- Lighting: Motion-sensor LED strips under shelves; warm or neutral white for accurate colours.
- Dust control: Use higher drawers for small items; add glass shelves or baskets for easy wipe-down.
- Power points: Hairdryer or iron? Plan GPOs during renovation.
- Future-proofing: Design to accept doors later if needed.
- Style consistency: Match handles, profiles and colours with kitchen/laundry cabinetry.
Ready to Design Yours?
From walk-in robes to scullery and laundry cabinets, Joyce Kitchens brings cohesive, custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust. Book a design consultation to explore finishes, layouts and pricing tailored to your space.
FAQ
Are open wardrobes practical in Australia?
Yes—open wardrobes suit WA’s lifestyle, provide fast access and help you edit what you wear. Plan ventilation, lighting and some closed drawers for small items to keep things tidy.
How do I reduce dust in an open closet?
Prioritise regular airflow, add motion-sensor LED lighting so you see and clean easily, place smaller items in drawers or baskets, and avoid dead corners where dust gathers.
What does an open wardrobe cost in Perth/WA?
Expect $450–$1,200 per linear metre for simple racks/modules and $900–$2,200+ per linear metre for custom systems, with premium finishes adding 20–45%.
Can I add doors later if I change my mind?
Often yes. We can design an open wardrobe system with carcases and clearances that accept hinged or sliding doors later, should you want partial or full concealment.
Which materials are best for a white or black open wardrobe?
For white, two-pack polyurethane or white melamine offers a crisp look; for black, powder-coated frames with black melamine or two-pack panels create a durable, modern finish.
