Thinking about a walk in wardrobe (WIR) that actually keeps life tidy? Joyce Kitchens designs and builds custom wardrobes across Perth and regional WA, with the same award-winning approach we bring to kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms and laundries. Below you’ll find practical walk in wardrobe ideas, measurements, layouts, materials, costs and local tips to help you plan with confidence.
What Is a Walk in Wardrobe?
A walk in wardrobe is a dedicated, step-in storage room for clothing, shoes and accessories. It’s more than hanging rails — great walk in wardrobe designs combine custom cabinetry, drawers and clever inserts so every item has a home.
Definition: WIR (Walk in Robe/Wardrobe)
WIR is common Aussie shorthand for a walk in robe or walk in wardrobe. It usually sits off the main bedroom but can be used for guest rooms or a dressing room.
Why Choose a Custom WIR in Perth
- Space maximised: From small walk in wardrobe nooks to luxury suites, custom shelving and walk in wardrobe inserts make the most of tight footprints.
- Made for WA: We use moisture-resistant boards and UV-stable finishes that handle Perth’s heat and coastal conditions.
- Seamless style: Match your robe doors with shaker-style profiles, or contemporary flat fronts to suit your bedroom set, ensuite and even your shaker kitchen if you’re renovating as a whole-home project.
- Quality hardware: Premium hinges and runners (e.g., Blum and Häfele) deliver smooth, soft-close drawers built to last.
- Local compliance: Designed and installed to Australian standards and WA requirements. See HIA WA and Master Builders WA for homeowner guidance.
Core Design Insights and Dimensions
Whether you’re after small walk in robe ideas or a statement dressing room, good planning starts with the right measurements.
Recommended Walk in Robe Dimensions (Australia)
- Hanging depth: 600 mm (adult clothing). For tight rooms, 550 mm can work using slim hangers.
- Aisle width: Target 900–1000 mm clear. For a narrow walk in robe, 800 mm is the tight minimum.
- Single hang height: 1600–1700 mm (dresses/coats).
- Double hang: 2 tiers at 900–1000 mm each (shirts/skirts/pants folded over hangers).
- Top shelf height: 2100–2400 mm (consider your ceiling and reach).
- Drawer widths: 600–900 mm; depths 450–500 mm.
- Shelf depths: 300–350 mm for shoes; 400–500 mm for folded clothes.
- Island clearance: If adding an island, keep 1000 mm all round for comfortable movement.
Note: We design to relevant Australian Standards and good practice for cabinetry (e.g., AS/NZS guidance for domestic cabinet assemblies). For general building/renovation compliance, see WA Building and Energy consumer guidance.
Small and Tiny Walk in Wardrobe Ideas
- Galley layout: One side hanging, opposite shallow shelves (300–350 mm) with shoe racks or walk in wardrobe storage baskets.
- Floor to ceiling: Add an extra top shelf for luggage and seasonal storage; use step stools that tuck away.
- Sliding or no doors: In very small spaces, open cabinetry or pocket/sliding doors saves clearance.
- Double up: Prioritise double hanging zones; move bulky coats to a linen/garage robe.
- Lighting: LED strip lighting under shelves doubles as task and display lighting.
Narrow Walk in Robe Layout
- Depth mixing: Use 600 mm hanging on one wall, 350 mm shelving on the opposite wall to maintain an 800–900 mm walkway.
- Corner strategy: Avoid dead corners. Use L-shaped shelves or angled corner hanging to reduce wasted space.
- Doors and mirrors: Mirror panels on ends or sliding doors add light and visually widen the room.
Walk in Robe Storage Ideas that Work
- Drawers at waist height: Everyday items within easy reach improve usability.
- Pull-outs: Tie, belt and trouser pull-outs (Häfele/Blum compatible) keep small items neat.
- Valet rods and hooks: Perfect for next-day outfits.
- Jewellery and watch inserts: Velvet-lined organisers in top drawers.
- Ventilation: Allow airflow; consider vented doors or a discreet grille when wardrobes adjoin ensuites.
Definition: Walk in Robe Measurements vs Dimensions
Measurements are the actual sizes we take on site. Recommended dimensions are best-practice targets that guide your walk in robe design for everyday comfort.
Our Design-to-Install Process (Perth & WA)
- Consultation: We discuss your wish list, walk in robe layout, budget and timeline alongside any kitchen, bathroom or laundry works.
- Measure & plan: Accurate onsite measurements and a walk in wardrobe planner checklist ensure nothing’s missed.
- Design: 3D drawings with your choice of fronts, handles, lighting and inserts. We’ll also coordinate with your custom cabinetry WA selections for other rooms.
- Quote: Clear pricing with options for upgrades (e.g., glass fronts, LED sensors, island with engineered stone benchtop like Caesarstone).
- Manufacture: Local Perth production using Laminex/Polytec boards and premium hardware.
- Installation: Experienced installers, tidy and efficient. We work to Australian Standards and HIA-aligned practices.
Renovating more than wardrobes? We design whole-home cabinetry including pantry cabinet solutions, scullery design, laundry renovations Perth and vanities to keep your style consistent.
Materials, Finishes and Hardware
Carcasses (Cabinet Bodies)
- HMR melamine (Laminex/Polytec): Durable, easy-clean, moisture-resistant board available in many colours and woodgrains.
- MDF for painted fronts: Ideal for routed profiles like shaker doors.
Fronts and Doors
- 2‑pack polyurethane: Painted, seamless finish with endless colours and profiles (from shaker to ultra-minimal).
- Melamine: Cost-effective and robust for family homes and rentals.
- Timber veneer: Warm, natural feel for luxury walk in robes.
- Mirror or glass: Adds light, makes small rooms feel bigger.
- Vinyl wrap (thermoformed): Moulded finishes with curves; popular in certain styles.
Definition: 2‑Pack Polyurethane
A high-quality painted finish applied in a controlled booth, then cured for durability. Think of it as automotive-grade paint for cabinetry doors and panels.
Definition: HMR Board
High Moisture Resistant particleboard/MDF, ideal for Perth homes where humidity or coastal air can affect cheaper boards.
Hardware and Lighting
- Blum/Häfele soft-close drawers and hinges: Quiet, smooth and reliable.
- LED strip lighting: Under-shelf or vertical pilaster lighting with sensors for hands-free use.
- Wardrobe inserts: Trouser racks, shoe drawers, jewellery trays, tie/belt pull-outs and valet rods.
Layouts, Styles and Walk in Cupboards Ideas
Popular Walk in Wardrobe Designs
- Galley: Best for long, narrow walk in robe spaces; hanging one side, shelving the other.
- L‑shape: Efficient in modest rooms; avoids clashing doors and maximises corners.
- U‑shape: Premium storage and symmetry in larger rooms.
- Island/peninsula: Extra drawers and a surface for folding or accessories. Consider a timber or engineered stone benchtop for durability.
Style Options
- Contemporary: Flat fronts, push-to-open or slimline handles.
- Classic shaker: Painted fronts with framed detail for timeless appeal.
- Scandi/Veneer: Light timber tones, matte whites and integrated lighting.
- Dark luxe: Deep woodgrain, smoked glass, LED feature lighting.
Small Walk in Robe Designs (Space-Smart)
- Small walk in robe ideas: Use more drawers and shelves than hanging; fold tees/knits to save depth.
- Walk in robe cabinetry: Narrow drawer modules (300–450 mm) with full-extension runners.
- Walk in wardrobe storage ideas: Over-door hooks, recessed mirrors, and joinery to the ceiling for suitcases.
DIY Walk in Wardrobe vs Custom
- DIY walk in wardrobe: Budget-friendly and fast, but limited sizes, finishes and weight capacity.
- Custom: Precision fit, premium hardware, coordinated finishes with your kitchen/bath/laundry, and professional warranty.
Walk in Wardrobe Costs in Perth & WA
Every project is unique, but these ballparks help planning. All prices in AUD, GST inclusive, supply and install unless stated.
- DIY/flatpack WIR: $800–$2,500 (self-install; limited sizes/finishes).
- Custom small walk in robe: $3,500–$7,500 (melamine, soft-close, LED optional).
- Mid-range custom: $7,500–$12,000 (mix of drawers, pull-outs, mirrors, better lighting).
- Luxury walk in robes: $12,000–$25,000+ (2‑pack or veneer, smoked glass, island, advanced inserts). Island tops in Caesarstone or similar add cost.
- Extras: Electrical works, plastering/painting, flooring, ventilation or structural changes are quoted separately if needed.
We’ll tailor a detailed quote after site measure and selections. Ask about bundling savings when combining with bathroom renovation Perth, laundry renovations Perth or kitchen cabinetry upgrades.
Two Quick WA Case Examples
Case 1: Compact WIR in a Perth Character Home
Brief: Small walk in wardrobe off a 3×1 bedroom. Result: L‑shape layout with 600 mm hanging on one wall and 350 mm shelving opposite. Double hanging, four drawers, pull-out shoe trays, LED strips. Finished in Polytec melamine woodgrain; total cost ~ $6,900 installed.
Case 2: Luxury Suite in a Coastal New Build
Brief: Luxury walk in robes feel with a central island. Result: U‑shape design, glass display doors, velvet jewellery inserts, valet rods and a Caesarstone top on the island. Painted 2‑pack shaker fronts; cost ~ $22,000 installed.
Finish Comparison: Melamine vs 2‑Pack Polyurethane
| Feature | Melamine (Laminex/Polytec) | 2‑Pack Polyurethane (Painted) |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Contemporary, woodgrains/solids, consistent surface | Premium, seamless paint in any colour; suits shaker profiles |
| Durability | High scratch resistance; easy clean | Hard-wearing but avoid harsh abrasives; repairable |
| Cost | $ (budget to mid) | $$–$$$ (mid to premium) |
| Best for | Family homes, rentals, small walk in robe designs | Feature wardrobes, heritage or designer looks |
Practical Walk in Wardrobe Planning Checklist
- Measure the room: length, width, ceiling height, door swing/clearances.
- List clothing by type to decide hanging vs drawers vs shelves.
- Prioritise double hanging; add a small long-hang only if needed.
- Choose a layout: Galley, L‑shape, U‑shape, or add an island if space allows.
- Select finishes: melamine, 2‑pack, veneer; match bedroom style.
- Pick hardware: soft-close drawers, pull-outs, valet rods, shoe storage.
- Plan lighting and power: LED strips, sensor lights, GPO for irons/hair tools.
- Ventilation and moisture: especially for robes near ensuites in Perth’s climate.
- Set a budget and decide must-haves vs nice-to-haves.
- Book a measure and design consult with Joyce Kitchens.
Ready to Create Your Walk in Wardrobe?
From small walk in wardrobe ideas to full walk in wardrobe fit out, we’ll design, manufacture and install a beautiful WIR that fits your home and lifestyle. Ask for our free walk in wardrobe planner and let’s map your storage together.
Contact Joyce Kitchens to book a Perth showroom consult or an in-home measure. We also design custom cabinetry WA for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries to keep your whole renovation coordinated.
Helpful references: HIA WA homeowner resources, Master Builders WA, WA Building and Energy.
FAQ
What are the ideal walk in robe dimensions in Australia?
Aim for 600 mm hanging depth, 900–1000 mm aisle width (800 mm minimum in narrow spaces), 1600–1700 mm single hang height, and 2 x 900–1000 mm for double hang. Shelves for shoes can be 300–350 mm deep.
How much does a walk in wardrobe cost in Perth?
DIY flatpacks start around $800–$2,500. Custom WIRs range from $3,500–$7,500 for small spaces, $7,500–$12,000 mid-range, and $12,000–$25,000+ for luxury fitouts with 2‑pack, veneer, glass and islands.
Can you add a walk in wardrobe to a small bedroom?
Yes. Convert part of a room with a nib wall, use a galley layout with shallow shelving opposite hanging, and go floor-to-ceiling. Sliding doors or open cabinetry save space.
What materials are best for walk in wardrobes in WA?
HMR melamine carcasses (Laminex/Polytec) for durability, with melamine or 2‑pack doors depending on budget and style. Add quality hardware (Blum/Häfele) and LED lighting.
Is a DIY walk in wardrobe worth it versus custom?
DIY is cheaper and quick but limited in sizes and load capacity. Custom maximises storage in awkward rooms, matches your home’s style and uses premium hardware with a professional warranty.