From soft-close drawers to perfectly planned shelving and a beautiful dressing island, here’s how Joyce Kitchens designs a custom walk in wardrobe that works hard every day and looks incredible for years in WA conditions.
Why drawers matter in a walk-in wardrobe
Well-planned walk in wardrobe drawers keep daily dressing quick, calm and organised. Drawers protect clothing from dust, stop stacks toppling, and make small items easy to find. In many Perth homes we suggest a smart balance of drawers, walk in wardrobe shelving and hanging to suit your wardrobe contents and the room footprint.
Drawers vs shelving: when to use each
- Use drawers for small foldables (undies, socks, tees), jewellery, belts and private items.
- Use shelves for bulky items you reach for often (jumpers, handbags, hats) and display pieces.
- Use double and full-height hanging for crease‑prone clothing and long dresses or coats.
A 60/20/20 split (drawers/shelves/hanging) is a great starting point, then we customise to your inventory.
Optimal sizes and configurations (WA-ready)
We tailor custom walk in wardrobe modules to your space, but these guidelines work brilliantly in most Perth renovations.
Recommended drawer dimensions
- Widths: 400–1000 mm (most common 600–800 mm). Wider drawers need quality runners and bracing.
- Internal heights: 120–160 mm (jewellery/lingerie), 180–220 mm (tees, gym gear), 250–300 mm (knits), 300–350 mm (jumpers/handbags).
- Depths: 450–500 mm internal, suiting standard 500–560 mm cabinet depth to clear skirtings and power points.
Smart internal fittings
- Jewellery inserts and felt liners
- Dividers for belts, ties and sunglasses
- Glass-top display drawers for watches and accessories
- Pull-out hampers and shoe shelves with tilt-up fronts
- Hidden “internal drawers” behind a full-height door for a minimalist look
Our Perth design-to-install process
- In-home measure and brief: We catalogue your clothing, shoes and accessories to determine the right number of drawers and shelves.
- 3D design and pricing: Clear renderings, finishes and hardware selections with a fixed proposal.
- Selections and approvals: Choose melamine, 2‑Pac painted, vinyl wrap or timber veneer drawer fronts; confirm handles or handleless.
- Fabrication: Made-to-measure custom cabinetry WA using moisture‑resistant boards and quality hardware.
- Installation: Our team coordinates any electrical for LED strip lighting with licensed WA electricians and handles rubbish removal.
- Aftercare: Advice on cleaning, adjustments and future add‑ons.
We follow industry guidance from bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA. For any electrical or building work, we work to WA regulations via Building and Energy (WA).
Materials, finishes and hardware for long-life drawers
Boards and drawer boxes
- 16–18 mm moisture‑resistant melamine for carcasses and shelves (durable, easy-clean).
- 2‑Pac painted panels for colour-matched drawer fronts (ideal for a classic shaker kitchen style carried through to the robe).
- Vinyl wrap (thermolaminate) for routed profiles at a sharp price point.
- Timber veneer or solid timber accents for warmth; dovetail joint options for premium timber drawers.
Hardware
- Soft-close Blum or Hettich runners (30–40 kg standard; heavy-duty available for wide drawers).
- Push-to-open for handleless cabinets, or elegant finger-pull rails.
- LED strip lighting with diffusers and sensors under shelves and inside display drawers.
WA/Australia-specific considerations
- Sun and heat: Choose UV-stable finishes for north/west-facing rooms; avoid very dark high-gloss near full-height glazing.
- Humidity: MR boards and ABS edge banding help prevent swelling near ensuites.
- Standards: Cabinet construction aligns with AS/NZS cabinetry best practice for domestic storage (comparable to AS/NZS 4386 kitchen assemblies).
Layouts, styles and lighting
Popular layouts
- Galley robe: Opposing runs of drawers, shelving and hanging; add a clear 900–1000 mm walkway.
- U-shape: Maximises corners with L-shape shelves and a central bank of drawers.
- With island: Double-sided drawers for accessories; add a durable top for folding or display.
Style ideas
- Classic: 2‑Pac shaker fronts, framed glass display drawers, warm timber veneer accents.
- Contemporary: Matt melamine, handleless finger-pulls, black anodised rails, smoked-glass.
- Coastal Perth: Light oak textures, white satin fronts, woven baskets and rattan details.
Lighting
- Warm white LED strip lighting (3000–3500K) under shelves.
- Sensor-activated lights inside tall cabinets.
- Mirrors with integrated lighting for make-up or dressing stations.
Planning a broader remodel? Our team also delivers kitchen renovations Perth with engineered stone benchtop alternatives, scullery layouts, splashback design, and custom cabinetry WA for the whole home.
Benchtop options for dressing islands (and matching vanities)
If your robe includes an island or make-up station, the top needs to be beautiful and practical. With the engineered stone ban in Australia, here’s how two popular materials compare for wardrobes and adjacent kitchens.
| Property | Engineered Stone (banned for new work in AU) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Status (2025) | Nationally banned due to silica risks | Widely available and compliant |
| Look | Stone-like appearance; now replaced by porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone | Huge range of patterns, from stone-look to timber |
| Durability | Previously high; now replaced by porcelain/sintered stone for superior heat/scratch resistance | Good everyday performance; use boards and trivets, avoid cutting directly |
| Cost | N/A for new installs; alternatives vary | Most budget-friendly, excellent for robe islands |
| Best use | Consider porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone for premium kitchens/vanities | Ideal for dressing islands and secondary laundry renovation benchtops |
Note: We’ll guide you to safe, compliant alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone for kitchens, and quality laminate or timber for wardrobe islands.
Costs and timelines in WA
Typical investment
- Custom walk-in wardrobe, supplied and installed: $6,000–$18,000+ depending on size, finishes and lighting.
- Drawer banks (per 600–800 mm module, 3–4 drawers): from $750–$1,650.
- Soft-close runner upgrades or heavy-duty runners: +$50–$180 per drawer.
- LED strip lighting supplied/installed: $60–$120 per metre.
- Island tops: Laminate from $450–$900; porcelain/natural stone priced on selection.
Lead times: Design and selections 1–2 weeks; fabrication 2–4 weeks; installation 1–3 days for most robes. Timelines vary with seasonal demand in Perth.
We design for longevity and serviceability, using hardware you can still buy in 10+ years.
Real WA examples
City Beach Master Suite
A U‑shape robe with double-sided island, glass‑top jewellery drawers and LED display lighting. 2‑Pac shaker fronts carried through from the shaker kitchen for a cohesive home feel.
Fremantle Apartment Upgrade
Compact galley robe: narrow 500 mm deep cabinets, tall shoe shelves, and three banks of soft‑close drawers. Matt oak-look melamine matched the apartment’s bathroom vanity and laminate benchtop kitchen refresh.
Practical pre-design checklist
- Measure your space (width, depth, ceiling height, skirtings, power points).
- Inventory clothing: count shoes, long/short hanging, jumpers, tees, accessories.
- Decide priorities: display vs minimalist, glass fronts vs concealed storage.
- Lighting: where do you need task lighting or sensor LEDs?
- Finishes you love: matt vs gloss, colour tone, timber accents.
- Future-proof: allow a spare drawer or adjustable walk in wardrobe shelving for growth.
Ready to plan your walk-in wardrobe?
Book a design consult with Joyce Kitchens in Perth. We’ll plan the right mix of drawers, shelving and hanging, coordinate safe lighting, and deliver custom cabinetry that matches the quality of your kitchen, scullery and laundry.
FAQ
How deep should walk in wardrobe drawers be?
Most Perth homes suit drawer depths of 450–500 mm internal (about 500–560 mm carcass depth). Go 180–220 mm high for tees and intimates, 250–300 mm for knits and activewear, and 300–350 mm for bulky jumpers or handbags. We size to your clothing and room.
Are drawers or shelves better for a walk in robe?
Use drawers for small foldables and private items; shelves for bulky or frequently accessed pieces; and hanging for crease-prone clothing. A 60/20/20 split (drawers/shelves/hanging) is a reliable starting point that we customise to you.
What materials do you use for walk in wardrobe drawers in Perth?
We typically use 16–18 mm moisture‑resistant melamine for carcasses, soft‑close Blum or Hettich runners rated 30–40 kg, with fronts in melamine, 2‑Pac, vinyl wrap or timber veneer. For islands, we avoid engineered stone due to the national ban and specify laminate, porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone alternatives.
How much does a custom walk in wardrobe cost in WA?
As a guide, custom walk-ins range from $6,000–$18,000+ installed. A 600–800 mm drawer bank (3–4 drawers) starts from $750–$1,650. LED lighting from $60–$120 per metre, and island tops vary by material. We’ll provide a fixed quote after design.
Can you retrofit soft-close drawers into my existing robe?
Often yes. If the cabinet is square and sound, we can add soft-close runners or new drawer boxes. Where the old carcass is out of tolerance or too shallow, we’ll recommend a partial rebuild for smooth, long-life performance.