Thinking about a dressing table inside a wardrobe? As Perth cabinet makers, Joyce Kitchens designs and builds custom wardrobe and dressing table solutions that match your kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinetry for a consistent, high-value finish across your home.
Why combine a wardrobe and dressing table?
A wardrobe and dressing table (often called a vanity wardrobe) brings your clothes, cosmetics, jewellery and daily ritual into one efficient zone. For Perth homes where floor area is precious, integrating a compact seated or standing vanity into a walk-in robe (WIR) or built-in robe (BIR) saves space while elevating the look and resale value.
- Space-smart: A vanity inside the robe uses the same footprint as hanging/storage.
- Everyday convenience: Mirror, lighting, power and storage right where you dress.
- Whole-of-home cohesion: Match profiles and colours to your shaker kitchen, bathroom vanity or laundry cabinetry for a curated feel.
Core design insights for a dressing table inside a wardrobe
Practical layouts
- WIR with vanity peninsula: A 600–700 mm deep bench projects from a wall run, with knee space and drawers either side.
- BIR with sliding doors: A centre bay becomes the dressing niche; close it off with mirrored doors for a clean look.
- Galley robe: Put the vanity at the end wall with flanking tall storage to create a destination zone.
Lighting and power (WA-ready)
- Task lighting: 3000–4000 K LED strip lighting around mirrors or under shelves improves makeup colour accuracy (CRI 90+ recommended).
- Power and charging: Include GPOs/USB-C in the vanity for hair tools and devices. All electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000 and be performed by a licensed electrician.
- Ventilation: Avoid trapping heat from hair tools; allow cable pass-throughs and air gaps.
Storage that works
- Soft-close drawers with velvet or timber jewellery inserts, dividers for cosmetics and pull-out organisers.
- Hidden laundry hampers, pull-out shoe drawers and felt-lined trays for watches and glasses.
- Mirrored doors or a tri-fold mirror with integrated LEDs for side views.
Ergonomics and local sizing
- Seated vanity height: 730–760 mm with 600 mm clear knee space; stool height 430–480 mm.
- Standing vanity height: 900–950 mm for quick grooming.
- Depth: 500–600 mm suits most WA homes; allow 900 mm walkway clearance in a WIR.
- Mirror height: Top at 1850–2000 mm depending on ceiling height (common Perth ceilings 2400–2700 mm).
Our renovation process (Perth and WA)
- Design consult: We review your space, measure and discuss style cues from your kitchen, bathroom or laundry.
- 3D design and options: Layouts, finishes and storage accessories to fit your budget and timeline.
- Transparent quote: Clear inclusions for cabinetry, benchtop, mirrors, lighting and installation.
- Local manufacture: Custom cabinetry WA-made to AS/NZS 4386 principles for domestic cabinets.
- Installation: Our Perth cabinet makers coordinate with licensed trades for electrical and glazing.
- Aftercare: Guidance on cleaning, adjustments and warranty support.
Planning a bigger renovation? Joyce Kitchens also delivers kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom vanities, laundry fit-outs, sculleries and pantries with matching profiles like shaker kitchen doors, finger-pull profiles and 2‑pack polyurethane finishes.
Materials and finishes for a vanity wardrobe
Choose robust, easy-clean finishes that suit Perth’s warm climate and daily use.
Cabinetry and doors
- Moisture-resistant board (MR MDF) with melamine or 2‑pack fronts for stability.
- Thermoformed/vinyl wrap doors for routed Hamptons/Shaker profiles.
- Timber veneer for a natural, warm grain; clear-coated for protection.
Benchtops and mirror options
- Laminate benchtop: Budget-friendly, huge decor range (stone, timber-look), easy care.
- Porcelain/sintered stone: Ultra-hard, heat and UV resistant; an excellent alternative to engineered stone.
- Solid timber: Warm character; specify durable coatings and use heat mats for tools.
- Mirrors: Bevelled or framed; tri-fold for side angles; consider demister pads if near ensuite moisture.
Important compliance note for Australia: From 1 July 2024, the fabrication and installation of engineered stone is prohibited nationwide. For new projects, select compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, timber or natural stone. See Safe Work Australia’s guidance for details.
References:
Safe Work Australia — Engineered Stone,
HIA,
Master Builders WA.
Hardware and details
- Handles: Finger-pull rails, discrete edge pulls or classic knobs for Shaker doors.
- Runners/hinges: Soft-close systems from leading brands for longevity.
- Lighting: Sensor-activated LEDs under shelves and inside drawers.
Benchtop comparison: Engineered stone vs laminate (read the compliance note)
Engineered stone is prohibited for new fabrication/installation in Australia. The table below is for legacy context only and to help assess alternatives; for new Perth projects, we’ll recommend compliant materials.
| Attribute | Engineered Stone (legacy context) | Laminate (current, compliant) |
|---|---|---|
| Current legality in AU | Prohibited for new fabrication/installation | Compliant and widely available |
| Heat/UV resistance | Good heat resistance; UV varies | Moderate heat resistance; use mats; good UV stability indoors |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous surface | Very low; wipe clean, no sealing |
| Aesthetics | Stone-like patterns, solid colours | Vast decors including stone and timber looks |
| Typical cost (vanity-size) | Not available for new installs | $250–$650 per lm installed (profile dependent) |
Layouts and styles that suit Aussie homes
Hamptons/Shaker elegance
Profiled Shaker doors, satin white 2‑pack, glass-fronted display cabinets and polished nickel hardware mirror popular shaker kitchen aesthetics. Pair with a timber-look laminate top and tri-fold mirror for classic charm.
Contemporary minimal
Flat-front melamine, finger-pull or push-to-open doors, matt black or warm grey, and a sintered stone top deliver a clean, modern vanity wardrobe. Add sensor LEDs and slim framed mirrors.
Character and heritage
In Federation or mid-century homes, a timber veneer dressing table inside a wardrobe maintains period warmth while adding modern storage and soft-close drawers.
Real WA case examples
Case 1 — City Beach WIR with seated vanity
A young family wanted more morning efficiency. We reworked a narrow WIR into a U-shape with a central 750 mm-high seated vanity, LED backlit mirror, jewellery drawers, and pull-out hampers. Finishes match their kitchen renovations Perth palette: white Shaker doors with brushed nickel handles.
Case 2 — Fremantle apartment BIR with sliding mirrored doors
To maximise a compact master, we created a dressing table inside a wardrobe by dedicating the centre bay to a standing vanity (920 mm high) and concealed cable management. A porcelain top resists heat from hair tools; flanking bays house hanging and shoe drawers.
Costs in Perth and WA
Pricing varies by size, materials, hardware and electrical scope. As a guide (cabinetry, benchtop, mirrors, installation; electrical extra):
- BIR with integrated dressing niche: $4,000–$12,000+
- WIR with seated vanity and custom drawers: $7,000–$20,000+
- Premium finishes (2‑pack, veneer, porcelain top): add $2,000–$6,000 depending on size
Timelines: Design and selections 1–3 weeks; local manufacture 3–6 weeks; installation 1–3 days for most robes. Lead times may extend during peak season in WA.
Practical checklist: brief for your vanity wardrobe
- Choose seated (730–760 mm) or standing (900–950 mm) vanity height.
- Confirm GPO locations, USB-C charging and cable routes for hair tools.
- Select lighting temperature (3000–4000 K) and mirror style (flat, tri-fold, backlit).
- Pick finishes: melamine, 2‑pack, vinyl wrap; benchtop in laminate, porcelain/sintered stone or timber.
- Specify storage: jewellery trays, makeup dividers, pull-out hampers, shoe drawers.
- Match profiles/colours to your kitchen, bathroom or laundry for consistency.
- Note compliance: engineered stone is prohibited for new installs in Australia.
- Book a licensed electrician for any new wiring (per AS/NZS 3000).
FAQ
Is it practical to put a dressing table inside a wardrobe?
Yes—allow 500–600 mm depth, 730–760 mm seated or 900–950 mm standing height, good LED task lighting and at least one GPO with safe cable management. In a WIR, keep a 900 mm walkway for comfortable use.
What materials are best for a vanity wardrobe in Australia now that engineered stone is banned?
Choose compliant alternatives such as porcelain or sintered stone, laminate (including compact laminate), quality timber with durable coatings, or sealed natural stone. These surfaces suit heat from hair tools and are readily available across WA.
How much does a wardrobe with a dressing table cost in Perth?
Most built-in robes with a dressing niche fall between $4,000 and $12,000+, while larger WIRs with seated vanities and custom inserts range from $7,000 to $20,000+. Premium finishes and electrical work add to the total.
Can Joyce Kitchens match my kitchen style (e.g., Hamptons/Shaker) in the wardrobe?
Absolutely. We can mirror your shaker kitchen profiles, colour palette, handles and even benchtop decor so your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe feel purposefully connected.
Do I need council approval for a wardrobe renovation in WA?
Generally no for internal cabinetry, unless you are altering structure or services. Electrical must be done by a licensed electrician per AS/NZS 3000. For broader renovation guidance, refer to HIA or Master Builders WA resources.
Ready to design your wardrobe and dressing table?
Talk to the Joyce Kitchens team in Perth about a custom vanity wardrobe that matches your home—from robes to kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms and laundries. We’ll guide you on compliant materials, lighting and storage to get it right the first time.