Make every morning easier with a custom wardrobe island. From jewellery drawers and soft‑close storage to durable benchtops that suit WA conditions, our Perth team designs and installs walk in wardrobe islands that look beautiful and work hard for years.
Why add a wardrobe island?
A wardrobe island is a central cabinet within a walk‑in wardrobe that adds accessible storage, a handy benchtop for laying out outfits, and a premium, built‑in look. For Australian homeowners planning kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe renovations, an island also ties the dressing space into your home’s overall design—mirroring finishes used in your shaker kitchen, bathroom vanities or laundry renovation.
Core benefits
- Space efficiency: Double‑sided drawers, pull‑out baskets and divider trays boost capacity without new walls.
- Better organisation: Dedicated sections for jewellery, belts, ties, handbags and shoes with felt‑lined inserts.
- Ergonomics: A working height of 900–950 mm minimises bending; drawers keep essentials at hand.
- Lighting and power: Discreet LED strip lighting and in‑drawer charging for watches and devices.
- Premium finish: Choose Hamptons profiles, shadowline edges or finger‑pull handles to match your interior style.
Our design and renovation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust, from concept to installation. If you’re also exploring kitchen renovations Perth, we can coordinate your kitchen, scullery or butler’s pantry with your wardrobe design for a seamless, whole‑home result.
- Free consult and measure: We assess clearances and advise on ideal island size for your walk‑in wardrobe island.
- 3D design and selections: See your island in context; choose thermolaminate, two‑pack polyurethane, timber veneers or laminates, plus hardware like Blum soft‑close drawers.
- Compliance and details: We plan safe power locations and lighting in line with the NCC (BCA) and good practice; cabinetry construction aligns with relevant AS/NZS cabinetry standards.
- Local manufacturing: Perth‑made cabinetry with moisture‑resistant E0/E1 board options and robust edging for WA conditions.
- Installation: Our installation team coordinates with your electrician and painter for a tidy, quick fit‑off.
Note: Electrical work is completed by a licensed WA electrician. For guidance on building and electrical compliance, see WA Building and Energy, HIA, or Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes for WA homes
Your island top and cabinet finishes need to look great and handle heat, dust and daily use. Below are popular, practical choices for wardrobe islands in Perth and across WA.
Benchtops
- Porcelain / Sintered stone: Highly scratch, heat and UV resistant—excellent for WA’s sunny conditions.
- Laminate benchtop: Budget‑friendly, modern textures, easy to clean, wide colour range.
- Solid surface (acrylic): Smooth, repairable, warm to touch; great for jewellery and watches.
- Timber (sealed): Adds warmth and character; requires maintenance in coastal settings.
Cabinet doors and drawer fronts
- Thermolaminate (vinyl wrap): Cost‑effective profiles, including classic shaker.
- Two‑pack polyurethane: Premium painted finish; crisp edges for Hamptons or contemporary designs.
- Decorative laminate / Melamine: Durable and low maintenance; ideal for kids’ spaces and rentals.
- Timber veneer: Natural warmth with modern lines; pair with shadowline details.
Quick comparison: benchtop options for wardrobe islands
| Surface | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Heat/UV/scratch resistant; premium look; low maintenance | Higher cost; requires experienced fabricator |
| Laminate | Affordable; huge colour range; quick lead times | Not repairable if deeply scratched; visible joins on long runs |
| Engineered Stone (legacy) | Historically popular and durable | Note: Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned for new fabrication in Australia (July 2024). Consider porcelain or solid surface alternatives. |
Layouts and styles that suit your space
Clearances that feel comfortable
- Island height: 900–950 mm
- Island depth: 600–750 mm for single‑sided drawers; 900–1,000 mm for double‑sided
- Walkway all around: Absolute minimum 900 mm; 1,000–1,100 mm feels generous
Common walk‑in layouts
- U‑shape: Hanging on three sides with an island centred for balance and access.
- Galley: Two banks of cabinetry with the island aligned; perfect for long, narrow rooms.
- L‑shape: Island offsets the open zone; great where a window needs to stay clear.
Style cues to match your home
- Hamptons or shaker kitchen continuity: Shaker profiles, matte two‑pack paint, classic cup pulls.
- Contemporary: Flat fronts, finger‑pull or push‑to‑open, shadowline details, matte black or brass accents.
- Family‑friendly: Durable melamine, rounded corners, robust kickboards in high‑traffic homes.
Finishing touches: LED strip lighting with sensors, glass display tops for jewellery, felt‑lined organisers, laundry hampers, pull‑out shoe drawers, valet rails, and Blum soft‑close systems for a premium feel.
Costs in Perth and WA
Pricing varies by size, materials and accessories. As a guide for a custom, Perth‑made wardrobe island:
- Entry level: $3,500–$5,500 (melamine carcass, laminate top, soft‑close drawers)
- Mid‑range: $5,500–$8,500 (thermolaminate or two‑pack fronts, premium organisers, LED lighting)
- Premium: $8,500–$12,000+ (porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface top, double‑sided drawers, glass display, in‑drawer charging, bespoke inserts)
Allow for electrical (licensed contractor), painting, flooring trims and contingencies. If bundling with kitchen renovations Perth or bathroom vanities, you’ll often save on site visits and installation.
Two quick WA case examples
Perth CBD apartment – compact luxury
We designed a 700 mm‑deep single‑sided island with a solid surface top and shadowline finger pulls. Despite tight space, 1,000 mm walkways and slim LED strip lighting kept the room feeling open. Jewellery trays and watch charging transformed daily routines.
Fremantle family home – coastal Hamptons
A classic shaker island in matte two‑pack with a timber top to match their Hamptons‑style kitchen. Double‑sided drawers, felt‑lined organisers and pull‑out shoe trays made the most of a sunny, U‑shaped walk‑in. Materials were chosen for easy care in coastal conditions.
Practical checklist: plan your wardrobe island
- Measure the room and confirm you can keep 900–1,100 mm clear all round.
- Choose island height (900–950 mm) to suit who uses the space most.
- Decide storage types: drawers, trays, dividers, hampers, shoe pull‑outs, valet rails.
- Select a benchtop: porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, solid surface or timber.
- Pick your style: shaker/Hamptons, contemporary shadowline or handle‑free.
- Plan lighting and any power for charging—use a licensed WA electrician.
- Match finishes to adjacent spaces: kitchen, scullery, laundry, bathroom vanities.
- Set a budget tier (entry, mid, premium) and confirm lead time.
- Ask about moisture‑resistant E0/E1 board and quality hardware (e.g., Blum).
- Book a 3D design consult to visualise layouts and colours.
Ready to design your walk in wardrobe island?
From concept and 3D design to Perth‑made custom cabinetry and expert installation, Joyce Kitchens brings your wardrobe island—and your whole‑home joinery—to life. Speak with our friendly team to coordinate your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe design in one seamless project.
FAQ
What size should a wardrobe island be?
Most wardrobe islands are 900–950 mm high. For depth, allow 600–750 mm for single‑sided drawers or 900–1,000 mm for double‑sided. Keep at least 900 mm clear around the island; 1,000–1,100 mm walkways feel more comfortable in daily use.
How much does a walk in wardrobe island cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect $3,500–$5,500 for entry level (laminate), $5,500–$8,500 mid‑range (thermolaminate or two‑pack with lighting) and $8,500–$12,000+ for premium (porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface, glass display, bespoke organisers). Electrical and painting are additional.
What benchtop materials suit wardrobe islands given the engineered stone ban?
Choose porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, solid surface or sealed timber. Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned for new fabrication in Australia from July 2024, so we specify compliant alternatives with similar performance and style.
Can I add power or a jewellery safe to my wardrobe island?
Yes. We often include in‑drawer charging and low‑profile GPOs positioned safely. All electrical work must be completed by a licensed WA electrician and planned to meet NCC/BCA intent and AS/NZS electrical requirements. A small in‑cabinet safe is also easy to integrate.
How long does a custom wardrobe island take to design and install?
Allow 1–2 weeks for design and selections, 3–6 weeks for local manufacturing, and 1–2 days for installation, depending on scope. Lead times can be consolidated if you’re coordinating kitchen, laundry or bathroom joinery at the same time.