Maximising space with built in robes

Finding efficient and stylish storage solutions is essential when space is at a premium in a home. Built-in robes are popular for maximising space while adding value and aesthetic appeal to living areas.

Here, we will explore how built-in robes can transform your space, offering various design ideas, practical tips, and considerations for implementation. Read on to learn more about maximising space with built-in robes and more!

Understanding built-in robes

What are built-in robes?

Built-in robes, also known as built-in wardrobes, are custom storage solutions constructed to fit precisely into the dimensions of your room. Unlike freestanding wardrobes, they are designed to blend seamlessly with the room's architecture, often utilising the full height and width available.

Benefits of built-in robes

• Space Efficiency: They maximise usable space, fitting into alcoves or under sloped ceilings where standard furniture cannot.
• Customisation: Tailored to meet specific storage needs with customisable shelves, drawers, and hanging spaces.
• Aesthetic Integration: This can be designed to match room decor, enhancing the overall look and feel.
• Increased Property Value: Homes with well-designed built-ins often have higher market values.

Design considerations for built-in robes

Several factors must be carefully assessed when designing a built-in robe to ensure the final product is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Below, we explore the critical aspects of evaluating your space, choosing appropriate styles and materials, and incorporating lighting and accessories.

Assessing your space

• Room Layout: The room's configuration will significantly influence the design of the built-in robe. Identify the best wall for installation, considering ease of access, the flow of the room, and how the wardrobe will integrate with other furniture.
• Ceiling Height: Taller ceilings can accommodate more vertically expansive designs, ideal for maximising storage space. The design should maximise the internal layout in rooms with lower ceilings to enhance accessibility and storage efficiency.
• Architectural Features: Attention is given to existing architectural elements such as windows, alcoves, or sloped ceilings. Built-in robes should be designed around these features to effectively use space without obstructing natural light or diminishing the room's functional area. For instance, wardrobes built under sloped ceilings can use bespoke fittings to maximise space that standard furniture cannot fit.
• Ventilation: Consider the placement of vents and ensure that the wardrobe's placement does not disrupt the room's airflow. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup inside closets, which might damage the contents.

Style and materials

• They harmonise with Home Decor: The materials and finishes should complement or enhance the home's style. For example, a modern home might benefit from sleek, minimalist designs with glass or high-gloss laminates, while a more traditional home might suit classic wood finishes.
• Material Quality and Durability: Choose materials that are not only visually appealing but also durable and suited to the wear and tear of daily use. Depending on budget and style preference, hardwoods, MDF with veneer, or metal can be excellent choices.
• Custom Handles and Details: The small details can significantly affect the overall look of the built-in robes. Custom handles, decorative mouldings, and unique door designs can add a personal touch that ties the unit into the rest of the room's design.

Lighting and accessories

• Functional Lighting: Proper wardrobe lighting is essential for functionality and ambience. LED strip lights can be established along the edges of doors or beneath shelves to illuminate contents effectively. Sensor-based lights that turn on when the door opens are also a practical and energy-efficient choice.
• Ambient Lighting: Soft, diffused lighting can create ambience and make the wardrobe a focal point. To add a sophisticated, contemporary feel, consider installing frosted glass doors with backlit LED lighting.
• Smart Storage Accessories: To maximise the usability of the space, incorporate accessories that cater to specific storage needs. Adjustable shelves, drawer dividers, and speciality hangers can help organise different types of clothing and accessories efficiently. Pull-out racks for ties, belts, scarves, retractable shoe racks, and jewellery drawers with soft linings are valuable additions.
• Security Features: Integrating security features such as locks or small built-in safes within the wardrobe can provide peace of mind for those storing valuable items.

Designing a built-in robe involves combining practical considerations and creative design choices. By thoroughly assessing the space, selecting suitable materials, and integrating adequate lighting and personalised accessories, you can create a built-in robe that enhances your living space's functionality and aesthetic.

Space optimisation strategies for built-in robes

Effective use of space is crucial when designing built-in robes, especially in smaller or irregularly shaped rooms. Here, we explore in-depth strategies like utilising floor-to-ceiling designs, corner solutions, and sliding doors to maximise storage and aesthetic appeal.

Floor-to-ceiling designs

• Maximising Vertical Space: By extending wardrobes to the ceiling, you take full advantage of the vertical space available, which is particularly beneficial in homes with high ceilings. This strategy provides additional storage and draws the eye upwards, creating a perception of height and spaciousness in the room.
• Custom Configurations: Floor-to-ceiling designs can include various storage configurations, such as extra shelving, seasonal storage compartments at higher levels, and pull-down hanging rods to facilitate access.
• Aesthetic Cohesion: This design approach allows the wardrobe to blend seamlessly with the walls, giving the space a built-in architectural feel. It can also minimise the visual clutter that often comes with traditional storage solutions, offering a sleek and clean appearance.

Corner solutions

• Utilising Dead Space: Corners are typically underutilised in room layouts. A custom corner built-in robe can efficiently use this space, providing extra square footage for storage without infringing on the central areas of the room.
• Innovative Design Options: Corner robes can be designed with angled doors or wraparound styles that integrate smoothly with the rest of the room's cabinetry, maintaining a unified look. These can include carousel units that rotate for easy access to items at the back, enhancing functionality.
• Visual Harmony: Integrating a corner robe can help maintain a continuous design flow around the room. It eliminates awkward gaps between furniture and walls, making the room appear more tailored and organised.

Sliding doors

• Space-Saving Mechanism: Sliding doors are ideal for small spaces where opening traditional hinged doors might be impractical. They glide parallel to the wardrobe itself and do not require additional room to open, making them suitable for narrow spaces like hallways or smaller bedrooms.
• Enhancing Room Size with Mirrors: Mirrored sliding doors can serve a dual purpose. They save space and visually double the room's area by reflecting light and views, creating a more expansive feel. This is particularly effective in compact spaces.
• Design Flexibility: Sliding doors offer considerable design flexibility; they can be prepared from various materials, including wood, glass, or even metal, and can be customised with finishes that match the room's decor. They can also feature frosted or patterned glass for a more decorative look while maintaining privacy.
• Accessibility and Ease of Use: The track systems for sliding doors have evolved to be highly efficient and quiet, with mechanisms that prevent sticking or derailment, ensuring smooth operation over time.

Implementing these space optimisation strategies in built-in robe designs can significantly enhance any room's functionality and aesthetic. These solutions cater to storage needs and create a more organised and visually appealing living environment.

Practical implementation tips

Hiring professionals

For the best results, contemplate hiring a professional designer or carpenter. They can provide valuable insights into the most efficient designs and ensure high-quality construction.

Budget planning

Set a realistic budget considering both materials and labour. Built-in robes can be a significant investment, but they pay off in terms of space utilisation and property value.

Timeline and disruption

Plan for the time it will take to complete the project and prepare for some disruption during the installation. Discuss timelines with your contractor to minimise the impact on your daily life.

Maintenance and upkeep

Regular cleaning

Regular cleaning will preserve your built-in robes' appearance and functionality. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum the interiors to prevent dust buildup.

Periodic checks

Inspect hinges, handles, and drawer mechanisms periodically for signs of wear or damage. Prompt repairs can prevent more significant issues.

Conclusion

Built-in robes are an excellent solution for maximising space in small and large homes. By choosing the right design, materials, and features, you can create a storage solution that is not only practical but also enhances the aesthetic of your living space.

Whether renovating an existing home or designing a new one, built-in robes offer a seamless, stylish, and efficient way to manage your storage needs. To learn more about how to maximise space with built-in robes, speak to a professional kitchen renovation company.