Lighting, materials, & craftsmanship: What makes a wardrobe truly high-end?

1. Avoid white 

While affordable, using plain white melamine won’t create the feeling of a quality high-end wardrobe fit-out. Instead, opt for woodgrain finishes or colour laminates that add warmth, texture, and a luxurious feel to the space, shares Melanie.  

“Melamine has advanced significantly, featuring beautiful and realistic faux wood finishes that can effectively mimic the appearance of natural wood grains with high-definition prints that replicate the look of various wood species. This allows you to achieve the warmth and beauty of wood without the high cost or maintenance requirements.”

Melamine is available in a wide range of colours and textures, enabling designers and homeowners to find the perfect match for their style preferences and interior decor. Surfaces can be cleaned easily with just soap and water, making them practical for everyday use, too. 

2. High-end hardware, mechanisms & dividers

In designing a high-end wardrobe, functionality is a top priority. Not only does it make your wardrobe easier to use every day, but clunky drawers or clumsy hardware can really bring down the feel of the space.

“Investing in high-quality drawer runners ensures that drawers glide smoothly in and out, minimising wear and tear over time,” shares Melanie. “Soft-close mechanisms add an extra layer of sophistication by preventing the drawers from slamming shut.”

On top of this, high-quality organisers for drawers and compartments add functionality, allowing for efficient storage of smaller items like ties, jewellery, or belts—adding to the personalisation of the space. 

“Incorporating specialised shoe storage solutions, such as pull-out racks or angled shelving, can help to keep footwear organised and easily accessible, preventing damage and maintaining order, as well as enhancing the overall usability of the wardrobe.”

3. Choose warm lighting

Proper lighting not only improves functionality but also adds a luxurious ambience, and when it comes to colour temperature, warm is the way to go, shares Melanie. 

“Warm lighting generally enhances the natural colours of clothing and accessories, making fabric textures and shades appear richer and more vibrant. This is particularly beneficial when choosing outfits, as colours look more true to life.”

Integrating LED lighting within the wardrobe is a great way to enhance visibility, making it easier to find items. Melanie suggests combining main and task lighting (which are primarily practical in their function) with accent lighting to highlight beautiful clothing or accessories, turning the wardrobe into a visually appealing display.

4. Personalise your wardrobe

When it comes to storing clothing and accessories, everyone’s needs are unique, which is why it’s essential to design a wardrobe tailored to your personal style and functionality. While ensuring ample hanging space is a straightforward task, it’s equally important to ensure the aesthetics complement the space and feel inviting and cohesive.

Wardrobes Plus is currently working on a bespoke walk-in wardrobe featuring a striking curved wall, customised to the client’s luxe aesthetic.

“This is an exciting opportunity to create something truly exceptional,” says Melanie. “By incorporating a sophisticated black and woodgrain colour palette, we’ll achieve a modern and refined look that exudes elegance.”

The layout will be thoughtfully divided into distinct zones for hanging clothes, folded items, shoes, and accessories.

“This thoughtful organisation enhances the space’s functionality, ensuring the owner can quickly find what they need,” Melanie adds. “We’ll install LED lighting to highlight the curvature and create a dramatic contrast between the black and woodgrain finishes. Accent lighting inside the cabinets will not only illuminate the contents but also enhance the warm, inviting atmosphere.”

5. Hanging at the right height

Installing hanging rails at incorrect heights is an easy mistake to make, but it can lead to wasted space or make it difficult to store longer garments properly. 

“Clothes should be hung so that they do not drag on the floor, which not only looks untidy but can also cause wear and tear on the garments,” shares Melanie. “Ensuring ample space between the hanging rail and the floor is vital for maintaining a clean, high-end look.”

And remember, no matter how well-designed a wardrobe is, it will never look truly luxurious if it’s treated as a catch-all for stray items. 

“Regularly purging items and only keeping favourites can maintain an elegant atmosphere, so avoid cramming too many pieces into a small area and instead focus on an organised layout that allows for breathing space.”

Explore stunning wardrobes by Wardrobes Plus