A customised built-in wardrobe is designed according to the size of your room, and styled to your specifications so it blends well with your interior design.

When you custom-build a wardrobe, you’re not limited to just the closet space. Why not add a custom-built vanity and mirror next to it, or integrate a study desk with a bookshelf? Anything’s possible.

To help you plan your ideal built-in wardrobe, here are a few tips.

1. Know your clothing mix

Some people have more dresses than tops, while others have more shoes than skirts. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you need the wardrobe for and how you are going to use it.

2. Consider ease of access

A well-thought-out wardrobe enables you to find things without hassle and is easier to keep tidy. For example, since you reach for sleepwear and undergarments every day, put them in an easily accessible place.

The rule of thumb is to place the most-used items at eye level, less-used ones at the bottom, and least-used items on the highest shelves.

3. Decide on drawers

Drawers generally add more cost to your wardrobe because of the extra materials and installation required. But they are useful at lower levels so you can pull them out instead of bending over to peek into an open shelf.

Don’t want to create permanent drawers? Use storage boxes or baskets instead, for more space and flexibility.

4. Hanging space

Hanging space is a must-have to keep clothing that needs to be ironed. Women tend to need more hanging space than men, and it is good to have a mix of long and short hanging options.

5. Get a sliding door

Traditional wardrobe design typically uses swing-out doors that can take up a lot of space. If space is a premium, use sliding doors. The only downside is that they only allow half of the wardrobe to be open at any time.

Accessorising your wardrobe

Once you have decided on the configuration of your wardrobe, you can convert some of the open shelves using accessories such as the following:

• Slide-out trays

These interior organisers take up less height than a full drawer and are perfect to store jewellery, cufflinks or watches.

• Slide-out baskets

This is especially useful for long-term storage, such as winter clothing and spare pillows and blankets.

• Pull-out hooks

If your belts are always tangled up and your handbags are a mess on the closet floor, simply hang them up and reach for them conveniently when you need them.

• Pull-out pants hangers

Too many business slacks? Instead of hanging each one on a hanger on the clothes rail, install this special hanger that is purposely built for folded pants.

• Mirrors

Adding a mirror will give the illusion of a larger space. Mount it on the inside of the closet door if you only use it when dressing up, or on the outside if you wish to regularly check your appearance before leaving the house.

• Lighting

A lamp, pendant light, or LED lights on hanging rods are ways to brighten the interior of your wardrobe. Make sure you use cool daylight bulbs instead of warm yellow lights so you can see colours clearly when choosing your outfit.

• Soft-closing hinges

An almost standard accessory in most built-in wardrobes, soft-closing hinges let you swing doors shut without a loud bang. You can also install soft-closing drawers.

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.