A wardrobe that combines hanging space with integrated drawers offers the best of both storage worlds. Rather than filling your bedroom with separate furniture pieces, a combination wardrobe consolidates your storage needs into a single, cohesive unit. This approach proves particularly valuable in UK bedrooms where space often comes at a premium.
Beyond space efficiency, combination wardrobes simplify bedroom organisation. Everything from formal shirts requiring hangers to folded knitwear stays contained within one piece of furniture, streamlining morning routines and reducing visual clutter. The key lies in selecting a wardrobe with the right balance of hanging and drawer space for your specific needs.
Before shopping for a combination wardrobe, audit your existing clothing collection. Count your hanging garments and estimate how many linear metres of rail space they require. Most adults need between 1.2 and 1.8 metres of hanging rail for their regular rotation of clothes, though this varies considerably based on lifestyle and profession.
Similarly, consider what you currently store in drawers. Underwear, socks, sleepwear, gym clothes, and folded casual items typically occupy drawer space. If you own significant quantities of these items, prioritise wardrobes with generous drawer capacity. Those with wardrobes full of suits and dresses may need more hanging space and fewer drawers.
Combination wardrobes come in various internal configurations. Some feature drawers at the base with hanging space above, while others position drawers to one side with a separate hanging section. Understanding these layouts helps you select a wardrobe that matches your storage habits.
Base drawer configurations work well when you prefer to keep folded items low and hanging garments at eye level. This arrangement feels natural for most people and keeps frequently accessed hanging clothes within easy reach. Side drawer layouts suit those who want full length hanging space for dresses or coats alongside drawer storage for smaller items.
The external dimensions of your wardrobe must suit both your room and your storage needs. Measure your available wall space carefully, accounting for skirting boards, light switches, and any obstructions. Remember to leave clearance for doors to open fully, unless you opt for a sliding door design.
Height matters particularly when shopping for combination wardrobes. Taller units offer more storage capacity, but only if you can comfortably access the upper sections. If top shelves will require a step stool, consider whether you will realistically use that space or whether a shorter wardrobe might prove more practical. Browse our 2 door wardrobes and 3 door wardrobes to compare sizing options.
The drawers within a combination wardrobe receive daily use, so construction quality matters significantly. Look for drawers mounted on metal runners rather than basic wooden guides. Metal runners operate more smoothly, support greater weight, and last longer under regular use.
Soft close mechanisms prevent drawers from slamming shut, protecting both the furniture and your fingers. This feature has become standard in quality furniture and indicates attention to detail in the manufacturing process. Check that drawer bases are sturdy enough to hold folded clothes without sagging over time.
Combination wardrobes typically feature either hinged or sliding doors. Hinged doors open outwards, requiring floor space in front of the wardrobe but providing full access to the interior when open. This style suits rooms with adequate clearance and those who prefer to see their entire wardrobe contents at once.
Sliding doors eliminate the need for door clearance, making them suitable for smaller bedrooms or wardrobes positioned close to beds or other furniture. However, sliding doors only reveal half the wardrobe interior at any time, which some find limiting when selecting outfits. Consider your room layout and personal preference when choosing between these options.
Combination wardrobes come in various materials and finishes, each with distinct characteristics. Solid wood wardrobes offer durability and timeless appeal but come at higher price points. Wood effect finishes on engineered boards provide similar aesthetics at more accessible prices, though quality varies between manufacturers.
High gloss finishes create a contemporary look and reflect light effectively, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. Matte finishes offer a more understated appearance and show fingerprints less readily. At Furniture in Fashion, we offer wardrobes in various finishes to suit different tastes and budgets, with free UK delivery on all orders.
A new combination wardrobe should complement your existing bedroom furniture rather than clash with it. If you already own bedside cabinets or a chest of drawers, look for wardrobes in matching or compatible finishes.
Alternatively, deliberately mixing furniture styles can create an eclectic, collected over time aesthetic. In this case, focus on complementary tones rather than exact matches. A white combination wardrobe can work alongside oak bedside tables if the overall colour palette remains cohesive.
Three to five drawers typically provide adequate storage for most individuals. Couples sharing a wardrobe may benefit from additional drawers, while those with minimal folded items might manage with fewer.
Some wardrobes accept internal drawer units sold separately. Check whether your existing wardrobe can accommodate add on storage before purchasing, as dimensions and mounting systems vary between manufacturers.
Combination wardrobes involve more components than simple hanging only units, potentially extending assembly time. However, clear instructions and proper tools make the process manageable for most competent DIY enthusiasts.
Internal drawers create a cleaner appearance and consolidate storage. External drawers below or beside the wardrobe offer easier access and can be added or removed as needs change.
Most wardrobe drawers range from 40 to 55 centimetres deep. Deeper drawers hold more but can make accessing items at the back challenging. Medium depth drawers offer a practical balance.
Corners are the most overlooked part of any room, often left empty or used as…
Getting the scale of furniture right is the quiet reason some rooms feel comfortable and…
Renovating a UK home is rarely done all at once. Most households work through it…
Shelving can be one of the most useful features in a UK living room or…
Living in a small UK home does not mean compromising on comfort or style. From…
New build homes across the UK offer a tempting blank slate, with crisp walls, level…
This website uses cookies.