Wardrobes are 600 mm deep for hanging, 2,100–2,400 mm high, with a long hanging rail at 1,700–1,800 mm and shelves every 300–400 mm. Depth is the dimension that decides whether a coat hangs straight; height decides whether the top shelf is usable. A walk-in needs a 900 mm aisle to work.
600 mm depth for hanging; 550 mm is the practical minimum.
Wardrobe height is 2,100–2,400 mm.
Long hanging rail at 1,700–1,800 mm; double hanging at about 1,000 and 1,800.
Shelves every 300–400 mm.
Walk-in aisle of 900–1,000 mm, 600 mm minimum.
1. Depth
| Use | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging clothes | 600 mm | Standard, door included |
| Hanging, tight | 550 mm | Coats may angle |
| Shelves only | 400–500 mm | Linen, shoes |
| Sliding door | 650–700 mm | Track needs depth |
Sliding doors need extra depth for the track, usually 50–100 mm more than a hinged wardrobe. That is the hidden cost of a sliding system in a tight room.
2. Height
Wardrobes run 2,100–2,400 mm. Full height to the ceiling looks built-in but needs a scribe at the top and careful measurement. A 2,100 mm wardrobe leaves a gap above that collects dust and looks unfinished unless a bulkhead closes it.
3. Hanging and shelving
| Zone | Height | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Long hanging | 1,700–1,800 mm | Coats, dresses |
| Double hanging top | 1,800 mm | Shirts, jackets |
| Double hanging bottom | 1,000 mm | Trousers, skirts |
| Shelves | 300–400 mm | Folded, linen |
| Drawers | 150–250 mm | Accessories |
Double hanging doubles capacity in the same footprint. It suits shirts and trousers but not coats, so most wardrobes mix both.
4. Hinged versus sliding
Hinged doors need swing clearance in front, usually 600 mm. Sliding doors need no swing but need track depth and a clear run. In a small bedroom, sliding buys the swing space; in a large one, hinged is simpler and cheaper. The wardrobe internals guide covers the fitting options.
5. Walk-in clearances
A walk-in aisle should be 900–1,000 mm, with 600 mm the absolute minimum for one user. Below 600 mm the doors cannot open fully and the space becomes storage rather than a room. Allow extra where two people pass.
6. Metric and imperial
| Item | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 600 mm | 24 in |
| Height | 2,400 mm | 94 in |
| Long rail | 1,750 mm | 69 in |
| Aisle | 900 mm | 36 in |
Pick one system for the drawing and note the other for reference.
7. Specifying a wardrobe
State depth, height, rail heights, shelf spacing, door type and internal fittings. A wardrobe that is right in depth but wrong in rail height wastes the top third of the space. The vanity and laundry guide covers the adjacent wet areas.
8. Checking the fit
Check the door swing, the rail height, the top shelf reach and the aisle together. A wardrobe can be the right size and still be uncomfortable because the top shelf is above eye level or the door hits the bed.
9. A checklist before you commit
Before you sign, confirm six things: the board grade, the hardware model, the finish system, the packing standard, the inspection scope and the payment schedule. Each should be in writing, not in a call. The quote checklist turns the six into a one-page comparison.
10. Common mistakes
The most common mistake is comparing a factory price with a landed cost. The second is leaving the inspection out of the budget. The third is paying the balance before the inspection is signed off. Each is avoidable with a written scope and a pre-shipment inspection.
11. How to measure the room
Measure each wall at three points, top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest. Walls are rarely square, and a 10 mm bow over three metres changes the filler. Measure the ceiling at each corner and note sockets, radiators and soil pipes before drawing. A measured survey saves more time than a faster drawing, and the measuring guide has a printable sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard wardrobe depth?
600 mm for hanging clothes, 550 mm minimum. Below 550 mm, coats sit at an angle and the door catches the shoulder.
How high should a wardrobe be?
2,100–2,400 mm. Full height to the ceiling looks built-in but needs a scribe at the top; 2,100 mm leaves a gap that collects dust.
What height should the hanging rail be?
1,700–1,800 mm for long hanging. For double hanging, two rails at about 1,000 mm and 1,800 mm.
How much space between shelves?
300–400 mm for folded clothes, 400 mm for linen. Adjustable shelves are worth the small extra cost.
How wide should a walk-in aisle be?
900–1,000 mm preferred, 600 mm absolute minimum for a single user. Below 600 mm the doors cannot open fully.
What is the maximum width for a sliding door panel?
600–900 mm per panel. Wider panels are heavier and the track wears faster.
