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How to create a walk-in wardrobe in a few steps

Having a beautiful and practical walk-in wardrobe isn't just a pipe dream. Even if your home is small, you can set it up without any building work and without spending much. Here are some ideas for organising your clothes in wardrobes, drawers and on hangers. Discover how to create an affordable walk-in wardrobe and show off your organised space.

A PAX corner wardrobe as a walk-in wardrobe

Step 1: Measure and plan

The first thing you need to know is how much space you'll need to move around inside the walk-in wardrobe. As a guide, the minimum space for hanging clothes is 60 cm deep, 140 cm wide, and the length will depend on the layout you need, whether it's along one wall, in a corner or U-shaped. In this link, we show you how to measure the space so your measurements are as accurate as possible.

A woman measuring the wall with a tape measure.

Step 1: Measure and plan

The first thing you need to know is how much space you'll need to move around inside the walk-in wardrobe. As a guide, the minimum space for hanging clothes is 60 cm deep, 140 cm wide, and the length will depend on the layout you need, whether it's along one wall, in a corner or U-shaped. In this link, we show you how to measure the space so your measurements are as accurate as possible.

What are you going to store and how will you organise it?

Your needs are what matter. Are you crazy about shoe racks? Do you have so many clothes that you can never find a pair of trousers? Our storage systems mean you can keep everything nice and tidy.

An open PAX wardrobe for designing a walk-in wardrobe, with a rail for hanging clothes on BUMERANG hangers and SKUBB boxes full of clothes on the shelves.

What are you going to store and how will you organise it?

Your needs are what matter. Are you crazy about shoe racks? Do you have so many clothes that you can never find a pair of trousers? Our storage systems mean you can keep everything nice and tidy.

Step 2: Design the walk-in wardrobe's storage system

The design of the inside of your walk-in wardrobe will depend on your tastes and the type of clothes or accessories you have. If you like, you can design and plan your modular walk-in wardrobe in 3D or you can explore our most popular storage systems:

Clothes rails: everything organised and in sight

Hanging clothes on rails is an affordable and practical way to keep everything in sight. This way, you can choose more quickly every morning and keep clutter out of your wardrobe. You'll also be able to see at a glance what you have… and what needs washing.

An open PAX/TYSSEDAL wardrobe combination designed to create a walk-in wardrobe, with a row of shirts on BUMERANG hangers with shoulder supports on a clothes rail.

Clothes rails: everything organised and in sight

Hanging clothes on rails is an affordable and practical way to keep everything in sight. This way, you can choose more quickly every morning and keep clutter out of your wardrobe. You'll also be able to see at a glance what you have… and what needs washing.

Chests of drawers: the perfect balance between organisation and style

Storing folded clothes in chests of drawers saves space and helps you keep more garments organised. You can also use the top part for decorative purposes, displaying your favourite things or keeping the things you use most in easy reach. A practical and stylish solution, no wardrobe needed.

Design an open walk-in wardrobe with a chest of drawers and SKUBB boxes

Chests of drawers: the perfect balance between organisation and style

Storing folded clothes in chests of drawers saves space and helps you keep more garments organised. You can also use the top part for decorative purposes, displaying your favourite things or keeping the things you use most in easy reach. A practical and stylish solution, no wardrobe needed.

Step 3: Choose your accessories

Make the inside of your walk-in wardrobe work for you: boxes, dividers and belt organisers keep everything tidy and make the most of every corner. You can personalise it completely, so finding what you're looking for is as easy as opening a drawer. Here are some ideas:

Step 4: Choose the right lighting

Lighting is key in any walk-in wardrobe. With integrated lights and add-ons like the TRÅDFRI remote control, you can switch them on without getting out of bed. This way, you'll be able to see your clothes better and start the day off on the right foot.

KÖLVATTEN white LED battery operated lighting with sensor for designing a walk-in wardrobe

Step 4: Choose the right lighting

Lighting is key in any walk-in wardrobe. With integrated lights and add-ons like the TRÅDFRI remote control, you can switch them on without getting out of bed. This way, you'll be able to see your clothes better and start the day off on the right foot.

Step 5: Add a mirror, dressing table and chair

A mirror in the walk-in wardrobe is essential, and if you can also hang clothes behind it, even better. If you have space to add a dressing table and a chair, make the most of it — they'll make your life more comfortable. Keep your jewellery and accessories on display and organised.

A video showing five PAX wardrobe combinations filled with clothes and accessories belonging to five different personalities for designing a walk-in wardrobe.

Ready to plan your wardrobe?

Design and visualise your new wardrobe or dressing room in 3D with our PAX wardrobe planning tool. You can create your design from scratch or customise any of our pre-established combinations. Shall we get started?

Start PAX wardrobe planner

How to design a walk-in wardrobe for the bedroom

At IKEA, designing your walk-in wardrobe is easy and affordable for everyone. You can combine frames, shelves and drawers to create a wardrobe that really suits you. This way, you'll always have your clothes and accessories to hand, your space will stay organised, and you'll find what you're looking for immediately.

In order to design your walk-in wardrobe, first you'll need to measure the space and think about what you need to store: long dresses, T-shirts, trousers, shoes…

At IKEA, you'll find plenty of solutions to inspire you in a range of styles and functions to suit your walk-in wardrobe design. You can also use our online planning tools or visit one of our stores.

You can mix-and-match rails, drawers, shelves and shoe organisers to make sure everything is in its place. And don't forget the finishing touches, like LED lighting, organisers for accessories and a mirror.

How to create a walk-in wardrobe in a small room

If you have limited space, you can design an open plan walk-in wardrobe to bring in more light and create a sense of spaciousness, making the most of every centimetre with shelves and rails running from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. 

Make the most of your vertical space with hanging organisers, and choose a large mirror for the wall or door – it's not just practical, but also helps make the room look bigger.

Is it possible to include a full-length mirror when designing a small walk-in wardrobe?

Absolutely! A full-length mirror is an essential element in any walk-in wardrobe. When designing a small dressing room, you can add it to the inside a sliding door, to one of the wardrobe doors, or simply hang it on the wall, helping to make the space look bigger.

How to choose the lighting when designing a walk-in wardrobe?

LED lighting is the ideal choice for your walk-in wardrobe design. You can use wardrobe lighting to light up your clothes, making sure the colours look true to life, and add ceiling spotlights for general lighting.