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By Zoe Phillimore and Daphne Bugler
Storage needn’t be boring. Invest in a stylish wardrobe that'll breathe new life into your bedroom and treat your clothes right at the same time
Wardrobes might be practical, space-saving pieces of furniture, but their sheer size means they can also make a major impact on the style of your room. From clothes and shoes to jewellery and beyond, wardrobes shoulder the weight of our storage needs. While we might dream of an expansive walk-in dressing room with backlit shelves and a centre island, or a fitted wardrobe or mirrored wardrobe, the reality is that free-standing wardrobes are probably more realistic and still have plenty of hanging space.
The good news is that there are a plethora of stylish wardrobes out there. Whether you want something discreet and practical, or something that really makes an impact, there’s so much to choose from. There are ornate wardrobes with inlay panelling and luxurious finishes, or perhaps you want a deep, inky black wardrobe to really catch the eye. Scandi style is still on-trend, and there are plenty of pared-back pieces with clean lines and calming tones that make ideal choices for bedroom furniture. You’re spoilt for choice, so we’ve picked ten of the best wardrobes to suit all tastes and storage needs.
In a dark wood stain, Heal's Brunel wardrobe is a great option for instantly channeling those elegant vibes in your bedroom. It's best used in rooms that have plenty of open space, helping to make everything feel a bit more tied together, while also having a range of storage options inside.
With a chic rattan construction, this rail from Dunelm is the Pinterest-friendly way to give your room a bit more storage space, without having to introduce something as overwhelming as a large wardrobe.
John Lewis & Partners Marlow
Six doors, built-in mirrors, and endless storage space? Sign us up. John Lewis & Partners always delivers on its furniture, and this Marlow wardrobe is one of our favourites. Ideal if you have a large room or are in need of plenty of storage.
Skip to: What should I look for when buying a wardrobe? | What sort of storage space do I need? What size wardrobe do I need? | How we chose the best wardrobes
Always think about your space. Wardrobes can be seriously cumbersome, even the cute armoire-style ones. So get that tape measure out and see what space you’re playing with so you can find the right storage solution for you. You also will need to think about your clothes, of course. Do you have metric tonne of items that need to be hung or only one or two pieces? Perhaps you have very long items, or only shirts and jackets? Make sure you’ve got just the right amount of hanging room, with a bit extra to accommodate new purchases.
You also want to look out for handy extra storage options and features with the wardrobes you browse. Many have drawers inside with plenty of storage or adjustable shelves, meaning it’ll be easier to keep shoes and folded items in order and you can see everything at a glance. Many wardrobes come with mirrors on the outside or the inside too – they're great for bouncing light around a space and making it look larger.
The main thing you need to consider when looking at wardrobe storage space is whether or not you need hanging space. If you don't, opt for a wardrobe which consists primarily of shelves, or take a look at one of our favourite chests of drawers. But if you do, go for a larger wardrobe which contains at least one rail, or you could even invest in a freestanding hanging rail. Once you've got that figured out, you next need to consider what size is best suited to your space (more on that below) and from there on you can just focus on design.
If you’re sharing a wardrobe with someone else, then chances are you’re going to need at least a double wardrobe. The key is to really assess what you need. When you go for a triple wardrobe they can be pretty overwhelming and you need to really consider if your space can accommodate one, especially when you consider that a very large, dark-coloured wardrobe is going to absorb a lot of light. This might work for your bedroom furniture, or you might be better off going for something lighter coloured or smaller so as to take up less floor space. And if you’re looking for a wardrobe that’s more bespoke and tailored to your bedroom, you can use services from Ikea’s wardrobe design service to Jali’s more luxury wardrobe design.
When making our decisions about which wardrobes deserved a spot in our guide, we put a number of closets, hanging rails, and storage solutions to the test against a range of criteria. We were looking first at the design, trying to find different styles that would suit homes of different types, tapping into everything from mid-century wardrobes to more contemporary pieces. We then looked at the materials being used, focusing on ones that will last, the amount of storage available, and the furniture stores they came from.
Why we love it: Sustainably sourced | Mid-century design | Adjustable shelving
Looking relaxed and at ease, West Elm’s Armoire is a mid-century lovers' storage dream, combining functionality with a stripped-back, simple aesthetic that can fit right in any style of bedroom. Besides its bright wood design, the real advantage of this West Elm piece is how customisable it is, with the option to really configure it however suits you and your storage needs. The wardrobe incorporates two removable hanging rods, four adjustable shelves, a deep drawer, three hooks and a mirror, all of which you can play around with and make sure are exactly where you want them to be. It’s ultra-functional but looks good while doing it. £2,159. At westelm.co.uk
Why we love it: Contrasting acacia and rattan design | Elegant look | 1970s style
Contrasting rattan (our current favourite on-trend material) with a deep wood, this Swoon wardrobe is one of the most aesthetically satisfying pieces we’ve come across. The pairing of the materials gives it a fresh and fun feel, tapping into a 1970s look that brings a retro vibe and vintage flair while still being contemporary thanks to the rattan. Storage-wise, you’ll have plenty of space with a rail and room for folded clothes as well. And thanks to the height of the legs, it also has room underneath. £1,199. At swooneditions.com
Why we love it: Unique style | Excellent for organisation | Locking function
With a sleek design, Mustard Made's lockers are the pinnacle of functional meets style. Bringing a unique look to your bedroom or living room thanks to the school locker style aesthetic, the chic colours of the lockers add a touch of elegance that elevates the look entirely. Inside, you'll find half the locker can be used for shelving, with the option to adjust shelves to the position you'd like them in, while the other half has hanging space and even cable holes for conveniently storing tech. While the wardrobes are available in a range of colours, the polished look of the grey is what's really catching our eye. £499. At roseandgrey.co.uk
Why we love it: Plenty of space | Multiple customisable options | Good for a large wardrobe
If you have more room to play around with and need plenty of storage at the same time, this triple wardrobe from La Redoute is a real winner. With near endless room to put clothes, hanging items, and whatever else you might need to tuck away (bed linen, bath towels, the like) it’s got substantially more room and, crucially, shelving space, than most of the similar pieces we’ve come across. Part of La Redoute’s Paola range, the light pine wood and rattan cane cupboard design gives off a very modern feel, with an elegant brushed brass finish on the door handles. £1,499. At laredoute.co.uk
Why we love it: Classic wardrobe design | Regal look and feel
A tall wardrobe can instantly be one of the most domineering parts of your bedroom, and for plenty of rooms, that can really elevate the vibe, giving off quite a regal look. This one from Laura Ashley is perfect for channeling an old country home aesthetic, made from solid birch wood and birch veneers with a Georgian-inspired curved shaping at the bottom and elegant panelling across the wardrobe. It's deep enough to fit all of your hanging items, with room for storage on the lower shelf and in the bottom drawers as well. £1,445. At johnlewis.com
Why we love it: Designed to last | Well constructed | Nice blue design
Cotswold Company makes solid and dependable pieces that are built to last. This lacquered-oak ‘Chester’ wardrobe is no different featuring a modern twist thanks to its deep, inky shade of blue. The shaker-style doors and contrasting natural-wood top and polished-metal handles provide interest, while there's additional storage inside with a full-width hanging rail and a generous drawer underneath. This substantial wardrobe is taller than many of the others we’ve listed, so check you have the height space for it. £799. At cotswoldco.com
Why we love it: Impressive design | Luxurious dark wood colour | Incorporates plenty of storage space
When a piece can work in both contemporary and traditional settings, we're immediately impressed. And in a dark wood design, with an elegant simplicity, the Brunel Double wardrobe from Heal's does just that. Due to the dark-stained wood, it's best suited in a room that has more empty space, helping to tie the room together, especially if you don't have too much furniture in your bedroom to begin with. And functionally, you'll benefit from both drawer and cupboard options for whatever type of clothing you need to put away. It's the wardrobe world's dream fusion of practical meets stylish. £1,099. At heals.com
Why we love it: Great for rooms with limited space | Can be stylishly arranged | Easy to access
Clothing rails can go either one of two ways; either looking chic and stylish if you manage to keep them tidy, or being a bit of a mess should you not be organised. Unappealing as the latter may be, if you're the kind of person to fall into the former category, a clothing rail might be the perfect investment for keeping your shoes and clothes nicely in place in your room. Working well in more contemporary and open spaces, it's a convenient option for keeping your everyday wear and helping you tackle any overflow you might have from your closet. This looks sleek and modern in the right space, but just make sure you have a few other storage options on hand for clothes that you might not always want to have exposed. £225. At dunelm.com
Why we love it: Rustic design | Incorporates a mirror
Lighter woods that have an unfinished or brushed-finished look are a great addition to rooms that already have plenty of natural light, helping to give off a bit of a rustic, holiday-home vibe. Channelling regal home meets coastal retreat, the wardrobe also has built-in mirrors, helping you save space if you were planning to hang one elsewhere in your bedroom, while also giving you room for both hanging items and shoes. And with a fun bit of geometric detailing on the doors, it has a unique touch that we love too. £2,288. At coxandcox.co.uk
Why we love it: Great for small rooms | Compact size
Compact and practical, this ‘Morten’ wardrobe has been designed for small rooms and it’s very smart with the space it has. An internal shelf at the top is great for storing shoes, while a full-width hanging rail has enough height to fit most items of clothing, and a soft-close drawer at the bottom is perfect for bulky items like sheets and knits. The white-washed oak and simple, Scandi-inspired design make it perfect for contemporary spaces, bringing simple sophistication to even compact rooms. £1,099. At heals.com
Why we love it: Curved look is unique | Designed with recycled wood
Classic wardrobes can look great, but the harsh angular lines often used in more rectangular-shaped ones can look quite intense and overbearing in a bedroom. Focusing on curves, this wardrobe from Barker & Stonehouse has a unique look that pairs the inviting feel of the curved shape with the warmth of the chestnut wood finish for a look that draws you in and adds to a more welcoming feeling room. To top it all off, it's also made with sustainability in mind, using ethically sourced recycled wood. £1,399. At barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
Why we love it: Plenty of storage | Simple | Clean design
Gustavian-style design isn't something you come across every day, which makes it all the more exciting to integrate into your home. First born in Sweden following a stroke of inspiration from King Gustav after a trip to the Palace of Versailles, the design style takes elements of both Swedish and Parisian aesthetics, having a somewhat regal and period feel to it that fits nicely into both contemporary and traditional homes thanks to the emphasis on simple, clean looks. And this wardrobe from Oka is exactly the way to add it into your bedroom. It's got the look, and it also has plenty of storage space thanks to the combination of the interior hanging rail section and drawer space underneath the main wardrobe. £2,795. At oka.com
Why we love it: Affordable | Surprisingly spacious | Good quality/price balance
It's no secret; John Lewis has mastered the balance between quality and affordability over the years. And as with all the rest of its furniture collection, this Wilton wardrobe is a testament to it. While only a two-door wardrobe, it provides an extensive amount of storage, with an interior hanging rail in the main cupboard, along with two surprisingly spacious drawers underneath for keeping heavier items like jumpers or even just shoes. A great choice if you don't just need hanging space, and an especially convenient one if you're trying to make the most of a smaller space. £375. At johnlewis.com
Why we love it: Heavy-duty | Includes hanging rails and shelves
Some situations may call for a smaller, freestanding wardrobe, but some rooms just need a more heavy-duty touch. A six-door wardrobe that also incorporates three drawers and two mirrored doors (which will save you from investing in separate mirrors), there's more than enough space for even the most opulent clothing collections. Especially given each section has two shelves and hanging rails that you can adjust to meet the needs of your clothes. As they say, go big or go home. £1,755. At johnlewis.com
Why we love it: Subtle, retro feel
Chic and minimalist, this two-door wardrobe has subtle design that won't dominate your home. The oak veneers will bounce light around a room nicely, and we love the retro feel of the curved handles that are cut into the doors. With a single hanging rail and two wide drawers underneath, the ‘Halden’ wardrobe offers the right amount of flexible clothes storage for one person. Habitat also does a coordinating chest of drawers if you want to go matchy matchy. £700. At habitat.co.uk
Why we love it: Well configured
With one cupboard for longer hanging items and one shorter space with a hanging rail, the configuration of the storage on this ‘Notch II’ wardrobe is really smart. There are also two drawers, as well as a range of interior shelves meaning even the most dedicated of clothes hoarders are well covered. The bright white design and clean lines appeal to us, as do the integrated curved handles – this wardrobe will fit into a bedroom without imposing too much on its ambience. £999. At dwell.co.uk
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