The walk-in wardrobe has come to signify luxury, being a space given entirely to the storage and display of one’s clothes. With space at such a premium for so many homeowners, the simple opportunity to give up space to a dressing room is a rare and thrilling one. If you are thinking of doing such a thing, how can you get your walk-in to look its luxury best?
Add Light
The most luxurious thing you can do for your walk-in wardrobe is to let there be light. Dark spaces can sometimes feel sultry, but are much more likely to feel stuffy or even claustrophobic. Letting natural light in where possible serves to show your clothes and accessories in their best possible light, and can fill you with energy as you dress for the day. While windows might not be a possibility, mirrors can help direct light in.
The Devil in the Detail
The devil is always in the detail when it comes to smaller spaces like your walk-in. The design choices you make will be that much more visible to you, on account of their being little distraction in the space – besides your clothes, that is.
The details you choose will have dramatic impacts for the kind of luxury feel your dressing space attains. For example, a textured wallpaper behind your dressing table can make for a stunning feature wall, that leaps out from behind your clothing rails. The rails themselves could feature ornamental end-pieces, from sleek mid-century end-stops to detailed art-nouveau designs.
Boutique Feel
‘Boutique’ is a term that can be hard to define, but you will know a boutique space whenever you see one. You can easily achieve this boutique feel, through some shrewd decisions around the furniture that houses your clothes. Posh pull-out drawers for trousers and pants are a delicate and high-end touch, while open storage to display your clothes at their beautiful best can keep the space feeling open and sleek.
Enhancing Lighting and Mirrors
Proper lighting and strategically placed mirrors can transform the ambiance and functionality of your walk-in wardrobe. By incorporating effective lighting and mirrors, you can create a well-lit space that visually expands, making it easier to see and select your outfits. Here are some tips for enhancing lighting and mirrors in your walk-in wardrobe.
Ensuring Proper Lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial in a walk-in wardrobe to ensure visibility and prevent any mishaps while selecting your clothes. Consider installing overhead lighting fixtures, such as recessed or track lighting, to provide general illumination. Opt for cool white or daylight bulbs to mimic natural lighting and accurately display the true colors of your clothes.
Incorporating Task Lighting: Task lighting is essential for specific areas in your walk-in wardrobe, such as the dressing area, shelves, or drawers. Install LED strip lights under shelves or cabinets to illuminate the contents and make it easier to find items. Place a table lamp or wall sconces near the dressing mirror to ensure optimal lighting for outfit coordination.
Adding Mirrors: Mirrors not only serve a practical purpose but also create an illusion of more space and enhance the overall aesthetics of your wardrobe. Consider installing a full-length mirror on one of the walls or the back of the wardrobe door. You can also opt for mirrored sliding doors for your wardrobe, which provide functionality and reflective surfaces.
Halve Your Space
If your bedroom is particularly capacious, an entirely new alternative for your walk-in could be a possibility. Rather than building a closed-off ancillary space, why not partition your bedroom to create separate sleeping and clothing areas?
This partition would not even need to be permanent. You could lean in to a specific aesthetic by using curtains, or paper screens, to set your dressing area apart from your bed. This also allows you to benefit from the style of your bedroom in general, as well as retaining a sense of openness. At any time, the partition could be moved or removed to give you a new feel altogether.
Maintaining and Refreshing
A well-maintained and refreshed walk-in wardrobe not only keeps your clothes organized but also ensures that you can easily find and access your favorite items whenever you need them. To keep your walk-in wardrobe in top shape, it’s essential to establish regular maintenance routines and refresh the space periodically.
Regular Cleaning and Dusting: Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, making your wardrobe look dull and unkempt. Establish a routine to regularly clean and dust the shelves, drawers, and surfaces in your walk-in wardrobe. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove any dust particles, and vacuum the floor or use a mop to keep it clean.
Rotating Seasonal Items: As the seasons change, it’s a good idea to rotate your clothing and accessories accordingly. Store out-of-season items in sealed storage containers to free up space and keep them protected. This not only helps in maintaining an organized wardrobe but also ensures that you have easy access to items suitable for the current season.
Donating or Selling Unneeded Items: Over time, your fashion preferences may change, and you may find yourself with items that no longer suit your style or fit you properly. Rather than letting them take up valuable space, consider donating them to charities or selling them online. This not only helps declutter your wardrobe but also gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact or earn some extra money.
Consistency in Organizing Habits: One of the keys to maintaining a fresh and organized walk-in wardrobe is to establish consistent organizing habits. Make it a habit to put items back in their designated places after each use. Avoid piling clothes or leaving accessories scattered around. By practicing these habits consistently, you can prevent clutter from building up and ensure a tidy and inviting wardrobe space.