Gone are the days when wardrobes or closets were just another storage solution. They were boxy and unattractive, often occupying large chunks of space with their hefty presence. The imposing cupboard design was dreaded by all décor lovers and the most someone could do to make it pleasing to the eye was cover it with a coat of paint.
The wardrobe, as we know it today, has come a long way. From being recessed into walls to create closets, to fitted shelving in luxe walk-in closets; to sporting sleeker designs, and a variety of shapes, doors and hardware, closets have evolved to become a style statement. And why not? They are large and take up quite a bit of wall and floor space, so they might as well be decorative while at it, don’t you think?
If you have been hoping to set up a dream closet that is both functional and can serve as a gorgeous décor focal point in your room, we have got your back. Here are all the little tweaks and changes you can make while designing your wardrobe to max its functional and decorative potential…
Theme Up
Choosing furniture for a room is made easier when you have a theme. Maybe you’d like to have an airy farmhouse vibe, with plenty of whites and light wood furniture; or maybe a bohemian vibe with lots of colour, and dark woods. Pick a theme and ensure your cupboard fits it. Maybe it won’t exactly match your bed or side tables, but having it fit within a theme or colour palette will ensure your room’s design is seamless.
Walk-In Wonderland
Let’s be real. Walk-in closets are the ultimate dream! While most homes are not equipped for a walk-in closet, there are still ways to create your own. Maybe you can convert a tiny spare bedroom or store room into one! If you are able to create a walk in closet, ensure you have fitted shelving along the walls and keep the floors empty. Mix shapes and sizes of built cabinets-in, shoe racks and accessory drawers to break the monotony while sticking to a neutral colour scheme that will give your clothing a chance to shine. Ensure your walk-in closet space is complete with plush floor rugs, cozy seating and a floor-length mirror to take your whole look in, before you head out for the day.
Mirror Mirror…
If you are struggling to decorate a small bedroom, we have got just the solution for you. Before you decide to pick up a queen-size bed instead of a king-size to allow for space for a wardrobe, think again. Go for the king-size – because you deserve a good night’s sleep, every night – and opt for a wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors instead. This option, while extremely stylish, helps save space, and reduces clutter. The mirrored doors also bounce light off and create the illusion of a larger space.
Open Storage
It’s no surprise that open closets are all the rage now – they are modern, classy and neat. The trick to creating an open closet that contributes to the room’s décor is mixing and matching types of storage – built-in or standing shelves and drawers, offset by clothes racks, bins, boxes and baskets. Another aspect is arranging your clothing and accessories – make sure all your belongings have a designated space in the open closet, display your handbags, and neatly stack or roll clothing on shelves to create interest. Use decorative boxes and baskets to store little knick-knacks and to draw the eye around the space.
Colour Quotient
A great way to make your wardrobe a focal point is to colour code your clothing. This works especially well with open storage closets, but is just as lovely in a closed-door setting. Colour coding not only makes your wardrobe look prettier, it also makes it better organised and easy for you to find a particular piece of clothing.
Shine a Light
Incorporating lighting in your wardrobe, whether you opt for a standalone cupboard, walk-in or a closet, is an effective way to help it stand out in your space. While installing little spotlights into the shelving is not the easiest option, you can always opt for sticky LED strip lights in a warm yellow tone, which can be tacked onto the underside of shelves and racks to create a premium glow.