Wardrobes have always been the most trusted storage option for clothes. After all, they're seriously roomy and can make (or break) any interior design scheme. If chosen wisely, the best wardrobes can also declutter your space and – more importantly – be a safe haven for your oh-so-stylish wares.
As many of us start the transition from #WFH dressing (all the tracksuits) back to ‘proper’ workwear, we need all the help we can get when it comes to prepping our outfits for the next day, or, if you're anything like us, in the five minutes before we're due to leave the house.
A good wardrobe enables you to take stock of your clothing collection and make smart styling decisions for the day ahead. Keep all your finest coats at one end, your jeans at the other, and a chic smattering of jumpers, skirts, and dresses in the middle. If you choose a wardrobe with built-in drawers and shelves, you've even got a new home for your beloved collection of shoes. And once you've got a wardrobe organiser in the mix, you're absolutely sorted.
If you're ready to upgrade your sartorial storage game, you're in luck. We've answered some of the most common FAQs about buying a new wardrobe, as well as curating a round-up of the most stylish wardrobes on offer.
How do I choose a wardrobe?
To really get the most out of your wardrobe, here are the top five questions you need to ask yourself before making your purchase:
1. What size wardrobe do I need?
If you're reading this in your bedroom (or wherever you want your wardrobe to go), take a moment to look around you. Where's the most natural place in the room that a wardrobe would fit? Don't panic if you have a small bedroom, there are still plenty of options available to you, including single wardrobes and corner wardrobes.
Once you've figured out where you'll position your wardrobe, whip out a metal measuring tape to get a better idea of your wall and floor space. Tip: make sure there's enough space for your wardrobe doors to open. Again, if you're working with a particularly small space, you could always opt for sliding doors instead.
Depending on the height of your room, we recommend going for as tall a wardrobe as possible to really maximise your storage space.
27 best desks for small spaces to turn even the tiniest of corners into a dreamy home officeGallery27 PhotosView Gallery2. What sort of storage space do I need?
So, you've figured out where you want to position your wardrobe. Now it's time to think seriously about what you're going to put in it. Take another look around your room: what items of clothes tend to end up on the back of chairs or on the floor?
If you want to use your wardrobe primarily for hanging your finest coats, jeans, and dresses (e.g. the stuff you don't want to get wrinkled), it's a sensible idea to opt for a wardrobe with a long hanging rail. Or you might be after somewhere to store your excess ~ stuff ~ that you just can't seem to find a home for – in which case, a wardrobe with plenty of shelves is a good choice.
3. What type of wardrobe do I need?
In order to work out exactly what type of wardrobe you need, take 15 minutes or so to brainstorm what you actually want from a wardrobe in terms of size, functionality, and cost.
There are many different types of freestanding wardrobes, including those with double doors, those with triple doors, and those with err, quadruple doors? As we mentioned earlier, there are also different options when it comes to actually opening your wardrobe: do you go for hinges or sliding doors? And let's not forget mirrored wardrobes – because how better to celebrate an expertly styled outfit than with a mirror selfie?
Top tip: always double-check to see if your wardrobe arrives assembled or whether you'll need to do it yourself. This will save you from any nasty surprises, trust us. And make sure you've got someone on hand to help you position the wardrobe where you want it – we're not getting any younger and TBH, we're not in the market for straining our backs anytime soon.
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4. How much should a new wardrobe cost?
Depending on the size, a good wardrobe generally costs between £200 and £2000. We don't recommend going any lower than £200 as it may mean compromising on quality (and safety). It helps to do a bit of research before purchasing buying from a reputable brand to really get the most out of your investment.
5. What wardrobes are in fashion?
We're glad you asked. The rattan interiors trend isn't slowing down anytime soon (see: rattan bed frames) and you can now buy a beautiful Rattan Double Wardrobe from John Lewis. If the boho look isn't really your vibe, perhaps this super-stylish Double Sliding Door Wardrobe by Made.com will tempt you instead.
We also reckon single wardrobes are about to take off. I mean, just look at the Hastings Single Wardrobe by M&S… It's sleek, modern, and deserving of a place on your Insta Grid (and your room, obviously).
You can also never rule out a mirrored wardrobe. Where else do you think influencers take all their selfies? This Mirrored Triple Wardrobe by John Lewis is particularly easy on the eye.
Rattan bed frames are the bohemian furniture trend sweeping across Instagram - these are the most stylish on offer Gallery15 PhotosView GalleryBest wardrobes and hanging rails at a glance:
Are you after some more storage solutions? This way for wardrobe organisers, small space dining tables, desks for small bedrooms, and ottoman beds. Ready for more furniture? Check out our edit of the best coffee tables, sofas, loveseats, and vanity chairs. Oh, and it wouldn't be home without a dreamy essential oil diffuser, would it?
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.