What is the Difference Between a Walk-in Wardrobe and a Dressing Room?

The idea of dedicated storage for your clothes and accessories is exciting, but how do you choose the design and what is the difference between a walk-in wardrobe and a dressing room?

In the last five years, we have seen the bedroom wardrobe transition from merely a walk-in wardrobe into a fully functioning dresser. Though most homeowners assume the two are the same, they are in fact pretty different. Once you start looking closely at what each of them offers, you will notice a clear distinction.

1. Walk-in wardrobes are typically smaller in size and can include a variety of storage options

A walk-in wardrobe is a room adjacent to, or part of, a bedroom and includes open and closed shelving. It is also at least partially partitioned off from the rest of the room. Like the ensuite bathroom, the walk-in closet is part of the master bedroom floor plan.

Walk-ins will generally be smaller than dressing rooms as they don't usually include an accessory island or seating furniture.

Like built-in wardrobes, walk-in wardrobes can be fitted with floor-to-ceiling cabinets to maximize space. Clever storage solutions added to your closet can include jewellery trays, trouser rods, pull-down hanging rails, tie racks, and full-length mirrors.

We are fanatical about luxury fitted wardrobe design.

Take a look at our range of contemporary wardrobes.

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2. Dressing rooms typically have a vanity area with a mirror and seating

Dressing rooms can be as luxurious or as practical as you'd like them to be. They often include a storage island, stylish seating, dressing tables and mirrors.

A professionally designed dressing room should have everything you need to dress and groom for the day. The goal is to allow you to get through your hair, make-up and outfit preparation in one well-coordinated space with everything you need within easy reach.

When we design bespoke dressers, we maximise the available space and we can include a fully equipped laundry centre and workstation if needed.

3. Both walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms can be customised to your specific needs

Regardless of whether you choose a walk-in wardrobe or opt for the dresser, we would like you to have a space where you walk into a style you helped create. We invite you to choose from our myriad of bespoke design features where you can select the material, door handles, finishes and colour of your closet.

We can also create a walk-in wardrobe that functions as a dresser by adding a vanity table or keeping space aside for a comfortable chair on which you can sit to put on shoes and accessories. 

The doors of your wardrobe play an important role in the overall look of your closet. Our catalogue includes door finishes in Melamine, Matt or Gloss Lacquer, Wood Veneer, Painted Matt or Gloss Glass, Mirror and Leather. This way we can match your wardrobe to whatever aesthetic you have in your home.

At FCI, our expert wardrobe designers help you create a custom-built storage area that not only looks good but also makes your life more comfortable and better organised. Your imagination is your only limit!

4. Which one is right for you depends on your budget, the amount of space you have available, and your lifestyle

So, which is better? It all depends on your preference, storage needs, budget and the space you have available. So before you schedule your appointment with wardrobe designers, you should consider the following.

First of all, do you have sufficient space to include fitted wardrobes as well as a storage island and seating? If the answer is yes, you should go for a dressing room. If not, a walk-in wardrobe will suit your space better.

Secondly, take a look at how much you want to store in your closet and what type of items you will be storing. If you decide to use your walk-in wardrobe as a general storage area for all your bits and bobs, then chances are you won't be looking to get dressed in there. In that case, the walk-in closet will best maximise your available space.

Your lifestyle also plays a role in choosing a wardrobe design. As discussed earlier, it may benefit you to have your office and grooming stations in your bedroom. If this is so, the dressing room will be perfect for you.

5. If you're not sure which option is best for you, consult a professional organizer or interior designer for advice

Even with a clear idea of what you need, nailing down a final design for your walk-in wardrobe can be daunting and overwhelming. But fear not - you don't have to do it on your own.

Over the last four decades, we have fitted walk-in wardrobes in British homes of almost every size and shape you can think of. This has given us the experience to know what works and what doesn’t. When you chat with our design experts, you will receive advice on how best to proceed with your project, taking into account your ideas and budget.

In Conclusion

The dressing room and walk-in wardrobe are two different storage solutions and which you choose will depend on your preference, budget and room size. Either one can be customised to include handy specialisations to effectively store your belongings.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a design appointment so we can begin to bring your vision to life.