Should Walk-In Wardrobes Have Doors?

“Should walk-in wardrobes have doors?” Aficionados will tell you that this on-trend debate usually focuses around the benefits of functionality and aesthetics. So, which reigns supreme in the world of contemporary design? 

Supporters believe that open-concept cabinetry creates a sense of spaciousness, quick access and allows for a boutique-like display of one’s clothing. They also argue that the lack of doors inspires better organisation and an ability to keep a visual inventory of what you do and don’t have. 

Conversely, those in favour of doors will emphasise the advantages of privacy, dust protection and a clutter-free environment. Plus they provide an important design element that allows for a sleek aesthetic and visual harmony. 

So, as doors are not a basic building code requirement, which is the right answer? Essentially, it all boils down to personal taste. 

Join us as we discuss the benefits and setbacks of this interesting topic and look at factors to consider before you finalise your luxury walk-in wardrobe plans. 

 

What are the pros and cons of walk-in wardrobes with doors? 

If you love keeping with tradition and appreciate the concept of having doors on your walk-in, we certainly won’t argue with you. But there are many good reasons why an open concept works, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. 

The Pros

Of course, the setbacks on one option highlight the benefits of the other, so to weigh up both sides, let’s have a look at the advantages of not having doors:

Optimal visibility

For many of us, the purpose of a walk-in wardrobe is to openly display our belongings, enabling us to choose our outfits and keep things organised. If you’re a lover of haute couture, then showing off your collection (especially to friends) is a big plus factor. 

Space saving:

By eliminating doors, especially the hinged variety, you allow yourself extra floor space, which is hugely beneficial if you have a very small room.  

One less thing to fix: 

Both hinges and sliding tracks are prone to wear and tear and often need replacing in time. Eliminate them entirely and you’ll never have this problem.  

Promotes openness: 

Having no doors will make your space look less contained which, in turn, promotes a sense of openness, creates flow and gives the illusion of grandeur.  

Reduces your spending: 

The fewer the fixtures, the cheaper the cost, so if you’re on a tight budget, going doorless is an excellent option. 

Increases airflow: 

Air movement is a key concern if you want to prevent your clothing and shoes from succumbing to dampness and mould, making open-plan designs an ideal choice. Read more about this in our article on how to ventilate a built-in wardrobe. 

Aesthetic impact:

While this is highly subjective, many people feel that open wardrobe are more visually appealing, giving your home a trendy, contemporary look.

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The Cons

While all of these benefits are first-rate, there are some equally positive things about including doors in your wardrobe design. Here they are: 

Dust prevention: 

Those of you with expensive taste will want to protect your high-fashion items from any form of damage, making doors a must-have. Follow our discussion around whether clothes get dusty in a walk-in wardrobe to find out more.  

Extra security: 

Doors will enable you to lock up your valuables and keep them safe, so if you feel security is an issue, we suggest you go this route.

Privacy and clutter concealment: 

If you’re uncomfortable with having your possessions on display at all times or battle to keep things organsied, being able to conceal your clothing is first prize!

Design cohesion: 

With hundreds of options to choose from, doors can be made to exactly match the overall aesthetic of your room. This will help to add a sense of luxury and refinement to your space.  

Temperature regulation:

Keeping your wardrobe closed will help control its internal temperature, which plays an essential role in safeguarding delicate items from any form of damage.

Time efficiency: 

Keeping your clothing collection in perfect order is time-consuming and can be inconvenient if you live a busy life. This gives the appeal of hiding everything behind closed doors extra validity. 

 

How to choose the right doors for your walk-in wardrobe

If you’ve mulled over the pros and cons and have decided that doors are for you, the next consideration is which type to go for. Here are some guidelines from our expert team:

• Make sure that you balance both functionality and style.
• Take your space constraints into consideration. Begin by measuring up - this will help you make a more informed decision.
• Sliding doors are a great choice for smaller spaces while hinged doors need a fair amount of room for clearance but have a more classic aesthetic. 
• When picking out the material, consider the overall look you’re aiming for and select something within that genre. Sleek panels in neutral colours are an excellent choice if you love minimalism, wood finishes are more traditional and glass or mirrored doors are modern and elegant. View our gorgeous Palo Alto walk-in by MisuraEmme for some design inspiration. 
• All reflective surfaces will help to create a sense of space. 
• If you’re after some privacy but need to optimise your light, we recommend using tinted glass. 
• Remember to include soft-close mechanisms on hinged doors to prevent slamming.
• Choose handles and knobs that will elevate the end result. 
• Be aware of your colour palette and make sure that it complements the rest of your room. 
• Torn between having doors and an open-plan concept? Then balance the best of both worlds by installing some on the entranceway and leaving the rest exposed. 

 

Tips for maintaining your doorless walk-in wardrobe

There’s no need for doors if your walk-in wardrobe is beautifully organised, clutter-free and well-maintained. These tips will help you achieve just that:  

• Sort your possessions into categories in order to keep things neat and tidy. It will also enable you to find things at a glance. 
• Take stock of your garments, shoes and accessories on a regular basis and get rid of stuff you no longer need. This mitigates overcrowding and keeps things looking beautifully curated.
• Use baskets, bins, tie racks and jewellery drawers to keep smaller items from becoming a visual disaster. Take a look at the Scenario walk-in by Jesse for some great customisation ideas. 
• Dust and vacuum your entire wardrobe regularly to stop dirt from accumulating. 
• Arrange your clothing by colour to produce an appealing display. This will facilitate the coordination of your outfits every morning, making getting dressed for the day more efficient. 
• Invest in uniform, durable hangers and make sure they’re all the same colour. 
• Personalise your space with art, plants, ornaments, a gorgeous chandelier, cosy armchairs and anything else that adds to its aesthetic beauty. 

 

Shop custom walk-in wardrobes at FCI London

Whether you opt for doors or no doors on your walk-in wardrobe is a matter of personal choice. Our advice? Weigh up all the pros and cons and go with your gut. 

For great advice, get in touch with our expert design team today. We’ve been conceptualising, building and installing custom cabinetry for over three decades and have all the experience you need to create the unit of your dreams. 

Or, if you’d like to see some samples, pop into our showroom for a glass of bubbly and a guided tour - we’re open seven days a week.