What Is The Average Size of a Master Bedroom Walk-in Wardrobe?

If you can’t wait to increase the value of your home with some beautiful new cabinetry and are exploring different options, you’re probably asking important questions like - What is the average size of a master bedroom walk-in wardrobe?

And although these opulent fixtures were once only considered by the very wealthy, walk-in wardrobes are now a standard choice for regular homeowners and they come in many different sizes and designs to suit the dimensions of your specific space.

It's true that walk-ins do require a larger area than regular fitted wardrobes and should typically measure around 9m² if you want to include seating and three walls of quality storage. However, clever modern customisable options now make it possible to install a smaller unit into a 2.5m² space, ensuring that they are a viable choice for more compact homes and apartments.

Here are some hot tips from our expert interiors team that will help you make the most of your walk-in wardrobe designs.

We are fanatical about luxury fitted wardrobe design.

Take a look at our range of contemporary wardrobes.

View Sliding Door Wardrobes

View Built-In Wardrobes

View Large Wardrobes

View Corner Wardrobes

View Floor-to-Ceiling

View Walk-In Wardrobes

1. How big should a walk-in wardrobe be for a master bedroom?

Having a walk-in wardrobe in a master bedroom is frequently at the top of a prospective homeowner’s list of must-haves, making them a worthwhile investment if you’re looking at refurbishing your space to include a bespoke storage system.

They can also be designed to fit many different formats, allowing you to choose L-shaped, one-sided or split systems in accordance with your personal space. At FCI London, where our wardrobe experts have been designing and installing wardrobes for nearly 40 years, we can even accommodate areas that have sloped ceilings and awkward corners, making your options almost limitless.

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is, “How big should a walk-in wardrobe be?” Here are some guidelines that will enable you to calculate whether you have enough space for some of the most common walk-in features.

• In order to fit storage units on all 3 walls and include a central sitting area, a full-size walk-in wardrobe for two people should be at least 9m² in size.
• Smaller walk-ins can be built in a space that averages 2.5m²
• Central islands in the middle of your closet will need a clearance space of around 1m on all four sides so that you don’t bump into them while navigating your way around your shelving and hanging space.
• Hanging space is a crucial consideration when designing your layout. If you misjudge this measurement, you will end up cramming everything into it and wrinkling your clothing. The normal depth for this is 60cm, which allows for the clearance of the back wall when using a standard hanger but if you’re working with a very cramped area, you can get away with an absolute minimum of 50cm.
• When it comes to shelving, the appropriate size can significantly impact how much storage you can create. In fact, you can dramatically reduce the amount of available room you have if you overestimate the distance you need between shelves. For shoes to fit comfortably, each shelf should be at least 30cm deep and should be placed 15cm apart. However, this calculation will depend on whether you need to accommodate tall boots and high heels. If so, measure them before you make a final decision.
• Plan for at least 45cm when stacking shirts or sweaters on a shelf. This depth prevents your clothing from being crushed. If you want to install a drawer in your closet, you'll need to use the same measurement, or extend it to 60cm if you will be arranging them in double rows.
• If you want to include a dressing area, you’ll need around 1.2m² that will allow you to bend down to put on shoes. 

2. What are some of the best ways to use all that space in a walk-in wardrobe?

As long as you are using the space to its full capacity, walk-in closets are a dream come true. And, with many custom-made interior storage systems to choose from, you’ll find some that work better for large areas while others are perfect if you are pushed for space.

Here are 3 ways to optimise your walk-in wardrobe’s full potential.

• Central islands: If your closet area is larger than average, you can add more storage in the centre of the room by installing an island. This can be used as a vanity space, an accessory station or simply to house extra drawers. They are also useful if you need a surface on which to sort and fold laundry or like to correlate all your accessories and clothing before getting dressed.
• Peninsulas: Similar to an island, a peninsula offers extra storage or even a seating area that extends out of the back wall of the closet into the centre of the room, creating an L-shaped footprint that helps to conserve space and reduce untidiness. They usually offer a smaller surface area, making them less prone to clutter, especially if you aren’t very good at packing away your belongings. You could also use a peninsula to split your wardrobe down the middle so that, if you share it with a partner, you have one full side each and can design each section in accordance with your unique needs.
• Single-sided storage: You don’t need a lot of room in which to build a walk-in wardrobe and can create a small one by simply using a single side for your hanging and storage space. Typical dimensions for this option would be 1/2m² comprising 60cm of hanging space and three feet of walk room. Items can then be hung on either the side or back wall, according to your personal preference. Alternatively, you could install shelving only which would give you a little more space in which to move around.

3. How can you make the most of your storage space in a small walk-in wardrobe?

The most crucial thing you can do while planning a small walk-in wardrobe is to pare down what you're going to be putting in it before you finalise your design. This will give you a clear idea of the bespoke features you'll need and ensure that you don’t clog it up with unwanted objects.

Tailor-made shelving is always a great idea and can optimise your usable space by 20–30%. You can also think about adding two stackable 60cm double hanging sections for short items, a tiny 30-45cm portion for long hanging items, and open shelves for shoes in the remaining space. Baskets for storing stuff you don't use frequently can be placed at the very top.

4. What are some clever tips and tricks for organising your clothes and accessories in a walk-in wardrobe?

Whether you’re on a tight budget or not, it’s best to keep in mind that a wardrobe’s primary function is to organise your clothes and make them easier to access. So although textured wallpaper and plush chairs are lovely, they’re not absolutely necessary. Here are 6 easy ways to organise your closet.

• Hanging space: The best real estate in any wardrobe is hanging space, so it’s the most sensible place to start. Position your rails at a height of 164cm for long garments like coats, robes and gowns, and medium or short items like blouses, jackets, skirts and folded pants at a height of 133cm. Experts agree that stacking two shorter hanging sections should be done wherever possible to maximise your available vertical space.
• Shelving: These are excellent for storing folded clothing, handbags, shoes, baskets, bins or boxes. Ensure that you make them between 30 and 60 cm deep and opt for adjustable shelves that can be rearranged in accordance with your needs. Remember to keep your favourite clothing where you can reach it and reserve the top shelves for out-of-season items.
• Drawers: If you have adequate room, consider installing drawers because if you get dressed in your walk-in wardrobe, having your socks and underwear in the same space is convenient. Although drawer dividers are useful at keeping things organised, they’re not effective if you don’t have the patience to put things back where they belong.
• Modular systems: You can find modular wardrobe systems that are compiled to organise your belongings from rods to shelves and drawers in a coordinated manner, but before you invest in them, make sure they serve your exact needs. If you have the budget, it is better to speak to your interior design company about custom-making each section, especially for you.
• Pigeon-holes: Cubbies or pigeon-hole units are not always practical because they do attract dust but can look fantastic when professionally built and are a fun solution in kids’ wardrobes or mudrooms.
• Storage containers: For organising smaller items like scarves, swimwear, accessories, flip-flops and the like, professional designers adore containers like boxes, baskets and bins. They help to maximise space and create a lovely, coordinated aesthetic. If you go this route, make sure you use fabric baskets so that they don’t snag or rip your clothing.

From tie and shoe racks to accessory drawers and laundry bins, there are so many fantastic ways to optimise your space and leave your walk-in wardrobe neat and tidy. Take a look at our accessories range for inspiration. 

In Conclusion

There is no specific answer to the question, “What is the average size of a master bedroom walk-in wardrobe” because each build is made to fit your unique space.

At FCI London, we have a team of brilliant designers who will help you plan your layouts to a tee, ensuring that you get the full benefit of every available inch in the most stylish way possible. To find out more, get in touch or pop into our spectacular showroom for a chat and a cup of coffee – we can’t wait to meet you.