9 Steps to Creating the Ultimate Walk-in Robe

Who doesn’t love the experience of trying on clothes in a store with great lighting, large mirrors and luxurious finishes? Recreate that opulent feeling at home with these great tips for designing the walk-in robe of your dreams.

A beautifully designed walk-in wardrobe is the ultimate luxury, giving you space to store your clothing, try on outfits and even indulge in a little pampering. If you’ve chosen to build with Carlisle, your new master suite will come complete with a large, well-appointed walk-in robe, giving you the perfect space to create a dreamy storage and dressing area. Here are nine walk-in robe ideas to help you decorate it like a pro.

1. Get the layout and dimensions right

Before you start decorating, ensure your walk-in robe size and layout maximise space and functionality. When it comes to walk-in robe dimensions, you’ll want enough room for one person to move around comfortably. At a minimum, aim for a width of 150cm and a depth of 180cm. This will give you space to store clothes along one side, with a 90cm walkway.

Carlisle’s double storey Affinity homes all feature a spectacular walk-in robe in the master suite, many of dressing room-size proportions. For example, the Astoria Grand Living 58, on display at Alamora Estate in Tarneit, and the Sorrento Grand Retreat 47, on display at Berwick Waters Estate in Clyde North, both have a walk-in robe that’s practically the same size as the master bedroom itself, giving you lashings of room to create a boutique-like oasis with a small sofa, a dressing table and a generous upholstered ottoman or joinery island in the centre of the room.

2. Add personality

Decorate your walk-in robe with as much care as you do to your main living spaces, and you’ll love spending time there. Add personal touches and decorative accents, such as artwork, beautiful wallpaper or chic rugs, that reflect your style.

You can create a seamless aesthetic by choosing colours, finishes and hardware that match those elsewhere in the home. Prefer your walk-in robe to have its own distinct look? Select materials and accessories in colours that contrast with the rest of your home. If you’ve chosen one of Carlisle’s opulent Affinity designs, your walk-in robe shelving and walk-in robe cabinetry come in a choice of stunning laminate colours, allowing you to create the perfect look. These same colours are available as optional upgrades in Carlisle’s Inspire homes.

3. Give everything a dedicated place

A good walk-in robe should be a sanctuary – a place of order and calm. That starts with the right cabinetry.

You’ll want a mix of rails, open shelves and drawers to accommodate hanging and folded clothes, shoes and accessories. Built-in joinery, which comes as standard in every Carlisle home, makes the best use of space and provides versatile storage options.

The amount of hanging space, open shelves and drawers you’ll need depends on what you need to store. But as a guide, two-thirds hanging space (with a mix of full and half-height rails) to one-third shelf and drawer space will generally suffice in most walk-in robe designs.

4. Baskets and boxes for small storage

Small items like scarves, hats and accessories can easily become disorganised if they’re not properly housed. Incorporate pretty baskets and boxes to keep them contained and easily accessible. Woven baskets, fabric bins and elegant boxes are great walk-in robe storage ideas as they can be placed on shelves or inside cabinetry to keep the space tidy and visually appealing.

5. Add a drop zone

If you’ve got the space, consider including a drop zone in your walk-in robe. This handy vertical surface is either built into your cabinetry or takes the form of a freestanding ottoman in the centre of the room, and provides the perfect spot to pop a suitcase when you’re packing for a trip, lay out clothes for the next day, or sit and pull on your shoes.

6.  Hang a full-length mirror

A full-length mirror is a walk-in robe essential, letting you get a complete view of your outfit before you head out the door. Position it in a convenient spot in your walk-in, preferably free from impeding doors and near a good light source. Or, evoke those high-end boutique vibes by choosing a mirror with integrated lighting or one that’s backlit.

7. Incorporate comfortable seating

Your walk-in robe should be more than just practical – it should be a cosy space where you can take a moment for yourself. Adding a comfortable chair or ottoman provides a spot to sit while you put on shoes or take a break during your busy day. Choose a plump, cushioned style in a sumptuous fabric like velvet or linen for a touch of luxury.

8. Make it smell good

Keep your walk-in robe smelling fresh and your clothes in top condition by introducing beautiful, scented accessories. Essential oil diffusers and scented sachets will create a pleasant aroma, without being overwhelming. Choose scents like lavender or cedar, which not only smell divine but have natural moth-repellent properties to protect your clothing.

9. Light it right

Good lighting is essential in a walk-in robe, both for functionality and ambience. Optimise natural light by leaving windows unadorned or choosing sheer linen curtains, as seen in the stunning walk-in robe at the Illawarra Grand Deluxe 45 at Meridian Estate in Clyde North. 

Supplement natural light with strategically placed downlights to illuminate your clothing and accessories, and ambient lighting such as wall sconces or a twinkling chandelier, to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

If your walk-in robe receives no natural light, choose cool-toned globes as they make it easier to see clothing colours than warm globes. And if your walk-in robe includes a make-up area, ensure you have an even distribution of light so you can apply makeup accurately.

If you want more inspiration or need help visualising your walk-in robe, check out Carlisle’s Interior Design Gallery - it's the perfect resource to help you design your ultimate walk-in robe