How Deep Should Your Built-in Closet Be? A Dimension Guide
Why Closet Depth is the Secret to a Serene Bedroom
There's a moment many of us know too well: standing in front of a crowded wardrobe, unable to find what you need, clothes crushed against the back wall. It's not just a storage problem—it's a depth problem.
Getting the bedroom builtin closet depth right transforms your bedroom into a peaceful, organised retreat. Too shallow, and your jackets wrinkle. Too deep, and items disappear into dark corners. When the depth is just right, everything has its place, and you can actually see and reach what you own.
For a standard reach-in wardrobe, a depth of 610mm is the magic number, allowing clothes to hang freely. For walk-in robes, you need to account for movement, which means planning for at least a 915mm walkway. Shelving depths vary based on use: 305–405mm is ideal for folded clothes, while bulkier items like bedding need 510–610mm.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, where relaxed yet polished interiors are part of the lifestyle, your wardrobe should work as hard as it looks good. At G&M Craftsman Cabinets, we know the difference between a functional wardrobe and a frustrating one often comes down to a few centimetres. Our approach is simple: listen first, measure twice, and craft something that feels like it was always meant to be there.
Whether you're renovating a compact bedroom in Maroochydore or designing a luxurious walk-in robe for a new build in Noosa, getting the depth right is where true functionality begins. Let's walk through the numbers and smart decisions that lead to a wardrobe you'll love for years to come.
The "Just Right" Numbers: Your Guide to Bedroom Builtin Closet Depth
Getting your bedroom builtin closet depth right is the difference between a frustrating daily scramble and a calm, organised start to your morning. After decades of designing custom wardrobes across the Sunshine Coast, we've learned these measurements matter more than most people realise.
Standard vs. Custom: Finding Your Perfect Depth
The industry standard for closet depth is 610mm (24 inches). This measurement accommodates a typical 430–480mm hanger plus essential clearance space, preventing wrinkles and allowing air to circulate.
However, in older Buderim homes or compact new builds in Palmview, you may not have 610mm to spare. We can design functional wardrobes at 559mm, but any shallower and clothes will start to rub. This is where customisation transforms everything. Instead of forcing a standard size, we design bespoke built-in wardrobes around your specific needs and space, making every centimetre count.
Reach-In vs. Walk-In: How Depth Requirements Change
The type of wardrobe you're planning dramatically changes how we approach depth.
Reach-in wardrobes are the classic bedroom closet. For hanging clothes, the 610mm depth remains ideal to ensure you can see and access everything inside.
Walk-in robes are a room within a room, requiring space for you to move comfortably. For a single-sided walk-in (storage on one wall), you need 610mm for storage plus a 915mm walkway. For a double-sided layout, you'll need 610mm of storage on each side plus a 760–915mm central path. It’s not just about overall size; thoughtful proportions are key to making a space feel luxurious and functional.
For clients with limited depth, we have clever workarounds like pull-out valet rods or angled hanging systems. Even in a shallow closet, we can create highly functional storage by focusing on well-proportioned shelves and drawers. Our team are experts at solving these puzzles, particularly when designing wardrobes for small spaces.
Planning Your Internal Bedroom Builtin Closet Depth: Shelves, Drawers & More
Once the overall depth is set, we customise the internals to suit your lifestyle.
Shelving depth must match what you're storing. Shelves at 305mm are perfect for shoes and T-shirts, while folded jumpers and linens sit comfortably on 305–405mm deep shelves. For bulky items like bedding, 510–610mm is best.
Drawer depth is where many off-the-shelf solutions fail. For most applications, a depth between 405mm and 510mm provides ample room without letting items get lost at the back. Every drawer we build uses premium hardware from Blum or Hettich, ensuring they glide silently for decades—a crucial detail in Queensland's humid climate. Our built-in wardrobes with drawers are designed for longevity.
Specialised storage takes your wardrobe from good to exceptional. Angled shoe racks at 305–355mm deep keep footwear visible, while shallow accessory drawers with custom dividers prevent tangles. This level of detail is what makes custom cabinetry a worthwhile investment.
Beyond the Basics: Expert Tips for Your Bedroom Builtin Closet Depth
Perfecting your bedroom builtin closet depth requires a few more expert considerations.
- Clothing Types: Bulky winter coats or formal wear benefit from deeper sections of 710–760mm to prevent compression and maintain the garment's shape.
- Door Types: Hinged doors offer full access but need clearance to swing open. For smaller bedrooms in Buddina or Maroochydore, sliding doors are a space-saving alternative. Pocket doors, which slide into the wall, offer the sleekest solution.
- Integrated Lighting: A well-lit closet is a functional one. We integrate LED strip lighting into shelves and hanging sections to eliminate shadows and ensure everything is visible.
- Creative Solutions: For challenging depths, pull-out rods and pivoting hangers provide easy access. We often design mixed-depth wardrobes, combining shallower sections for shoes with deeper areas for hanging to maximise efficiency.
The Sunshine Coast lifestyle accepts open, clutter-free living. Our custom wardrobes support this aesthetic by providing smart, discreet storage that integrates seamlessly into your home. For more on the history of closets, the Wikipedia entry on closets offers some interesting context.
Getting the depth right is just one piece of the puzzle. During our proven 6-step process, we'll guide you through every decision to ensure your new wardrobe is perfect.
Sunshine Coast's Trusted Cabinet Makers – Find the Difference
When you choose G&M Craftsman Cabinets, you're investing in bespoke joinery designed to improve how you live. With 100 years of combined experience, our locally owned team has served homes across the Sunshine Coast, from Noosa to Maroochydore. We understand the desire for clutter-free spaces and storage that works as beautifully as it looks.
Our personalised design consultations ensure every detail—from the bedroom builtin closet depth to the hardware—is customised to your lifestyle. We use only premium hardware from trusted providers like Blum, Hettich, Furnware Dorset, Titus Plus, Kethy, and Häfele. This commitment to quality means drawers that glide silently and hinges that last for decades, setting our Luxury Built-in Wardrobes apart.
Our proven 6-step process is designed to deliver exceptional results without the stress:
- Initial Consultation & Quote: We start with an on-site meeting to understand your goals. Good planning and accurate measurements set the foundation for great results.
- Design & Planning: Using CAD drawings, we collaborate on every detail—materials, hardware, and layout—to create a design that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
- Craftsmanship in the Workshop: Our skilled joiners craft every piece in-house, performing rigorous quality checks to ensure a perfect fit and a finish that lasts.
- Coordination & Site Preparation: Our team manages all trade coordination, ensuring plumbers, electricians, and other trades work together seamlessly for a smooth installation.
- Installation & Final Touches: Our professional installers bring the vision to life, aligning every cabinet and edge perfectly before a final walkthrough with you to ensure complete satisfaction.
- Completion & Aftercare: After a final inspection, we hand over your project and provide comprehensive maintenance tips to keep your new cabinetry looking its best.
We invite you to see our philosophy in action. Our Our Work page showcases the diverse range of projects we've brought to life across the Sunshine Coast.
Whether you're renovating in Buddina or building in Pelican Waters, our goal is simple: to create cabinetry that makes your life easier and your home more beautiful.
Book a design consultation with G&M Craftsman Cabinets today—and find out how we can transform your bedroom into a space that's beautifully organised and built to last a lifetime.
Expert Guidance, Quality Results – Book a Consultation
Getting your bedroom builtin closet depth right is about more than just measurements; it’s about creating a calm, organised start to your day. It’s the difference between a frustrating scramble and a bedroom that feels like a true sanctuary.
At G&M Craftsman Cabinets, our team—Brent, Nigel, Warwick, and our skilled joiners—brings 100 years of combined experience to projects across the Sunshine Coast. We understand how to design storage that fits your home and lifestyle perfectly, using our proven 6-step process to ensure a flawless result. We don't just build wardrobes; we craft lasting solutions with premium hardware from trusted names like Blum and Hettich.
Don't settle for a wardrobe that doesn't work for you. Book a Design Consultation with our team today, and let's create a custom solution that transforms your bedroom into the organised, peaceful retreat you deserve. Talk to G\&M Craftsman Cabinets, and see how we can craft a space that's beautiful, functional, and built to last.