5 Design Mistakes People Make When Planning Their Wardrobe (And How to Avoid Them)
Designing your own wardrobe is exciting – finally, a space that actually fits your clothes and your life. But between layout choices, storage options, and finish decisions, it’s easy to overlook the little things that make a big difference.
Here are five of the most common mistakes people make when planning a bespoke wardrobe, and how to make sure yours turns out exactly as you imagined (or better).
1. Forgetting What You Actually Need to Store
We all get caught up in the aesthetic side – but before you pick your dream doors, take stock of what’s going inside them.
Do you have more folded clothes or hanging pieces? Do you need space for shoes, accessories, or that growing collection of “nice jumpers”?
A quick audit before you design will save you from awkward layouts later. You’ll end up with a wardrobe that works as well as it looks.
2. Ignoring the Power of Good Lighting
Wardrobes are dark places by nature, especially built-ins. Adding integrated lighting or planning for a well-lit space around your wardrobe makes a huge difference.
It’s not just about seeing your clothes – it’s about making your whole bedroom feel brighter and more organised. (Bonus: you’ll never again leave the house wearing mismatched socks.)
3. Wasting Vertical Space
One of the biggest mistakes in DIY fitted wardrobes is not using the full height of your room.
That extra 30cm above your hanging rail might not seem like much, but it’s prime real estate for seasonal storage boxes, bedding, or that suitcase you only use once a year.
If your wardrobe goes right up to the ceiling, you’ll be amazed how much calmer your space feels – everything finally has a home.
4. Not Planning for the Future
Right now, your wardrobe might be perfect. But what about next year? Or the year after that?
Maybe you’ll need more hanging space, or you’ll swap out drawers for shelves. That’s why flexibility matters.
Our custom wardrobe kits are designed so you can tweak layouts later – a small design decision now that saves you from outgrowing your wardrobe down the line.
5. Overcomplicating the Design
The temptation to include everything is real. But sometimes, simple really is better. A clean layout with just the right mix of shelves, rails, and drawers will always feel more luxurious than something overcrowded.
Think about flow, not just features. The goal is to make your morning routine easier, not turn it into a logic puzzle.
Ready to Design Yours?
Design your bespoke wardrobe online today with My DIY Wardrobes. Create a space that fits your style, your storage needs, and your budget – all without a single design regret.