Built-In Bliss: How to Create a Wardrobe That Fits You

Let’s Talk Wardrobes – From Ancient Armaria to Your Dream Built-in Closet

There’s something deeply intimate about a wardrobe.

It’s the one piece of furniture that sees us every day—still half-asleep in pyjamas, getting ready for a dinner date, or flinging open doors in a frantic Monday rush. And yet, we rarely give it the attention it deserves.

Today, I want to change that, in today’s post I want to talk to you about wardrobes—where they came from, how we got here, and how you can design the perfect built-in for your home. Think of it as both a little love letter to the humble armario, and a practical guide for creating your own.

From Armaria to Armoire: A Brief (and Beautiful) History

Let’s rewind. Way back to ancient Greece and Rome, where our modern concept of a wardrobe had its humble beginnings. The Romans called theirs armaria—they weren’t wardrobes as we know them, more like beautifully crafted chests or trunks (arcones), designed to store precious belongings. Later, in medieval Europe, the idea evolved into something more enclosed and secure.

But it wasn’t until the Renaissance and Baroque periods that the French armoire really took shape. Derived from the Latin armarium, these were grand pieces, often carved with ornate details, made not just for function but for flair. Then, during the rise of the bourgeoisie in the 18th and 19th centuries, wardrobes became fixtures in homes across England—wardrobes—not just for the wealthy but for all.

By the 20th century, the built-in wardrobe had arrived. And that’s where we find ourselves today.

Designing the Perfect Built-in Wardrobe: Where Style Meets Precision

So, how do you design a wardrobe that fits your space, your clothes, and your life?

1. Start with the Magic Number: 60cm

This is the golden rule. A depth of 60cm gives you just the right amount of space—enough for hangers, doors, and airflow. Whether you’re sketching your own layout or chatting with a carpenter, remember this number. It’s the foundation of wardrobe design.

2. Think in Modules, Not Monoliths

Don’t imagine a giant, immovable block. Built-in wardrobes are usually made in sections—modules. These can range from 110cm to 160cm, but I always say: stay around 55–60cm for each door. Why? Because it keeps everything elegant, balanced, and functional. Yes, you can go bigger—I’ve done stunning 80cm doors—but it comes with more weight, more cost, more everything.

3. Abatibles or Correderas?

I’m partial to hinged doors (abatibles). There’s something about their classic charm and clean lines. But sliding doors (correderas) work wonders when space is tight. The key is choosing what complements your room, not just what’s trendy.

Inside the Wardrobe: It’s All About You

Wardrobe interiors should feel like a well-written novel—structured, but personal.

Think of your clothes. Really think. Do you have more folded jumpers or long coats? Do you wear suits? Do you need space for gym gear? Make a list of what you actually own, then design around that.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

Short-hanging items (shirts, blouses): Allow 90cm height
Long-hanging (coats, dresses): 130–150cm
Drawers: 12–20cm height is ideal for underwear or accessories
Shelves: 30–35cm spacing
Shoes: 18–20cm—angled is better for visibility
Top shelf: If you’ve got space, 30–60cm at the top is gold dust for storing bags, boxes, or bedding.

And don’t forget to leave room for mirrors. Always. If wall space is tight, consider inside-door mirrors or opposing mirrored panels for a full view.

How to Elevate Your Wardrobe (Without Going Broke)

Now we get to the fun bit. Wardrobes aren’t just boxes for storage. They can be stylish, tactile, and filled with tiny luxuries:

Hinges matter – A heavy door with a flimsy hinge is like wearing stilettos in sand. Choose quality fittings. Soft-close is lovely, and a good hinge feels right.
Drawer runners – Don’t skimp here. Even if the drawer is small, smooth runners make it feel like a dream.
Interior finishes – Think leather-wrapped hanging bars, suede drawer inserts, or brushed brass rails. Small details, huge impact.
Lighting – I could write a whole blog just on this (and maybe I will!). But in short: integrate LED strips into your shelves or along the top rail. Even better if they switch on when you open the doors. Mood, luxury, and practicality—tick, tick, tick.

And one last tip: If you’ve got the space, a centrepiece in a walk-in wardrobe—a bench, an island, even a pouf—brings so much elegance. It’s like a punctuation mark that says: this isn’t just a storage space, this is mine.

There’s magic in seeing a wardrobe come together. From pencil sketches to final brush strokes, it’s one of those design elements that feels deeply personal. It reflects your rhythm, your taste, your rituals. Designing one is a bit like writing a letter to your future self. “Here is everything you need, right where you need it.”

So next time you open your wardrobe, I hope you see it a little differently. Less like a cupboard, more like a quiet, loyal companion that holds your world, one hanger at a time.

Thank you for reading. Come back next week.

MP

If want to watch this story, watch HERE, Please note that this is in Spanish, but you can auto-translate the subtitles.

Open YouTube: Go to the YouTube website or open the YouTube app.
Play the Video: Start playing the video with subtitles available.
Click on the “CC” Button: This is the “Closed Captions” button on the bottom-right of the video player. If subtitles are available, they will appear.
Click on the Settings Gear Icon: This is also on the bottom-right, next to the “CC” button.
Select “Subtitles/CC”: Click on “Subtitles/CC” from the settings menu.
Choose “Auto-Translate”: After selecting “Subtitles/CC,” you’ll see an option that says “Auto-translate.” Click it.
Choose Your Language: A list of available languages will appear. Select the language you’d like to translate the subtitles into.
Enjoy: The subtitles will now be translated into your selected language!

That’s it! You can now watch videos with auto-translated subtitles.

Built-In Bliss: How to Create a Wardrobe That Fits You

Let’s Talk Wardrobes – From Ancient Armaria to Your Dream Built-in Closet

There’s something deeply intimate about a wardrobe.

It’s the one piece of furniture that sees us every day—still half-asleep in pyjamas, getting ready for a dinner date, or flinging open doors in a frantic Monday rush. And yet, we rarely give it the attention it deserves.

Today, I want to change that, in today’s post I want to talk to you about wardrobes—where they came from, how we got here, and how you can design the perfect built-in for your home. Think of it as both a little love letter to the humble armario, and a practical guide for creating your own.

From Armaria to Armoire: A Brief (and Beautiful) History

By the 20th century, the built-in wardrobe had arrived. And that’s where we find ourselves today.

Designing the Perfect Built-in Wardrobe: Where Style Meets Precision

So, how do you design a wardrobe that fits your space, your clothes, and your life?

1. Start with the Magic Number: 60cm

This is the golden rule. A depth of 60cm gives you just the right amount of space—enough for hangers, doors, and airflow. Whether you’re sketching your own layout or chatting with a carpenter, remember this number. It’s the foundation of wardrobe design.

2. Think in Modules, Not Monoliths

3. Abatibles or Correderas?

I’m partial to hinged doors (abatibles). There’s something about their classic charm and clean lines. But sliding doors (correderas) work wonders when space is tight. The key is choosing what complements your room, not just what’s trendy.

Inside the Wardrobe: It’s All About You

Wardrobe interiors should feel like a well-written novel—structured, but personal.

Think of your clothes. Really think. Do you have more folded jumpers or long coats? Do you wear suits? Do you need space for gym gear? Make a list of what you actually own, then design around that.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

Short-hanging items (shirts, blouses): Allow 90cm height

Long-hanging (coats, dresses): 130–150cm

Drawers: 12–20cm height is ideal for underwear or accessories

Shelves: 30–35cm spacing

Shoes: 18–20cm—angled is better for visibility

Top shelf: If you’ve got space, 30–60cm at the top is gold dust for storing bags, boxes, or bedding.

And don’t forget to leave room for mirrors. Always. If wall space is tight, consider inside-door mirrors or opposing mirrored panels for a full view.

How to Elevate Your Wardrobe (Without Going Broke)

Now we get to the fun bit. Wardrobes aren’t just boxes for storage. They can be stylish, tactile, and filled with tiny luxuries:

Hinges matter – A heavy door with a flimsy hinge is like wearing stilettos in sand. Choose quality fittings. Soft-close is lovely, and a good hinge feels right.

Drawer runners – Don’t skimp here. Even if the drawer is small, smooth runners make it feel like a dream.

Interior finishes – Think leather-wrapped hanging bars, suede drawer inserts, or brushed brass rails. Small details, huge impact.

Lighting – I could write a whole blog just on this (and maybe I will!). But in short: integrate LED strips into your shelves or along the top rail. Even better if they switch on when you open the doors. Mood, luxury, and practicality—tick, tick, tick.

And one last tip: If you’ve got the space, a centrepiece in a walk-in wardrobe—a bench, an island, even a pouf—brings so much elegance. It’s like a punctuation mark that says: this isn’t just a storage space, this is mine.

So next time you open your wardrobe, I hope you see it a little differently. Less like a cupboard, more like a quiet, loyal companion that holds your world, one hanger at a time.

Thank you for reading. Come back next week.

MP

If want to watch this story, watch HERE, Please note that this is in Spanish, but you can auto-translate the subtitles.

Open YouTube: Go to the YouTube website or open the YouTube app.

Play the Video: Start playing the video with subtitles available.

Click on the “CC” Button: This is the “Closed Captions” button on the bottom-right of the video player. If subtitles are available, they will appear.

Click on the Settings Gear Icon: This is also on the bottom-right, next to the “CC” button.

Select “Subtitles/CC”: Click on “Subtitles/CC” from the settings menu.

Choose “Auto-Translate”: After selecting “Subtitles/CC,” you’ll see an option that says “Auto-translate.” Click it.

Choose Your Language: A list of available languages will appear. Select the language you’d like to translate the subtitles into.

Enjoy: The subtitles will now be translated into your selected language!

That’s it! You can now watch videos with auto-translated subtitles.

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