How deep should a wardrobe be?

 

As a cabinet maker and design consultant here at Fox Wardrobes & Cabinetry, I often get asked:
“How deep should my wardrobe be?”

It’s a simple question — but one that can make or break the functionality of your wardrobe. Depth directly impacts how well your wardrobe performs, especially when it comes to hanging space and door function.

Let’s break it down.

 

Standard Depth for Hanging Wardrobes: 600mm

The minimum recommended depth for a wardrobe with standard horizontal hanging rods is 600mm (external depth).

Why? Because clothes — especially adult items like jackets, coats, and jumpers — hang between 500–550mm deep. Add the door thickness (especially with hinged doors), and anything less than 600mm means your clothes will likely get caught, crease, or prevent the doors from closing properly.

We’ve seen it before: a beautiful-looking wardrobe with a poor layout — clothes squashed, hangers on angles, and doors that just won’t sit right. That’s not just frustrating; it’s a sign of poor design.

 

What Happens if It’s Too Shallow?

  • Doors may not shut without pressing hard (causing wear on clothes and hinges).
  • Bulky items like jumpers or coats get jammed.
  • Hangers hit the back of the doors or need to be hung on an angle.
  • You lose long-term functionality — especially if wardrobes are used by adults.

When Can You Go Shallower Than 600mm?

There are some exceptions — but they need to be well thought out and clearly communicated.

We may recommend shallower cabinetry (e.g., 450–500mm) in cases where:

  • The wardrobe is for children’s clothing only (which is smaller and less bulky).
  • The space simply won’t allow for 600mm depth (e.g., tight hallway cabinetry or utility cupboards).
  • You don’t need hanging space and opt for drawers, shelves, or shoe storage instead.

In these situations, we usually recommend maximising shelving and drawer configurations to ensure you’re still getting practical storage that suits the space.

 

Our Professional Recommendation at Fox

At Fox Wardrobes & Cabinetry, we build every wardrobe custom to your space and needs, but as a general rule:

  • Stick to 600mm internal depth for hanging space
  • Go shallower only if:
    • There’s no hanging required, or
    • The client understands the limitations (e.g., children’s clothes or storage nooks)

And if you’re tight on space? We’ll walk you through alternative layouts that make the most of your depth — think double drawers, open shelving, and clever internal design.

 Designed Right the First Time

Your wardrobe should be more than just a good-looking space — it should work for your lifestyle every day. That’s why we take the time during our consultations to assess your space, your storage needs, and the type of clothes and items you’re storing.

It’s details like this — wardrobe depth, hanging placement, drawer heights — that separate great cabinetry from disappointing storage.

 

Why Choose Fox Wardrobes and Cabinetry?

At Fox, we pride ourselves on being trade-qualified cabinet makers. Our team brings specialized skills and a commitment to excellence to every project. We use only the best hardware, materials, and practices to ensure your cabinetry is built to last. For your next cabinetry project, trust your local trade-qualified cabinet makers.

We are members of the Timber Trade Industry Association (TTIA) and Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) ensuring we are up to date with the latest industry issues and challenges and are on the leading edge of industry developments. When you choose Fox, you’re engaging a company that values quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise means that even if challenges arise during your project, we have the knowledge and resources to address them effectively.

 

At Fox Wardrobes, we understand that every project is unique, and every client has distinct preferences. Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that meet your unique requirements while ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. You can see more of our projects on instagram and Facebook for inspiration. Reach out via online enquiry today or call our office on 9971 8802.