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How to create the dressing room of dreams in 7 steps

By Natasha Heard   |  

Often seen as a way of showcasing the array of beautiful bags, shoes and clothes that one owns, a dressing room, or walk-in wardrobe is one of those spaces that screams extravagance and elegance. Though you certainly don’t have to own an impressive selection of designer goodies in order to create a spacious closet in your home, it doesn’t hurt to have a desire to keep your belongings in an orderly, if not stylish, space.

If you’re thinking of converting a spare room into a haven of handbags, scarves, jumpers, jewellery and the like, then read on for seven steps to creating the dressing room of dreams. 

dressing room walk in wardrobe
Mirrors, plenty of storage space and a sleek look makes for a welcoming dressing room

1. Overall décor

First up, you will need to think about the styling of the room. Walk in wardrobes should be comfortable spaces, a place where you can showcase your carefully selected or thoughtfully gifted jewels, clothes and accessories, so think about how you can create an area that celebrates these items rather than hiding them away. Pick a colour scheme that complements your furniture and don’t go for too much of a busy décor as you want your belongings to do the talking.  

2. Quality furniture

Fitted wardrobes from a reputable company that will create bespoke furniture for you will ensure that your room looks as elegant as the items in it. Generally, doors are left out of the equation, but if you can’t rely on yourself to keep your clothes consistently neat and co-ordinated, then you may wish to incorporate some doors, but only if you have plenty of space. A dressing table should also be included, and you will need to think about the proportions of space you will need, i.e., if you own a lot of shoes and you would like them all to be displayed, you will need more racks.

dressing room walk in wardrobe
Opt for soft, integrated lighting and include a space to sit

3. Flooring

Generally, you will want the tone of the flooring to match the furniture to stay with the theme of keeping the décor calm in order to showcase your belongings. You can match wood furniture to wood flooring for a really clean and crisp look or keep it cosy underfoot with a comfortable carpet or rug, either way, don’t overlook the flooring as it really ties the whole room together.

4. Lighting

As with any other room of the home, lighting needs to be carefully considered, and you can have some fun when it comes to your walk-in wardrobe. Spotlights on the ceiling are a good way to go and they will free up space so you can go high with the furniture without light fixtures getting in the way. Make them dimmable to create atmosphere and opt for a central light feature such as a statement chandelier for a spot of glamour as well as integrated lighting within the furniture to make your clothes and accessories shine.

dressing room walk in wardrobe
Clever storage solutions, colour co-ordination and keeping it neat are key

5. Somewhere to sit

A padded ottoman, a cosy chair, a trendy bench – if you have the space, it is certainly worth including a cosy spot to sit, and if you don’t you could always have a nook built into the wall to integrate with the furniture. This is where you can make a style statement and perch while you query which winning outfit you are going to put together that day.

6. Mirrors

Every dressing room needs mirrors, and a full-length mirror is a must, while a smaller version perched on your dressing table should also be included at the very least. This is your haven, so ensure that you have the most flattering lighting around your mirrors so that you feel beautiful at all times.

dressing room walk in wardrobe
Keeping your walk-in closet organised, colour co-ordinated and clutter free is highly advised

7. Clever storage and display

Once the room is all put together you will need, of course, to add in your possessions, and keeping it organised, colour co-ordinated and clutter free is highly advised. Arrange your clothing so that longer items are together and shorter items sit alongside each other and keeps displayed shoes neat, you could make little displays of complementary bags and shoes and colour co-ordinate scarves on a rack. Clever storage solutions are key here so that items such as sunglasses, jewellery, hats and the like and easily accessible, but safely stored away. Make sure to keep the room tidy and you will, no doubt, have a space that you will enjoy being in.