Once solely the
preserve of the rich and famous, walk-in wardrobes have in recent years become
a far more accessible feature in properties throughout the UK, and are proving
especially popular on Instagram with over 98,000 hashtags and counting
dedicated to the trend.
However, the
storage experts at Space Station claim that, unlike some social media
trends, there’s also a financial benefit to this trending home improvement.
The firm has joined
forces with Bruna Pani from We Buy Any House to reveal how much it
costs to add a walk-in wardrobe to a property, as well as what can be
gained financially and the easiest way to incorporate the trend into
a home.
“In the UK, the
average cost of a walk-in wardrobe is as little as £5,500. This will include
everything from the structural design of the space to the individual pieces
needed, such as shelving, rails and doors. Additionally, you may also need to
pay a labour fee for the units to be installed, which averages out at around
£22.50 per hour,” Pani said.
“Thankfully, the
return on your walk-in wardrobe investment will be massively worth it, as
having walk-in wardrobes on your property allows you to recoup up to 56% of
your investment, adding up to a £10,000 increase in the value of your home,”
Pani added.
Below, Vlatka Lake,
storage expert at Space Station, outlines five tips to help transform
unused space into the perfect walk-in wardrobe.
Assess your
wardrobe needs
“If your home is
starting to feel cluttered and you have the space, creating a walk-in wardrobe
is the perfect opportunity for you to whittle down what items you know you’re
going to be reaching for day to day, and those that can be put in the loft or
storage.
“Once you have
chosen which space you are going to convert into your walk-in wardrobe (this
can be small or large, as most spaces are easy to turn into wardrobe space),
it’s time to take some measurements. At this stage you want to think about what
it is exactly that you will be storing; from longer items like coats and
dresses to small items such as shoes and accessories you’ll need to evaluate
what type of rails you’ll need before you get started.
Plan the layout
“Once you’ve
identified your wardrobe needs it’s time to consider your layout and make your
space allocation work effectively. Start by thinking about who will be using
the wardrobe (is it for yourself or the whole family?) and once that’s been
confirmed think about how you’ll divide the space. Ironing out these finer
details will be key to making the build process slicker.
“If you are
debating built in wardrobes, it is good to bear in mind that they give you the
opportunity to be fully customisable to your needs.”
Pay attention to
lighting
“If you are working
with a smaller space for your wardrobe, you are more than likely not going to
have windows and most walk-in wardrobes don’t. This is where lighting comes
into play. It is a crucial element in all interior design, and it can quickly
transform your space into something bright and clean.
“Walk-in wardrobes
already come with a certain pizzazz but adding strip lighting, statement
ceiling lights and even natural daylight can take your wardrobe to the next
level. If your space has windows, adding blinds can help to soften harsh
natural lights within your space.”
Don’t forget about
mirrors
“Naturally having a
mirror in a space like this adds a practical element to the design, allowing
you to check your outfit before leaving, but there are also some interior
design benefits to mirrors. The reflective surface amplifies natural light,
making the room feel bigger and brighter and the ample option for frames means
you can add an exciting element to the room.”
Finesse with
finishing touches
“Once the major
parts of the wardrobe are completed you can focus on finishing touches to
really elevate the space. To stop your space looking dull, try adding in some
bold furniture or some wall art to break up the space. Don’t forget about those
accessories, putting these on display means you won’t forget about them and
will make this area of your home that little bit more special.
“The overall
convenience of a walk-in wardrobe is something that can be enjoyed immediately
and for many years to come and will prove popular with any potential future
buyers.”
Matthew Lane, Estate Agent
Today 9th August 2022