The built-in guide

Make the most
of your space.

Make the most of the space behind your wardrobe doors. Measure your opening, choose your storage, then check that everything is easy to reach.

Start planning

Flexible storage. Easy access. A place for everything.

White built-in wardrobe with a drawer tower, shelves and hanging rails
A mix of drawers, shelves and hanging space.

Three things to plan.

A little measuring makes a big difference.

  1. Measure the opening

    Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom, and the height on both sides. Note the usable depth behind the door tracks and any walls that partly cover the opening.

  2. Plan your storage

    Mix drawers and shelves with hanging space for your clothes. Leave a taller section for dresses and coats, and use double hanging for shorter items.

  3. Check door access

    Place drawer towers where the sliding doors can move clear. Check door overlaps and side walls so drawers can open and shelves are easy to reach.

Find your fit

Two ways to organise your wardrobe.

Measuring guide
Drawer tower with short and long hanging spaces

Drawers & hanging

Everyday storage

Keep smaller items in drawers, with separate space for shirts, dresses and coats. Position drawers where the doors leave enough room to open.

Open shelf tower alongside a hanging rail

Shelves & hanging

Open storage

Use open shelves for folded clothes, shoes and bags, with hanging space beside them.

Layouts shown for inspiration. Check door openings, wall returns and drawer clearance before ordering.

Which Track System Do I Need?

Double gives doors two overlapping channels. Triple adds a third channel so doors can slide fully clear of each other for maximum access.

DIRECT WARDROBESOpening Width
Two DoorsDouble (82mm)
DIRECT WARDROBESOpening Width
Three DoorsDouble (82mm)
DIRECT WARDROBESOpening Width
Three DoorsTriple (122mm)
DIRECT WARDROBESOpening Width
Four DoorsDouble (82mm)

Top-down views. Check that your door opening gives you enough room to reach shelves and fully open drawers.

The finer details

A few common questions.

Keep the planning simple.

How much depth do I need?

Allow around 550–600 mm of clear space for hanging clothes, behind the sliding door tracks. Check your hangers and clothing as well as the depth of any towers.

Where should I put a drawer tower?

Line it up with a clear door opening. Door overlaps and short walls at the sides can block drawers, so check the full drawer opening before choosing a position.

Can I see the finishes first?

Visit our showroom Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM at 45 Fairview Street, Springvale to view products and materials.

Make it yours

Ready to put your plan together?

Start with a built-in wardrobe kit, or choose individual towers, shelves and rails.

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How to Plan a Built-In Wardrobe | Direct Wardrobes