Creating Drawers That Really Support Everyday Life
When you are designing a bespoke wardrobe, there is so much attention given to aesthetic considerations (such as the style of the doors, colours and finishes) that the real work done in the design process is often overlooked. The internal layout (and particularly the drawer configuration) is what ultimately decides if the wardrobe works effortlessly or frustratingly for you on a day-to-day basis.
By considering the layout of the drawers, you will be able to create less clutter, quicker daily routines, and help your wardrobe organisation happen automatically. If this is done poorly, then the most beautiful wardrobe can quickly turn into an awkward and unhelpful piece of furniture. For this reason, drawer planning is one of the primary aspects of bespoke wardrobe storage design.
Why Drawer Configuration Is So Important
Bespoke wardrobes do not rely on assumptions when they are made, as opposed to standard wardrobes. Instead of being based on general ideas about how you use your clothes and your space, bespoke wardrobes are created with your wardrobe, your usage patterns, and your room in mind.
A good drawer layout helps you access frequently used items, keeps drawers from being too full or too empty, makes it easier to see what is at the bottom of the drawer (so that you will never forget something), and makes it less necessary to have to keep rearranging things all the time.
Bespoke design does not focus on just making more drawers, but on the correct size, correct depth, and correct positioning to ensure each drawer is serving a specific purpose.
Understanding Drawer Depths and Their Uses
One of the most typical blunders made by designers of wardrobes is providing the exact same depth to all their drawers. Garments fold in a variety of ways; therefore, the depth of the drawer should be tailored to those specific behaviours.
Shallow Drawers - Precision and Visibility
Shallow drawers provide excellent storage space for small or often used articles, including:
- Socks and underwear
- T-shirts and exercise clothing
- Lightweight belts, ties and other accessories
These shallow drawers allow you to see and reach your items quickly. The reduced stackability of shallow drawers eliminates rummaging through drawers. It allows for better long-term organisation of the contents within the drawers.
Medium-Depth Drawers - Balanced Everyday Storage
A medium depth drawer is typically one that provides ample room to store a wide variety of clothing items. These drawers will be suitable for the following:
- Knitwear
- Jumpers
- Casual tops and loungewear
- Trousers (folded)
- Shorts (folded)
Medium depth drawers will allow you sufficient depth to hold bulky items but will also help to prevent your drawers from being overcrowded and therefore help you maintain an organised wardrobe with clean and well-stored clothes.
Deep Drawers - Capacity Where It's Needed
Deep-drawers are best suited for:
- Heavy-weight clothing (jeans)
- Thick knit-wear (hoodies)
- Seasonal clothing that rotates yearly
In bespoke wardrobes, deep drawers are typically positioned lower in the layout, where bending is more natural and weight distribution feels comfortable.
Drawer Placement and Ergonomics
The placement of your drawers can be just as important as their depth. Custom built wardrobe drawers are designed around the way we naturally move our bodies.
- Upper drawers are perfect for storing daily essentials & accessories
- Middle height drawers are best for storing frequently used, folded clothing
- Bottom drawers are perfect for storing heavy or infrequently used items
Creating a hierarchical system of usage for your wardrobe reduces strain, improves flow and will make using your wardrobe feel second nature right out of the box.
Internal Drawer Construction and Quality
Drawer configuration is not merely about layout. The construction quality of the wardrobe also affects its long-term functionality and reliability of use.
Typically, bespoke wardrobe drawers that are well made will have:
- Robust drawer box constructions to prevent the drawer from bending or flexing
- Soft close runners provide smooth and quiet control when closing and opening
- Sturdy bases to stop bowing under the weight of the items contained within.
- Internal finishes that match the wardrobe’s aesthetic design.
These details ensure drawers continue to feel solid and dependable even after years of daily use.
Integrated Drawer Designs for a Seamless Finish
We can design your wardrobes that have the drawers hidden by the doors instead of having an exterior drawer front.
- There are a few benefits to this design:
- Clean, unbroken lines on the outside of the closet.
- Changes to the interior can be made at a future time without needing to modify the outside of the closet.
- A more elegant and calm look for your bedroom.
While only a minor detail, it truly can give your wardrobe that seamless aesthetic you’re after, whilst also providing functionality.
Why Bespoke Drawer Configurations Outperform Standard Wardrobes
Most mass-produced wardrobes are designed for manufacture at low cost, with high volumes. They do not take into account the lifestyle of the homeowner or their individual tastes. The pre-set drawer heights and locations of the average manufactured closet force the owner to alter their usage of their closet space, as opposed to altering the closet itself.
Arranging your drawer layout according to your actual usage of your clothing will make utilising your closet easier and more sustainable. It will not require constant adjustments by you.
Thoughtful drawer configuration is most likely the best investment you can make when planning a custom closet.
A well-designed, well-located, and well-built closet will function properly, remain organised, functional and fun to use for years to come.
Find out more about 👉 designing your wardrobes around real life.
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FAQs
There is no fixed number. The right amount depends on how much folded clothing you own and how you prefer to organise your wardrobe. Bespoke design focuses on giving each drawer a clear purpose rather than working to a standard quantity.
Most well-designed wardrobes use a combination of drawer depths. Shallow drawers work best for smaller items, medium drawers suit everyday folded clothing, and deeper drawers are ideal for heavier or seasonal garments.
Both options are effective. Hidden drawers behind doors create a clean, seamless appearance, while exposed drawers can add structure and visual definition. The choice usually comes down to overall design preference.
Yes. Bespoke wardrobe drawers are typically constructed using higher-quality materials and premium runners, resulting in smoother operation, better weight support, and longer-term durability.
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Matthew James Kitchens, 770 - 772 Hagley Road West, Birmingham, B68 0PJ
Call on: 0121 271 0808
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Matthew James Kitchens, Unit 38, Wildmoor Mill, Mill Lane, Wildmoor, Bromsgrove, B61 0BX
