Designing storage that works beautifully in real life
Rail height can be one of those elements in the process of planning a fitted wardrobe that homeowners tend to overlook; it does play an essential role in creating a functional, organised and hassle-free environment for your wardrobe daily.
When rail height is incorrect, clothing will crease, storage space will be underutilised, and there will be constant battles with the available space. However, when the rail height is correctly set up, everything just falls into place.
At Matthew James Kitchens, we design our wardrobes based on how you will utilise them – not off generic sizes.
Why Wardrobe Rail Heights Matter More Than You Think
Standard wardrobes typically use a fixed rail height that will fit most people’s clothes for most people. In reality, however, there is no such thing as a standard wardrobe and therefore, no standard wardrobe owner.
Proper rail heights assist in:
- Clothing hanging correctly with minimal creasing or dragging
- Use of vertical space (and thus less waste)
- Increased visibility and ease-of-access to garments
- Creating an interior that is calm, orderly and intuitive
In essence, correct rail height makes the functionality of your closet better AND extends its overall life.
Standard Wardrobe Rail Heights (And Their Limitations)
The general rule of thumb for off-the-shelf wardrobes is as follows:
- Single hanging rail: ~165-170 cm from the floor
- Double hanging rails: ~95-100 cm between rails
In theory, this should be sufficient for most people’s wardrobes. In reality, however, it rarely reflects an individual’s wardrobe. Dresses will hang on top of a single rail or fold in half; long coats may rub against the floor, while the best available upper storage space will usually go unused.
This is one area in which custom-made solutions can offer the most significant benefit.
Wardrobe Rail Heights for Clothes – What Works Best?
Different garments need different hanging heights. A well-designed wardrobe balances these needs rather than forcing everything onto one rail.
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Short Hanging (Shirts, Jackets, Trousers Folded)
- Ideal rail height: 90–105cm
- Best for shirts, blouses, suit jackets and folded trousers
- Works perfectly in double hanging wardrobes
Long Hanging (Dresses, Coats, Full-Length Garments)
- Ideal rail height: 150–170cm
- Prevents creasing and keeps hems off the floor
- Essential for dresses, long coats and occasion wear
By tailoring rail heights to your clothing mix, you gain both clarity and space.
Double Hanging vs Long Hanging Wardrobes
One of the main decision-making factors in a wardrobe’s design is deciding which is the better option – double hanging rails or hanging space. This will depend entirely on what your clothing style is.
Double Hanging Wardrobes – Maximum Space
Double hanging rail wardrobes use two rails stacked vertically to allow maximum storage in the limited height available for hanging.
Best suited for:
- Clothing that can be hung like shirts, blouses and jackets
- Folding garments such as trousers and skirts
- Heavy workwear wardrobes
Advantages of Double Hanging Railed Wardrobes:
- Increases hanging capacity by twice the usual amount
- Excellent use of the available height
- Hanging clothes are kept close to eye level
In many homes, the double hanging rail forms the core of the internal design of the wardrobe.
Long Hanging Wardrobes – Space Where It’s Needed
Long hanging sections are designed for garments that need an uninterrupted drop.
Best suited for:
- Dresses and gowns
- Long coats and trench coats
- Tailored pieces that crease easily
Benefits:
- Prevents damage and creasing
- Creates visual calm and order
- Makes dressing for occasions effortless
A well-designed wardrobe usually combines long hanging with double hanging rather than choosing one exclusively.
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The Bespoke Advantage – Designing Rails Around You
Instead of you adjusting your clothing to fit in with the standard rail height on many off-the-shelf wardrobes, bespoke wardrobes are made for you.
When designing your bespoke wardrobe, we take into consideration:
- Your personal height & reach
- The variety of clothing you wear (casual/ work / occasional, etc.)
- How frequently do you use each item
- Whether or not seasonal rotation is required
This results in an interior design for your wardrobe that will feel as though it was made just for you, clutter free and supportive of your daily routine.
Our article on wardrobe interiors designed around real life explores why one-size-fits-all layouts so often fall short, and how bespoke interiors create calmer, more intuitive storage that genuinely improves everyday living.
Final Thoughts: Small Detail, Big Difference
The height of your wardrobe rails is an important technical detail that affects the performance of your wardrobe on a daily basis. If well-planned, thoughtful rail heights will lead to faster dressing, greater storage capacity, and long-term organisation of your wardrobe.
When designing a custom or bespoke wardrobe, it’s worth getting the details right at the beginning of the process.
Thinking about creating a wardrobe that fits into your lifestyle? Talk with one of our designers and find out how the correct rail height can positively affect the use of your space.
Birmingham Showroom
Matthew James Kitchens, 770 - 772 Hagley Road West, Birmingham, B68 0PJ
Call on: 0121 271 0808
Bromsgrove Showroom
Matthew James Kitchens, Unit 38, Wildmoor Mill, Mill Lane, Wildmoor, Bromsgrove, B61 0BX
