Wardrobe Doors vs Open Wardrobes: How to Choose for Your Bedroom (2025 Guide)
Should a wardrobe have doors? A clear, practical guide to decide between open and closed wardrobes, with costs, space rules, airflow, and real-life setups.
Wardrobe Doors – Styles, Materials & Practical Tips
Wardrobe doors are more than a cover for your clothes – they set the tone for the whole bedroom. A sleek sliding door can make a small room feel bigger, while a classic hinged panel adds a touch of tradition. Choosing the right door helps you store more, look better, and keep the space feeling tidy.
Choosing the Right Door Style
First, think about how the door will open. Sliding doors glide along a track and are perfect when you don’t have wall space to swing a panel. They work especially well with mirrored panels because they double as a full‑length mirror. Hinged doors are the go‑to for most bedrooms; they give a clean line and let you see the whole wardrobe at once. If you love a modern look, consider pocket doors that disappear into the wall – they’re a bit more involved to install but hide the wardrobe completely.
Another style to weigh is the folding or bifold door. These are lighter than full panels and fold neatly to one side, saving space while still giving easy access. For a touch of luxury, try a glass‑filled panel with frosted or tinted glass – it adds visual interest without showing every outfit.
Materials and Finishes that Work
Wood is the classic choice. Solid oak or walnut brings warmth and durability, but it can be pricey. If you’re on a tighter budget, MDF with a high‑quality veneer looks just as good and resists warping. Paint finishes give you endless colour options; a matte white or soft grey keeps the room feeling airy, while a bold navy makes a statement.
For a sleek, contemporary vibe, lacquered panels or high‑gloss finishes reflect light and make the space feel larger. Glass doors, whether clear, frosted, or tinted, let you showcase a tidy wardrobe or hide it behind a stylish pane. Metal accents – think brushed steel handles or thin aluminium frames – add a modern edge without overwhelming the design.
Whatever material you pick, think about upkeep. Real wood needs occasional polishing, while painted surfaces can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Glass should be cleaned regularly to avoid fingerprints, but a quick spray and wipe does the trick.
Fitting, Hardware & Practical Details
Measure twice, install once. Start by measuring the opening width and height, then add a little clearance for the track or hinges – about 2‑3 mm on each side for sliding doors, a little more for hinged panels. Check the wall studs if you plan to mount heavy doors; anchoring into studs keeps everything safe.
Choose hardware that matches the style of the door. Minimalist push‑to‑open hardware works well with sleek panels, while ornate knobs suit classic wooden doors. Soft‑close hinges prevent slamming and extend the life of the door. If you go for sliding doors, a good quality floor‑mounted track reduces wobble and makes the door glide smoothly.
Budget, Customisation & Getting It Done
Standard door kits are cheap but limit you to set sizes and finishes. For a truly personal look, a bespoke wardrobe door from Marvin Bucknell Interiors lets you pick the wood type, colour, hardware and even add internal lighting. Custom doors cost more, but you get a perfect fit and a design that reflects your taste.
Ask yourself what you need most – extra storage, a larger visual impact, or space‑saving functionality – and let that guide your budget. Even a small change like swapping old handles for modern pulls can freshen the look without a full remodel.
Ready to upgrade your wardrobe doors? Contact Marvin Bucknell Interiors for a free design consultation. We’ll help you pick the style, material and hardware that suit your bedroom and budget, then fit everything with precision. Your new doors are just a call away.
