What Depth do Your Sliding Wardrobes Need to be?

This is a question we get asked a lot by our customers and the answer is it very much depends on the function of your sliding wardrobes and the internal requirements you have. Essentially, it is up to you!

Our handy video below provides a quick visual explanation of the maximum and minimum depth options outlined in the blog: 

 

As a general rule, most of our customers require a depth of approximately 58cm-60cm. This is the overall depth of a typical sliding wardrobe and allows for standard internal fittings such as shelving, standard hanging rails and drawers as required. 

However, we also understand that each space is different and often our customers are building sliding wardrobes or implementing sliding doors for very specific purposes, such as building a wardrobe to hide a chimney, or to make use of alcove space, or fitting wardrobes under an angled ceiling, all of which we can cater for. 

There are several factors you may need to consider when understanding what depth you require for your sliding wardrobe, depending on the purpose of the wardrobe itself, what types of internals you have or plan to have and how deep these are, how much space you wish to have between the internals and the sliding wardrobe doors and whether you are building a wall-to-wall wardrobe, or require end panels. 

Our team of experts have put together some simple tips on how to set the right depth for your perfect new sliding wardrobes. 

What is the minimum depth for sliding wardrobe doors only?

Did you know that sliding wardrobes can actually offer a perfect modern alternative to a standard hinged door to cover a walk through opening? They can also be a great way to hide an alcove or unsightly wall. If you are looking to install doors only, with no internal requirements, then ordering sliding doors can be a perfect solution for you. 

Sliding wardrobe doors are paneled doors which run using top and bottom track, which enables their smooth side to side sliding movement. The minimum depth for sliding wardrobe doors with a single door only (special system and only available in silver track and framework), without any casing is 5cm and for multiple doors without any casing is 8.5cm, which allows enough space for doors themselves and the track.  

Most customers require casing to add additional protection for the doors, the walls and to level, plumb and square up the opening. Where casing is included, you will require a minimum depth of 9cm.

Minimum depth for sliding doors with narrow shelving internals

In some instances, if you are using the sliding doors to cover a wall or alcove, you might wish to consider adding some shallow shelving behind the doors, to provide additional storage in addition to covering the area required, should space allow. 

Increasing the depth up to 18cm will provide enough space to add horizontal casing boards which can act as narrow shelves. 

Need deeper shelving options or looking to use your own internals?

Often our customers wish to utilise their own internals, such as drawers or shelving which they already own, within their new sliding wardrobes and this is of course possible. 

The depth you will require will depend on the depth of the internals you are looking to include. You will need to allow for the depth of the internals / shelving + 9cm for the doors, track and casing. 

18cm-41cm of space will allow you to include up to 32cm of alternative shallower shelving boards that we offer, your own shallow internals or even include hanging rails which face forwards rather than side to side. These are available on our extras page and allow for adapted hanging features where space is at a premium. 

Minimum depth for MSW standard internals

All of our set internals have a depth of 45cm. This means that if you are ordering our standard internals, you will require a minimum depth of 54cm (45cm for the internals + 9cm for the track, doors and casing). If you require our soft close drawer options, you will need to increase the overall depth to at least 58cm. 

54cm-58cm is slightly smaller than the average sliding wardrobe depth, so you may wish to consider increasing the depth slightly to allow for more space for standard sized hangers. 54cm will work, but may be a little snug, whereas 58cm-60cm gives more space and is closer to a typical sliding wardrobe depth.

Maximum depth of wardrobes with end panels

If you are fitting a wardrobe which only goes part way along a wall, you will need an end panel to complete your wardrobe. 

For our standard end panels, the maximum depth is 64cm.

For our larger end panels, the maximum depth is 90cm. 

Should you require a shallower depth than either of our standard or deeper end panels, then these can be trimmed down during installation to achieve the perfect overall depth for your requirements, so long as the depth is sufficient to accommodate your internals and casing as above. This means that in reality, the majority of sliding wardrobes with at least 1 end panel will have an overall depth of between 54cm and 64cm.

90cm end panels are normally only required when deeper internals are used or where there is a sloping ceiling as shown below and so they are not normally required for typical sliding wardrobe installations. If deeper end panels are used, shelving or internals can be added behind the doors up to a depth of 71cm. 

Fitting a wardrobe with a sloped ceiling? 

Up to 90cm floor depth is often required when fitting wardrobes in a space with a sloped ceiling and this means if an end panel is required, it is likely a deeper 90cm end panel will be needed. This will then allow for larger depth internals at the bottom of the wardrobe space and potentially smaller depth shelving up the wardrobe as the sloped ceiling graduates forwards. If your wardrobe is going wall to wall with a sloped ceiling, then the floor depth is not limited to 90cm and can be as deep as you require.

If you are looking for an overall depth of more than 90cm, perhaps to allow for more space for your own internals or to get a walk-in wardrobe feel, then you will need to order a wardrobe which is fitted wall to wall, where there are no maximum restrictions to depth, as we explore below.

Have a larger space to fill with a wall to wall wardrobe, then the options are almost limitless! 

Thought sliding doors were just for sliding wardrobes? They can actually be used to create larger wardrobe spaces, such as walk-in wardrobes, dressing rooms and can even act as room partitions. For double sided room partitions, we can offer a different framework and track system which looks the same front and back.

If your wardrobes or sliding doors are being fitted wall-to-wall, then there really is no limit to the overall depth and how big your wardrobes are is completely up to you, based on the space you have and the desired effect you are trying to create. 

And, of course, should you require more information, our team is available to help 7 days a week, 365 days a year! 

 

About My Sliding Wardrobe

My Sliding Wardrobe is a leading specialist in bespoke, handmade custom sliding doors and wardrobes. Our wardrobes come with a 12 year warranty and are handmade in the UK to the highest standard with style, quality and affordability in mind. All of our custom sliding doors are manufactured with high quality glass, mirror and woodwork finished in contemporary metal framework in a large range of styles and designs. You can use our exclusive and unique online 3D design tool to create your perfect wardrobe and if you need any assistance, please contact us any time.