Building a Wardrobe: Stages of Work, Materials and Solutions

Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe in the morning and felt that all these clothes deserve a better storage solution? A well-planned wardrobe not only keeps your clothes organized but also makes everyday life significantly easier. Let's take a closer look at how to build a wardrobe, what materials to use, and how much it might cost in 2025.

Why invest in a proper wardrobe?

A well-planned wardrobe offers multiple benefits:

• Reduces clutter and saves space

• Helps keep clothes in better condition

• Makes getting dressed faster and more convenient

• Increases home value

Research from new developments shows that quality wardrobe solutions can add value to a home in the range of 8,000–14,500 euros. Today's Estonian homes are increasingly designed with adequate wardrobe or dressing space, which is a clear change compared to apartments from 10-15 years ago, where bedroom space often allowed only for a bed.

Stages of wardrobe construction

1. Planning and needs assessment

Before building a wardrobe, it's important to think through carefully:

• How much and what type of storage space do you need?

• What are your dressing habits?

• Do you have specific needs (shoes, handbags, jewelry)?

• What is the room's size and shape?

When planning, account for hanging space for both short and long clothes, separate drawers for accessories, and storage options for seasonal clothes.

2. Measurement

Accurate measurements are the foundation of successful wardrobe construction:

• Measure the room's length, width, and height

• Mark the locations of windows, doors, and electrical outlets

• Consider ceiling beams and other potential obstacles

Ideally, electrical connections should be installed when planning the wardrobe in strategic locations, which allows you to add lighting or other electrical solutions later.

3. Design and material selection

Here you can choose between different solutions:

• Standard modular systems – a faster and more affordable solution

• Custom order – tailored exactly to your space and needs

Material quality significantly affects the wardrobe's appearance and durability:

• MDF – affordable, light, good finishing options

• Particleboard – durable, various finishing options

• Solid wood – natural, long-lasting, but more expensive

• Glass – used in door details, gives a luxurious look

• Metal – often used in details and sliding rails

In Estonia, birch plywood with oil-wax finish, oak veneer materials, or special HPL-coated veneer boards are often used in the manufacture of quality wardrobes, ensuring durability and an elegant appearance.

4. Work execution

Wardrobe construction usually takes place in the following stages:

1. Space preparation (removal of old furnishings, wall preparation)

2. Construction installation

3. Installation of shelves, hanging systems, and drawers

4. Adding doors and finishing details

5. Installation of lighting and additional equipment

Work can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity and scope of the wardrobe.

Main types and solutions for wardrobes

Wardrobe with sliding doors

Sliding doors are a practical solution, especially in smaller rooms where conventional hinged doors would take up too much space.

Advantages:

• Saves space since doors don't open outward

• Works well in small rooms or hallways

• Can use mirror surface, which visually enlarges the space

Disadvantages:

• Limited access to the entire contents at once

• Can be more expensive than hinged solutions

Trends show that while sliding doors are still popular, hinged doors with handles are increasingly preferred in Estonia and have become one of the most popular choices in bedroom wardrobe solutions.

Built-in wardrobe

A built-in wardrobe means a wall-to-wall solution that uses the entire existing space.

Advantages:

• Maximum space efficiency

• Can be customized to suit the room's characteristics

• Aesthetically clean appearance

Disadvantages:

• Less flexible if you want to rearrange furniture in the future

• Can be more expensive than separate modular solutions

Corner wardrobe

An ideal solution if you want to use a room's corner.

Advantages:

• Uses otherwise difficult-to-use corner space

• Allows creating larger storage space in a smaller area

• Can combine different storage solutions

Disadvantages:

• Corner details can be more expensive

• Planning requires precision

Open wardrobe

A modern solution that doesn't require doors and emphasizes aesthetic appearance.

Advantages:

• Good air circulation and overview of clothes

• More affordable than closed systems

• Quick access to all items

Disadvantages:

• Dusts easily

• Requires constant maintenance

Walk-through wardrobe

A luxury solution that is the dream of large bedrooms.

Advantages:

• Separate dressing room with privacy

• Maximum storage capacity

• Possibility to create a perfect organization system

Disadvantages:

• Requires a separate room

• More expensive solution

Price ranges and budget

Wardrobe solution prices depend on many factors: size, materials, finish, additional equipment, and whether you order full service or build it yourself. The following are estimated price ranges on the Estonian market for 2025 and beyond:

Standard modular solutions

• IKEA-type solutions: 200-1,200 euros (depending on size and materials)

• Mid-range brand solutions: 800-3,000 euros

Custom-order wardrobes

• Average price tier: 3,000-8,000 euros

• Premium solutions: 8,000-15,000 euros

• Luxury complete solutions: 15,000-30,000 euros and upward

Customized built-in wardrobes

• Full-room solutions: 5,000-20,000 euros

• With high-quality materials and mechanisms: 20,000-40,000 euros

• Luxury custom-made solutions: 40,000+ euros

Top-quality wardrobe solutions can reach prices of 20,000-200,000 euros, depending on size, materials, and special customization.

Additional materials and services

• Installation service: typically 15-25% of the total product value, but not less than 200 euros

• Special interior elements (lighting, jewelry storage, shoe systems): 300-1,500 euros

• Quality sliding rails and closing mechanisms: 100-500 euros

DIY vs professional installation

Do it yourself (DIY)

Pros:

• Significant financial savings (30-50% of the entire project cost)

• Ability to build exactly according to your needs

• Performing work according to your schedule

Cons:

• Requires skills, tools, and time

• Finishing and quality issues may occur

• No warranty and professional support

Suitable for you if:

• You have previous furniture installation experience

• Your solution is relatively simple (e.g., standard modules)

• Time is not a limiting factor

If you plan to install it yourself, be sure to familiarize yourself with the laminate flooring installation guide and wall repair advice, as wardrobe installation may require both skills.

Professional service

Pros:

• Higher quality and professional finish

• Warranty on the work done

• Faster execution

• Expert advice already in the planning phase

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive

• You are dependent on the service provider's schedule

• Communication problems may occur

Suitable for you if:

• You want a quality solution with long-term warranties

• Your wardrobe solution is more complex (e.g., custom solutions, niches)

• You value your time and comfort

If you plan a larger-scale wardrobe renovation, it can also be useful to learn from old house renovation experience, especially if it's an older property.

How to find a reliable service provider?

To find a quality wardrobe solution:

1. Research the service provider's previous work and customer feedback

2. Request quotes from several providers

3. Make sure the materials and furniture used are quality (e.g., Häfele closing hinges and drawer rails are highly rated)

4. Check warranty conditions and after-sales service options

On the Kinnisvara24 portal, you can find various real estate offers where you can get inspiration for well-planned wardrobe solutions. If you're looking for a new home, it's also worth checking apartment sales offers or rental apartments, which often already have well-thought-out wardrobe solutions.

Lighting and organization

A well-planned wardrobe also needs a good lighting solution. Properly placed lights make finding clothes easier and create a pleasant atmosphere. LED strips under shelves, spotlights, and even small pendant lights are popular choices.

When planning your wardrobe solution, it's important to also consider ideas for improving home comfort, which help create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. In your wardrobe, you could also apply feng shui principles, which help energy flow better and create a harmonious environment.

Space-saving solutions

If you live in a smaller home, you can also consider combined solutions. For example, a pull-out sofa bed saves space and allows you to use existing space efficiently. Similarly, you can think about small kitchen solutions, from which you can draw inspiration for compact wardrobe planning.

For a smaller apartment or small balcony, you need to be especially creative so that the wardrobe design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Often, the solution lies in multifunctional furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes.

Summary

Building a wardrobe is an investment that adds both functionality and value to your home. Depending on your needs, budget, and space, you can choose from different solutions – sliding door wardrobes, built-in wardrobes, corner solutions, or even a walk-through wardrobe.

Quality materials and skilled execution ensure that your wardrobe remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Whether you choose the DIY route or professional service, with good planning you can create a wardrobe solution that makes your everyday life more convenient and organized.

We recommend consulting with several specialists, exploring new developments, which often already have well-thought-out wardrobe solutions, and thinking through your long-term needs. A well-designed wardrobe is not just a place to store clothes, but an important part of your home's overall functionality and well-being.