Walk-In vs. Reach-In Wardrobes: Which Is Right for You?

Robes Collective Helps Melbourne Homeowners Choose the Perfect Storage Solution

Not Sure What Type of Wardrobe You Need? Let’s Break It Down.

If you’re planning a renovation or a new build, one of the first decisions you’ll face is this:

“Should I go for a walk-in wardrobe… or a built-in reach-in?”

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your space, your lifestyle, and how you like to organise your day. But the good news is: you’re not alone in figuring it out.

At Robes Collective, we’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne homeowners weigh up their options and design custom wardrobes that work perfectly for their needs — whether that means a boutique-style walk-in or a sleek reach-in robe that’s big on efficiency.

This blog walks you through the key differences, pros, and considerations so you can choose with clarity — and confidence.

Walk-In Wardrobes: Your Own Personal Dressing Room

What is it?

A walk-in wardrobe is a separate space or alcove that allows you to walk inside and access hanging rails, shelves, drawers, and storage zones on one or more sides.

Why choose a walk-in wardrobe?

• Space to move and dress — ideal for couples or fashion-lovers

• Custom layout flexibility — including double hanging, vanities, shoe walls & more

• Adds luxury and value — often considered a high-end home feature

• Perfect for master suites or new builds where floorplan flexibility exists

Design highlights from Robes Collective:

• Ambient LED lighting & backlit shelving

• Custom vanities with mirrors and soft-close drawers

• Sliding or hinged entry doors that match your aesthetic

“If you want your wardrobe to feel like an experience — not just a storage unit — a walk-in is the way to go.”

— Robes Collective Design Team

Reach-In Wardrobes: Sleek, Smart, and Perfect for Small Spaces

What is it?

A reach-in (also called a built-in) wardrobe is a cabinet-style storage solution integrated into your wall — with sliding or hinged doors, and internal storage systems customised to your needs.

Why choose a reach-in wardrobe?

• Maximises usable space in smaller bedrooms or apartments

• Still fully customisable inside — drawers, hanging, shelves, pull-outs

• Minimal footprint — doesn’t require a separate room or alcove

• Often more budget-friendly than a walk-in

At Robes Collective, reach-ins are anything but basic. We custom-build every component, so you get:

• Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry with no wasted space

• Internal lighting, mirrors, or display features

• Smart accessories like pull-out shoe racks, hampers, and jewellery drawers

“Built-in wardrobes are all about making smart use of what you have — and we design them to be incredibly efficient and beautiful.”

— Robes Collective

Side-by-Side Comparison: Walk-In vs. Reach-In

Feature	Walk-In Wardrobe	Reach-In Wardrobe
Space Required	Larger footprint, needs dedicated area	Smaller footprint, fits into existing walls
Aesthetic	Boutique/luxury, open-plan feel	Minimal, sleek and streamlined
Functionality	Dressing space + storage	Purely storage, highly efficient
Budget	Higher investment	Cost-effective with excellent ROI
Customisation	Endless layout options	Still fully customisable internally
Resale Appeal	High-end feature, adds property value	Enhances functionality, practical for all homes
Best for	Master bedrooms, new builds, fashion lovers	Apartments, kids rooms, guest rooms, tight layouts

What to Consider Before You Choose

Before locking in your wardrobe type, think about:

• Who’s using it? Couples, singles, kids, guests?

• How much space do you really need? (and have)

• Are you working within existing walls or creating new ones?

• What’s your storage style? Folded vs. hanging vs. accessories?

• What’s your renovation budget?

Still not sure? We get it — and we can help you plan the best option with a free in-home design consultation.

Robes Collective Builds Both — Customised for Your Life

No matter which style you choose, we make it completely yours. Every wardrobe we design is:

• Made to measure (we don’t do off-the-shelf)

• Built locally in our Melbourne workshop

• Installed by our in-house team, never outsourced

• Designed around your daily routine

We’ve built boutique walk-ins in Williamstown, compact reach-ins in Newport, full-home robe fit-outs in Altona, and everything in between. Your space is unique — and your wardrobe should be too.

Let’s Find the Perfect Wardrobe for You

Walk-in or reach-in, one thing’s for sure: a custom wardrobe from Robes Collective is always the right fit.

Let’s talk about your space, your lifestyle, and your storage goals — and we’ll help you design a robe you’ll love using every single day.