How to Measure for a Sliding Wardrobe: Complete UK Guide
, by Cavan Kirk, 9 min reading time
How to Measure for a Sliding Wardrobe: Complete UK Guide
Choosing a new sliding wardrobe can completely transform a bedroom. Whether you’re replacing an old wardrobe, furnishing a new room or trying to make better use of limited space, getting the measurements right is one of the most important parts of the buying process.
But how do you measure for a sliding wardrobe?
Unlike a freestanding wardrobe with traditional hinged doors, a sliding wardrobe needs enough space for the cabinet itself as well as room for the doors to operate correctly. Measuring carefully before you buy can help you avoid choosing a wardrobe that is too wide, too tall or too deep for your room.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to measure for a sliding wardrobe, what measurements you need to take, how much space you should allow and what to check before ordering.
What Measurements Do You Need for a Sliding Wardrobe?
Before choosing your wardrobe, you should measure:
- Available width
- Available height
- Available depth
- Floor level
- Ceiling height
- Skirting boards
- Any doors, windows or other obstacles nearby
The three main measurements are width, height and depth, but the surrounding space can be just as important.
A wardrobe might technically fit into an alcove based on its overall dimensions, but skirting boards, uneven floors, coving, sockets or nearby doors can affect how well it fits.
1. Measure the Available Width
The first measurement to take is the width of the space where you want your sliding wardrobe to go.
Use a tape measure to measure from one side of the available space to the other.
For an alcove
If you’re installing the wardrobe inside an alcove, measure the width at:
- Floor level
- Around waist height
- Near the ceiling
This is particularly useful because walls aren’t always perfectly straight.
If your measurements aren’t identical, use the smallest measurement when deciding what wardrobe width you can accommodate.
For example, if you measure:
- Bottom: 242cm
- Middle: 241cm
- Top: 240.5cm
You should work from approximately 240.5cm, rather than assuming the space is a full 242cm wide.
This gives you some tolerance and reduces the risk of ordering a wardrobe that is too wide.
2. Measure the Height From Floor to Ceiling
Next, measure the available height.
Measure from the finished floor surface to the ceiling in several places, particularly if you’re fitting the wardrobe into an alcove.
Again, use the lowest measurement when working out the maximum wardrobe height.
For example, if your ceiling measures:
- Left: 240cm
- Centre: 239.5cm
- Right: 239cm
You should work from the 239cm measurement.
Don’t forget flooring
If you’re planning to replace your flooring, consider whether the wardrobe will be installed before or after the new flooring.
Carpet, laminate, vinyl and other flooring can alter the final floor-to-ceiling measurement slightly.
3. Check the Wardrobe Depth
Width and height are usually the measurements people think about first, but wardrobe depth is equally important.
Before purchasing, check the manufacturer’s stated depth and compare it with the available space in your room.
You should consider:
- Bedroom walkways
- Bed position
- Doors
- Windows
- Radiators
- Sockets
- Skirting boards
- Other furniture
A wardrobe may fit against a wall but still make the room uncomfortable to use if it significantly reduces the available walking space.
For smaller bedrooms, this is particularly important.
How Much Space Do Sliding Wardrobe Doors Need?
One of the biggest advantages of a sliding wardrobe is that the doors move across the front of the wardrobe rather than swinging outwards.
This means you generally don’t need the same amount of clearance in front of the wardrobe that you would need with hinged doors.
That can make sliding wardrobes particularly useful for smaller bedrooms.
However, you still need enough space in front of the wardrobe for you to stand comfortably while opening the doors and accessing your clothes.
When planning your bedroom layout, don’t only ask:
“Will the wardrobe fit?”
Also ask:
“Will I still be able to comfortably use the wardrobe?”
Sliding Wardrobe vs Hinged Wardrobe: Which Needs More Space?
A traditional hinged wardrobe requires door-opening clearance in front of the unit.
A sliding wardrobe uses doors that move horizontally across the wardrobe.
This can make a sliding wardrobe a practical choice where floor space is limited.
For example, if your bed is relatively close to the wardrobe, sliding doors can prevent the wardrobe doors from opening into the same area as the bed or walkway.
However, sliding wardrobes do require enough width for their door system and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
What Size Sliding Wardrobe Do I Need?
There isn’t one perfect wardrobe size for every bedroom.
The right size depends on:
- The available wall space
- The size of the room
- How much clothing you need to store
- Whether you need shelves, drawers or hanging space
- The number of people using the wardrobe
- Your overall bedroom layout
2-door sliding wardrobes
A 2-door sliding wardrobe can be a practical option for smaller bedrooms or individual users.
They can provide substantial storage without taking up unnecessary floor space.
3-door sliding wardrobes
A 3-door sliding wardrobe provides additional width and storage capacity and can be useful for larger bedrooms, couples or anyone who needs more wardrobe space.
If you’re unsure whether you need two or three doors, consider how much hanging and folded clothing you currently have rather than simply choosing the largest wardrobe that fits.
Don’t Forget Skirting Boards
Skirting boards are easy to overlook when measuring for a wardrobe.
If the wardrobe is going against a wall with skirting, check whether the design allows for the skirting or whether the wardrobe will need to sit in front of it.
The same applies to:
- Plug sockets
- Light switches
- Radiators
- Cable outlets
- Wall mouldings
Take photographs of the wall as well as your measurements. This can make it much easier to check the room layout when you’re comparing different wardrobes.
What About Uneven Floors?
Older properties can have floors and walls that aren’t perfectly level or square.
If your floor isn’t level, this can affect how a large wardrobe sits.
For fitted-looking furniture, accurate measurements are particularly important.
If you’re unsure about the measurements or installation requirements for a specific wardrobe, always check the manufacturer’s installation instructions before ordering.
Measuring a Sliding Wardrobe: Quick Checklist
Before ordering your new wardrobe, make sure you’ve checked all of the following:
☐ Measure the full available width
☐ Measure the height at several points
☐ Measure the available depth
☐ Check the skirting boards
☐ Check nearby doors and windows
☐ Check sockets and switches
☐ Check radiators and other obstructions
☐ Consider the amount of walking space remaining
☐ Check the manufacturer’s dimensions
☐ Check whether the wardrobe requires assembly space
☐ Double-check all measurements before ordering
How to Choose the Right Sliding Wardrobe
Once you know the measurements available in your bedroom, you can start comparing different wardrobe designs.
Consider:
Width
Choose a wardrobe that provides the storage you need without overwhelming the room.
Height
A taller wardrobe can make better use of vertical space, provided the ceiling height allows for it.
Number of doors
Two-door and three-door wardrobes offer different levels of storage and may suit different room sizes.
Mirrored doors
Mirrored sliding wardrobes can be useful if you want to combine storage with a full-length mirror and can also help reflect light around a bedroom.
Internal storage
Look at the internal layout rather than judging a wardrobe purely by its external dimensions.
Shelves, hanging rails and drawers can make a significant difference to how useful the wardrobe is.
Shop Sliding Wardrobes at Homegreens
Once you’ve measured your available space, you can start looking for a sliding wardrobe that fits your bedroom and storage requirements.
At Homegreens, our bedroom furniture range includes sliding wardrobe options designed for different room sizes, layouts and storage requirements.
Whether you’re looking for a 2-door sliding wardrobe, 3-door sliding wardrobe, mirrored sliding wardrobe or a larger storage solution, compare the available dimensions carefully before choosing.
[Shop Sliding Wardrobes]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure for a sliding wardrobe?
Measure the available width, height and depth of the space. Measure the width and height at several points and use the smallest measurements when determining the maximum wardrobe size.
How much space do you need in front of a sliding wardrobe?
Sliding wardrobe doors don’t need to swing out into the room, so they generally require less front clearance than hinged wardrobe doors. However, you still need enough room to stand comfortably and access the wardrobe.
Are sliding wardrobes good for small bedrooms?
Yes. Sliding wardrobes can be particularly useful in smaller bedrooms because the doors move horizontally rather than opening outwards into the room.
Should I measure my wardrobe space more than once?
Yes. Double-checking your measurements is recommended, particularly for large wardrobes or alcove installations. Walls, floors and ceilings aren’t always perfectly straight or level.
Should I measure around skirting boards?
Yes. Skirting boards can affect how a wardrobe sits against the wall, so they should be considered when measuring your available space.
What is the difference between a 2-door and 3-door sliding wardrobe?
The main difference is the width and storage capacity. A 3-door wardrobe will generally provide more storage space but requires more available wall width.
Can I put a sliding wardrobe against any wall?
Not necessarily. You should check the wall, floor, ceiling height and surrounding space before purchasing. Nearby doors, windows, radiators, sockets and other obstacles can affect installation.
Final Thoughts
Getting your measurements right is the best place to start when buying a sliding wardrobe.
Remember the three key measurements: width, height and depth. Then look beyond the basic dimensions and consider skirting boards, flooring, sockets, radiators, doors and the amount of space you’ll have left to move around the bedroom.
Once you’ve established the maximum size available, you can compare different sliding wardrobes, 2-door wardrobes, 3-door wardrobes and mirrored wardrobes to find an option that suits both your room and your storage needs.
Take your time, measure twice and always check the manufacturer’s stated dimensions before ordering.
Ready to find your new wardrobe? Explore the Homegreens sliding wardrobe collection today.