Choosing a wardrobe often starts with one question: How deep should it be? There’s a common size used in most products. It’s easy to find. It fits most layouts. But is it always right?
Let’s look at what standard depth really means — and when it might hold you back.
What Is Standard Wardrobe Depth?
In Ireland and the UK, the usual wardrobe depth is 600mm (or 60cm). This allows clothes to hang properly without taking up too much space. Most flat-pack and ready-made options follow this.
It’s simple. But it comes with limits.
Many rooms aren’t suited to this depth. You may have a radiator nearby. Or a sloped ceiling. Or boxed-in pipework. These details make it hard to fit standard furniture properly.
Some new-build homes also have uneven skirting or sockets in the way. That can push wardrobes further out than expected. Even a few centimetres matter in smaller bedrooms.
What works on paper doesn’t always work in practice.
When You Need a Custom Fit
Custom-built wardrobes can match the room as it is. The layout. The features. The everyday use. These details shape the result far more than measurements on a plan.
We’ve installed wardrobes in spaces where a standard carcass simply wouldn’t fit. Either the depth was too much, or the back was left gapped against the wall. In both cases, the result felt unfinished.
Common situations where custom depth helps:
- Attic bedrooms with sloped ceilings
- Narrow rooms used as guest bedrooms or offices
- Alcoves with skirting or exposed pipework
- Walls with sockets that block a flush fit
- Rooms with limited clearance at the end of a bed
By adjusting the depth, you avoid wasted space and awkward gaps. The wardrobe feels part of the room, not added to it.
Real Fit, Real Use
In a Cork home we worked on, the customer had a boxed-in pipe along the skirting. It was only 70mm deep, but it prevented a standard carcass from sitting back fully. We built a 530mm unit with custom internals. The wardrobe now sits flush, works smoothly, and uses the space well.
In another house, the client needed storage in a spare room that also served as a workspace. A 600mm unit would have reduced usable space. We built a 500mm deep sliding wardrobe with pull-out hanging rails. The client kept the floor space and got proper storage.
These small differences affect how the room feels and functions every day. That’s where custom fit makes sense.
Measuring the Right Way
Accurate measurement is essential when planning a wardrobe, especially in homes where rooms aren’t perfectly square or where space is limited. While it’s possible to take rough dimensions yourself, a professional fitter will always provide a clearer, more reliable picture of what’s possible.
An experienced installer will:
- Measure multiple points across walls, floors, and ceilings
- Identify uneven surfaces or slopes that could affect installation
- Account for obstructions like sockets, vents, skirting, or pipework
- Check floor level — a small slope can affect door alignment
- Assess clearances for doors, walkways, or furniture placement
This kind of detailed assessment ensures the finished wardrobe fits properly, operates smoothly, and looks integrated. A fitter can also recommend adjustments, such as reducing depth, altering internals, or changing door configuration, based on the actual room conditions.
When Standard Works Fine
In some cases, a standard 600mm depth is a good choice. If the wall is clear, square, and the room has space, it does the job. It’s also faster to install and often more budget-friendly.
But in real homes, the conditions aren’t always ideal. And wardrobes aren’t replaced often. A better fit means better use of the space — and fewer compromises.
If you’ve got a layout that’s tight or awkward, standard depth might get in the way. That’s when custom sizing becomes more than a preference. It becomes a solution.
Ready to transform your space? Let’s get started.
