Open or closed walk-in wardrobe: which is the best solution?

The choice between an open or closed walk-in wardrobe has a significant impact on how the contents are organised and the overall look of a bedroom. A well-designed walk-in wardrobe not only optimises the use of space, but also helps to create a tidy and harmonious environment. Nevertheless, when deciding which type of walk-in wardrobe to choose, it is important to consider various factors, including practical needs, design preferences and budget. Each option has its own pros and cons, which we explore in this article, helping you to discover which walk-in wardrobe is the most suitable for your requirements and lifestyle.

Open walk-in wardrobes

Open walk-in wardrobes are a furnishing solution with no doors, enabling immediate viewing and easy access to all clothes and accessories. This type of walk-in wardrobe creates a more spacious feel and helps to offer a more harmonious and contemporary environment.

Advantages of open walk-in wardrobes

We have already discussed some of the benefits, but here is an exhaustive list.

• Greater visibility and overview: clothes and accessories are always visible, making it easier to choose your outfit.
• Easy access: without any doors, the units provide quick access to any item of clothing or accessory.

• Sense of space: the absence of doors creates a more spacious feel in the room.

• Better airflow around clothes: garments remain fresher for longer thanks to greater circulation of air.

• More affordable: the absence of doors and closure mechanisms can reduce the overall cost.

• Modern, minimalist design: this style is perfect for those who love a clean, contemporary look.

Disadvantages of open walk-in wardrobes

Despite the numerous benefits, an open walk-in wardrobe also has two clear weaknesses that should be carefully considered.

• Visual order: unless it is particularly well organised, any untidiness is always on show.

• Less protection against dust and light: garments are more exposed to dust and light, which can cause damage over time.

The problem of untidiness will be more evident if the walk-in wardrobe is located inside the bedroom. If it is located in a separate room, any untidiness will be outweighed by the functional benefits of this solution.

In any case, order can be ensured by equipping the walk-in wardrobe with shelving, drawer units, inserts, concealed accessories and boxes for more efficient organisation and to make it easier to keep everything tidy.

A trouser rack, for example, is useful to store trousers and keep them flat, and it also has a pull-out design, so it is invisible once stowed away.

Closed walk-in wardrobes

A closed walk-in wardrobe is a furnishing solution fitted with sliding or hinged doors which can be used to store clothes and accessories out of sight. This type of wardrobe enables a tidier aesthetic and better protects the contents against dust and light.

Advantages of closed walk-in wardrobes

Closed walk-in wardrobes have various advantages, including those listed below.

• Protecting clothes against dust and light: doors protect clothes and accessories, keeping them in top condition.

• Visual order: doors conceal the contents of the wardrobe, giving the room a tidier and cleaner look.

• Greater privacy: the contents of the wardrobe are not visible, so even if the bedroom door is left open or there are guests in the home, clothes and personal items are protected and out of sight.

• Design options for doors and finishes: the doors can be customised with various finishes and styles to suit the interiors of the room.

Solutions featuring a bridging unit with passageway are particularly interesting because, in addition to storage, they represent true architectural elements, dividing the space and creating passageways between one room and another.

Disadvantages of closed walk-in wardrobes

Closed walk-in wardrobes can also have certain limitations:

• More expensive: doors and closure mechanisms can increase the overall cost of the wardrobe.

• Less air circulation around garments: clothes receive less ventilation so they are not kept as fresh.

• More space occupied: hinged doors take up space when they are open.

• Less visibility: the wardrobe doors must be opened to see the contents inside.

In reality, this last disadvantage can be overcome by using glass doors. These protect the contents but also provide visibility when closed.

Adding an internal LED lighting system means that the contents will be even more easily visible, creating a dramatic “shop window” effect.

Open and closed walk-in wardrobes: hybrid solutions

There are also designs that will keep everybody happy, combining open and closed elements for the best of both worlds. This means that the most frequently used clothing can be left on view, garments for the other seasons can be stored behind the wooden doors where they’re protected against light and dust for months, and clothes in use but requiring protection can be stored behind glass doors.

This walk-in wardrobe room, for example, has been furnished with the Naked walk-in wardrobe. This modular, customisable solution enables open and closed modules to be combined as needed.

Hybrid, mixed solutions are also used to create walk-in wardrobes in utility spaces such as garages and laundry rooms.

This walk-in wardrobe has been furnished with the Luxury walk-in wardrobe, featuring metal uprights that give the room a particularly light and modern look. This type of structure enables the creation of highly customised configurations: drawer units, shelves and other accessories can be freely positioned, for unmatched flexibility in how the space is organised.

How to choose the best solution

We can confidently declare that no one solution is better than another; it is a case of finding the solution that is best for you. To determine which type of walk-in wardrobe best suits your needs, you can consider the following three aspects:

1. Evaluate the available space: carefully measuring the room is important in order to understand which solution is the best fit. With a closed walk-in wardrobe, for example, hinged doors will require sufficient space to open freely. In smaller rooms, it could be more appropriate to use an open walk-in wardrobe or one with sliding doors. In addition, it is necessary to consider the layout of furniture and any windows and doors that affect installation of the walk-in wardrobe.

2. Reflect on your lifestyle and personal preferences: are you a tidy or untidy person? If you tend to be a bit untidy, a closed walk-in wardrobe could help you to keep the bedroom looking neat and tidy, keeping any mess out of sight. If, on the other hand, you are quite organised and you like all your clothes and accessories to be readily visible, an open walk-in wardrobe could be a better choice.

Next, consider whether you want a minimalist look or something more traditional. An open walk-in wardrobe is often the best fit for a more minimalist contemporary style, as it can create a lighter and more open feel. A closed walk-in wardrobe, on the other hand, can adapt to a more traditional style, with finishes, materials and decorative details that enhance the room’s interiors.

3. Set a budget: it is important to set a realistic spending limit or range. Closed walk-in wardrobes tend to be more expensive due to the materials and mechanisms required for the doors. Open walk-in wardrobes, on the other hand, can be less expensive and easier to install. Consider any additional costs for accessories and customisations that could make your walk-in wardrobe more functional.

To sum up, the choice between an open or closed walk-in wardrobe depends on various factors, including available space, personal preferences and budget. Both solutions offer unique benefits that can enhance the organisation and interior design of your bedroom. Whether you want the easy access and visibility of an open walk-in wardrobe or the tidiness and protection of a closed solution, remember that Santalucia Mobili lets you create mixed solutions that you can customise everything, right down to the smallest detail.

Browse the Homy Walk-in Wardrobes catalogue and be inspired.