Sliding vs hinged wardrobes: how to choose for your room
Choosing between sliding and hinged doors changes how your bedroom feels and how easily you can use your wardrobe. Neither is always better. Here's how to decide.
Quick answerChoose sliding doors when the room is narrow or the bed is close to the wardrobe. Choose hinged doors when you want full access, lower cost and simpler upkeep.
Side-by-side comparison
| Sliding | Hinged | |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed in front | None | About 2 ft to open |
| Access | Half the wardrobe at a time | Everything at once |
| Cost | 10–20% more | Lower |
| Maintenance | Clean the tracks | Occasional hinge adjustment |
| Best width | 6 ft and wider | Any width |
Room-by-room advice
- Main bedroom: sliding, if the wardrobe faces the bed within 3 ft.
- Children's room: hinged, so children can reach everything easily.
- Guest room: hinged. It's simpler and costs less.
- Walk-in closet: open shelving or glass-front hinged doors.
Details that matter
For sliding wardrobes, ask for a soft-close sliding system and an aluminium track. For hinged wardrobes, soft-close hinges stop slamming and protect the shutter. In both, plan internal drawers so they don't clash with the door when it opens.
See our wardrobe service or the walk-in closet in Shela Penthouse.
