The best wardrobes and hanging rails to give your clothes the VIP treatment
Storage needn’t be boring. Invest in a stylish wardrobe that'll breathe new life into your bedroom and treat your clothes right at the same time
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Wardrobes might be practical, space-saving pieces of furniture, but their sheer size means they can also make a major impact on the style of your room. From clothes and shoes to jewellery and beyond, wardrobes shoulder the weight of our storage needs. While we might dream of an expansive walk-in dressing room with backlit shelves and a centre island, or a fitted wardrobe or mirrored wardrobe, the reality is that free-standing wardrobes are probably more realistic and, thankfully, still have plenty of hanging space.
There are a plethora of stylish wardrobes out there. Whether you want something discreet and practical, or something that really makes an impact, there’s so much to choose from. There are ornate wardrobes with inlay panelling and luxurious finishes, or perhaps you want a deep, inky black wardrobe to really catch the eye. Scandi style is still on-trend, and there are plenty of pared-back pieces with clean lines and calming tones that make ideal choices for bedroom furniture. You’re spoilt for choice, so we’ve picked ten of the best wardrobes to suit all tastes and storage needs.
What are the best wardrobes for 2024?
In a dark wood stain, Heal's Brunel wardrobe is a great option for instantly channeling those elegant vibes in your bedroom. It's best used in rooms that have plenty of open space, helping to make everything feel a bit more tied together, while also having a range of storage options inside.
We’re utterly infatuated with the 1970s stylings of Swoon’s Raphia double wardrobe, with its elegant, long legs and rattan doors – which look as though plucked from the warm, airy bedroom of a Hanoi villa. There’s something about this wardrobe that suggests the sort of clothes you should keep in it: summer dresses, linen shirts or other lightweight, carefree garments.
Six doors, built-in mirrors, and endless storage space? Sign us up. John Lewis & Partners always delivers on its furniture, and this Marlow wardrobe is one of our favourites. Ideal if you have a large room or are in need of plenty of storage.
Skip to: What should I look for when buying a wardrobe? | What sort of storage space do I need? What size wardrobe do I need? | How we chose the best wardrobes
- Best rattan wardrobe: Swoon Raphia double wardrobe, £1,199 at swooneditions.com
- Best large wardrobe: John Lewis Marlow, £2,100 at johnlewis.com
- Best wooden wardrobe: Heal’s Brunel, £1,099 at heals.com
- Best rustic wardrobe: Cox & Cox geometric parquet wardrobe, £2,995 at coxandcox.co.uk
What should I look for when buying a wardrobe?
Always think about your space. Wardrobes can be seriously cumbersome, even the cute armoire-style ones. So get that tape measure out and see what space you’re playing with so you can find the right storage solution for you. You also will need to think about your clothes, of course. Do you have metric tonne of items that need to be hung or only one or two pieces? Perhaps you have very long items, or only shirts and jackets? Make sure you’ve got just the right amount of hanging room, with a bit extra to accommodate new purchases.
You also want to look out for handy extra storage options and features with the wardrobes you browse. Many have drawers inside with plenty of storage or adjustable shelves, meaning it’ll be easier to keep shoes and folded items in order and you can see everything at a glance. Many wardrobes come with mirrors on the outside or the inside too – they're great for bouncing light around a space and making it look larger.
What sort of storage space do I need?
The main thing you need to consider when looking at wardrobe storage space is whether or not you need hanging space. If you don't, opt for a wardrobe which consists primarily of shelves, or take a look at one of our favourite chests of drawers. But if you do, go for a larger wardrobe which contains at least one rail, or you could even invest in a freestanding hanging rail. Once you've got that figured out, you next need to consider what size is best suited to your space (more on that below) and from there on you can just focus on design.
What size wardrobe do I need?
If you’re sharing a wardrobe with someone else, then chances are you’re going to need at least a double wardrobe. The key is to really assess what you need. When you go for a triple wardrobe they can be pretty overwhelming and you need to really consider if your space can accommodate one, especially when you consider that a very large, dark-coloured wardrobe is going to absorb a lot of light. This might work for your bedroom furniture, or you might be better off going for something lighter coloured or smaller so as to take up less floor space. And if you’re looking for a wardrobe that’s more bespoke and tailored to your bedroom, you can use services from Ikea’s wardrobe design service to Jali’s more luxury wardrobe design.
How we chose the best wardrobes
When making our decisions about which wardrobes deserved a spot in our guide, we put a number of closets, hanging rails, and storage solutions to the test against a range of criteria. We were looking first at the design, trying to find different styles that would suit homes of different types, tapping into everything from mid-century wardrobes to more contemporary pieces. We then looked at the materials being used, focusing on ones that will last, the amount of storage available, and the furniture stores they came from.
Shop GQ’s edit of best wardrobes for 2024…
John Lewis collapsible rail
1/16John Lewis collapsible rail
Why we love it: Really simple but useful addition to any temporary or restrictive space
- Made from: Bamboo, polyester
- Size: H160cm x W64.5cm x D50cm
Living in a flatshare, student accommodation, or just looking for some more storage for a rapidly-growing collection of pristine garms? John Lewis sells this collapsible, freestanding hanging rail, which is ideal for both rooms with reduced space or as a booster that can be set up when more storage is needed. It’s very portable, folding down for transportation, and has a useful little soft polyester box at its base for keeping foldables, underwear, sneakers… whatever you like in there, really. It comes pre-built and is made from lightweight bamboo, which tends to be a sustainable material as it grows so quickly. Simple, but highly effective.
Oak rattan triple wardrobe
2/16Oak rattan triple wardrobe
Why we love it: Solid oak with no fake veneers or flimsy chipboard
- Made from: 100% solid oak with rattan accents
- Size: H190cm x W146cm x D62cm
You’re buying this from a shop called Oak Furniture Superstore, so you can rest assured that, yeah, this wardrobe is made from pretty solid oak wood. That gives it a stockiness that is offset by light yet strong angled legs, as well rattan panelling which massively helps to break up what would otherwise be a pretty vast face of wood where the three cupboard doors are (plus the smaller, useful drawers beneath them). There’s no veneer, chipboard or MDF used in the construction of this wardrobe, meaning it has an authentic and vintage feel. Couple that with a spacious inside and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better large wardrobe, especially at this price.
Grace gents wardrobe
3/16Grace gents wardrobe
Why we love it: Adaptable and stylish shaker-style wardrobe
- Made from: Pine veneer
- Size: H190cm x W100cm x D57cm
It’s a classic: shaker-style doors in a cool white (though grey, charcoal or blue options are also available). The Grace range at Furniture Village is both stylish and affordable, as well as being flexible enough in its aesthetic that it will work in most any bedroom it’s placed in. Customisation is the name of the game here, because beyond those colourways, you can also up- or downsize the wardrobe to a three-door version as well as chests of drawers and other storage formats (the one pictured here is a two-door version with drawers and an internal hanging rail). In other words, get ready for this to be the first of many purchases that will eventually keep your bedroom perfectly organised.
Heal’s Morten wardrobe
4/16Heal’s Morten wardrobe
Why we love it: Compact size that makes it great for small rooms
- Made from: Solid oak and oak veneer
- Size: H190cm x W100cm x D60cm
Compact and practical, this ‘Morten’ wardrobe has been designed for small rooms and it’s very smart with the space it has. An internal shelf at the top is great for storing shoes, while a full-width hanging rail has enough height to fit most items of clothing, and a soft-close drawer at the bottom is perfect for bulky items like sheets and knits. The white-washed oak and simple, Scandi-inspired design make it perfect for contemporary spaces, bringing simple sophistication to even compact rooms.
John Lewis Anyway Wilton wardrobe
5/16John Lewis Anyway Wilton wardrobe
Why we love it: Affordable, surprisingly spacious, and an excellent balance of quality and price
- Made from: MDF, solid pine, veneers
- Size: H188cm x W99cm x D56.8cm
It's no secret; John Lewis has mastered the balance between quality and affordability over the years. And as with all the rest of its furniture collection, this Wilton wardrobe is a testament to it. While only a two-door wardrobe, it provides an extensive amount of storage, with an interior hanging rail in the main cupboard, along with two surprisingly spacious drawers underneath for keeping heavier items like jumpers or even just shoes. A great choice if you don't just need hanging space, and an especially convenient one if you're trying to make the most of a smaller space.
West Elm mid-century armoire
6/16West Elm mid-century armoire
Why we love it: Sustainably sourced mid-century design with adjustable shelving
- Made from: Kiln-dried eucalyptus wood, engineered wood with an acacia veneer
- Size: 180cm x 97cm x D56cm
Looking relaxed and at ease, West Elm’s Armoire is a mid-century lovers' storage dream, combining functionality with a stripped-back, simple aesthetic that can fit right in any style of bedroom. Besides its bright wood design, the real advantage of this West Elm piece is how customisable it is, with the option to really configure it however suits you and your storage needs. The wardrobe incorporates two removable hanging rods, four adjustable shelves, a deep drawer, three hooks and a mirror, all of which you can play around with and make sure are exactly where you want them to be. It’s ultra-functional but looks good while doing it.
Habitat Halden Skandi wardrobe
7/16Habitat Halden Skandi wardrobe
Why we love it: Subtle, retro feel
- Made from: MDF
- Size: H185cm x W85.6cm x D49.6cm
Chic and minimalist, this two-door wardrobe has subtle design that won't dominate your home. The oak veneers will bounce light around a room nicely, and we love the retro feel of the curved handles that are cut into the doors. With a single hanging rail and two wide drawers underneath, the ‘Halden’ wardrobe offers the right amount of flexible clothes storage for one person. Habitat also does a coordinating chest of drawers if you want to go matchy matchy.
Richmond ridged double wardrobe
8/16Richmond ridged double wardrobe
Why we love it: Beautifully simple design in calming colourways
- Made from: MDF with matte paint finish, legs in metal with a powder coating
- Size: H180cm x W90cm x D55cm
At a deep 55cm, 90cm wide and six feet tall, the Richmond is a statement wardrobe, boasting a hanging rail with an adjustable height and a bottom drawer for anything you don’t want to put on a hangar. And while its ample storage space is the main attraction, we can’t stop looking at it, either: those ridges in the wooden surface give it a pleasing, regimented verticality, while the four different colours – is comes in sage green, matte black, white and taupe – make for a calm presence in any bedroom. We favour the green, but any of them will be more than worthy of housing your finery.
Swoon Raphia double wardrobe
9/16Swoon Raphia double wardrobe
Why we love it: Contrasting acacia and rattan design – an elegant look with 1970s style
- Made from: Acacia body, rattan panels, brass handles
- Size: H185cm x W83cm x D55cm
Contrasting rattan (our current favourite on-trend material) with a deep wood, this Swoon wardrobe is one of the most aesthetically satisfying pieces we’ve come across. The pairing of the materials gives it a fresh and fun feel, tapping into a 1970s look that brings a retro vibe and vintage flair while still being contemporary thanks to the rattan. Storage-wise, you’ll have plenty of space with a rail and room for folded clothes as well. And thanks to the height of the legs, it also has room underneath.
Heal’s Brunel
10/16Heal's Brunel
Why we love it: Impressive design in luxurious dark wood, with plenty of storage space
- Made from: Solid dark oak
- Size: H176cm x W100cm x D55cm
When a piece can work in both contemporary and traditional settings, we're immediately impressed. And in a dark wood design, with an elegant simplicity, the Brunel Double wardrobe from Heal's does just that. Due to the dark-stained wood, it's best suited in a room that has more empty space, helping to tie the room together, especially if you don't have too much furniture in your bedroom to begin with. And functionally, you'll benefit from both drawer and cupboard options for whatever type of clothing you need to put away. It's the wardrobe world's dream fusion of practical meets stylish.
Corona Vestry cupboard
11/16Corona Vestry cupboard
Why we love it: Unusual design in a simple wood construction
- Made from: Solid pine in a wax finish, with exposed metal hardware
- Size: H143.5cm x W60cm x D31.6cm
Don’t worry: despite the name, you don’t have to use the Vestry cupboard to house priestly garments. Dog collars and cassocks notwithstanding, this wardrobe cuts a classic neo-gothic figure, with an elegant pointed door in waxed pine that will give something a little different to any room whose occupant is tired of the same old Ikea-meets-mid-century-modern decor that dominates so many homes. With 30 centimetres of depth, it’s a little shallow, which makes it all the better for smaller rooms; ideal for those hiding away at the top of a tower or turret in an old Victorian block.
Grista Wardrobe
12/16Grista Wardrobe
Why we love it: Plenty of storage; simple, clean design
- Made from: Wood
- Size: H213cm x W120cm x D57
Gustavian-style design isn't something you come across every day, which makes it all the more exciting to integrate into your home. First born in Sweden following a stroke of inspiration from King Gustav after a trip to the Palace of Versailles, the design style takes elements of both Swedish and Parisian aesthetics, having a somewhat regal and period feel to it that fits nicely into both contemporary and traditional homes thanks to the emphasis on simple, clean looks. And this wardrobe from Oka is exactly the way to add it into your bedroom. It's got the look, and it also has plenty of storage space thanks to the combination of the interior hanging rail section and drawer space underneath the main wardrobe.
Cox & Cox geometric parquet wardrobe
13/16Cox & Cox geometric parquet wardrobe
Why we love it: Rustic design which incorporates a mirror
- Made from: Mindi wood, Mahogany and MDF
- Size: H195cm x W111cm x D60cm
Lighter woods that have an unfinished or brushed-finished look are a great addition to rooms that already have plenty of natural light, helping to give off a bit of a rustic, holiday-home vibe. Channelling regal home meets coastal retreat, the wardrobe also has built-in mirrors, helping you save space if you were planning to hang one elsewhere in your bedroom, while also giving you room for both hanging items and shoes. And with a fun bit of geometric detailing on the doors, it has a unique touch that we love too.
Cotswold Co Chester double wardrobe
14/16Cotswold Co Chester double wardrobe
Why we love it: Designed to last and well constructed in a deep blue design
- Made from: Lacquered oak and oak veneer
- Size: H193cm x W108.5cm x D58cm
Cotswold Company makes solid and dependable pieces that are built to last. This lacquered-oak ‘Chester’ wardrobe is no different featuring a modern twist thanks to its deep, inky shade of blue. The shaker-style doors and contrasting natural-wood top and polished-metal handles provide interest, while there's additional storage inside with a full-width hanging rail and a generous drawer underneath. This substantial wardrobe is taller than many of the others we’ve listed, so check you have the height space for it.
Laura Ashley Broughton double wardrobe
15/16Laura Ashley Broughton double wardrobe
Why we love it: Classic wardrobe design with a regal look and feel
- Made from: Birch wood, birch veneers
- Size: 199cm x 107cm x D65cm
A tall wardrobe can instantly be one of the most domineering parts of your bedroom, and for plenty of rooms, that can really elevate the vibe, giving off quite a regal look. This one from Laura Ashley is perfect for channeling an old country home aesthetic, made from solid birch wood and birch veneers with a Georgian-inspired curved shaping at the bottom and elegant panelling across the wardrobe. It's deep enough to fit all of your hanging items, with room for storage on the lower shelf and in the bottom drawers as well.
John Lewis & Partners Marlow
16/16John Lewis & Partners Marlow
Why we love it: Heavy-duty; includes hanging rails and shelves
- Made from: MDF, solid pine, veneers
- Size: H188cm x W99cm x D56.8cm
Some situations may call for a smaller, freestanding wardrobe, but some rooms just need a more heavy-duty touch. A six-door wardrobe that also incorporates three drawers and two mirrored doors (which will save you from investing in separate mirrors), there's more than enough space for even the most opulent clothing collections. Especially given each section has two shelves and hanging rails that you can adjust to meet the needs of your clothes. As they say, go big or go home.
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