Children's Wardrobe Buying Guide | Wardrobes & Storage Beds
How to Choose the Best Wardrobe for Your Child
A wardrobe is one of the most important pieces of furniture in a child's bedroom. It needs to provide enough space for clothes while fitting comfortably into the room and working alongside the bed, desk and other furniture.
The right children's wardrobe should offer practical storage, be easy for your child to use and ideally remain suitable as they grow.
However, a traditional standalone wardrobe isn't the only option. Beds with built-in wardrobes and storage can be an excellent solution for children's bedrooms, particularly where space is limited. Combining the bed and wardrobe into one piece of furniture can free up valuable floor space while providing plenty of storage.
From compact wardrobes to bunk beds with integrated wardrobes and high sleepers combining wardrobes, desks and drawers, this guide explains what to consider when choosing the best wardrobe solution for your child's bedroom.
How Much Wardrobe Space Does Your Child Need?
The amount of storage required will depend on your child's age and how many clothes they have.
A younger child may only need a relatively compact wardrobe, while older children and teenagers will usually need considerably more storage.
Before choosing a wardrobe, consider:
- How many clothes need hanging?
- How much folded clothing needs storing?
- Does your child need drawers?
- Is there space for shoes and accessories?
- Will the wardrobe need to accommodate your child's growing collection of clothes?
- Could additional bedroom storage be incorporated into the bed?
It is often worth choosing slightly more storage than you need today so the furniture remains useful as your child grows. Our Children's Storage Furniture Buying Guide covers the wider range of storage options available.
Standalone Wardrobe or Bed with Built-In Wardrobe?
One of the most important decisions is whether to buy a conventional standalone wardrobe or choose a bed that incorporates wardrobe storage.
Both can be excellent options, but they suit different bedrooms.
Standalone Wardrobes
A separate wardrobe gives you flexibility over where the storage is positioned.
It can be particularly suitable where:
- The bedroom has plenty of floor space.
- You want to rearrange the furniture.
- You already have a suitable bed.
- You want to choose the wardrobe separately from the rest of the furniture.
Beds with Built-In Wardrobes
A bed with an integrated wardrobe combines two important pieces of bedroom furniture into one.
This can be particularly useful in smaller bedrooms because the space underneath or alongside the bed would otherwise be unused.
Depending on the design, you can have:
Bed + Wardrobe + Drawers
or even:
Bed + Wardrobe + Desk + Drawers
in a single piece of furniture.
This can dramatically reduce the amount of floor space needed for separate furniture.
Why Choose a Bed with a Built-In Wardrobe?
For many children's bedrooms, this is one of the most effective ways to maximise available space.
A bed with integrated wardrobe storage can:
- Free up valuable floor space.
- Reduce the amount of separate furniture required.
- Provide convenient clothes storage.
- Create a more coordinated bedroom.
- Combine several functions in one piece of furniture.
- Be particularly useful in smaller bedrooms.
This is especially relevant with bunk beds, mid sleepers and high sleepers, where the raised bed creates opportunities for incorporating additional furniture underneath or alongside it.
Bunk Beds with Built-In Wardrobes
Bunk beds with wardrobes are particularly useful when two children share a bedroom.
Instead of having:
Bunk bed + wardrobe + drawers
you can choose a bunk bed that incorporates some or all of the storage into its design.
Bunk Bed with Wardrobe & Storage – Barca by Trasman
The Barca is a good example of how much storage can be incorporated into a bunk bed.
It features:
- A double-door wardrobe.
- Full-width hanging rail.
- Internal shelving.
- Two large storage drawers.
- A bookshelf/storage shelf.
- Reversible configuration allowing the wardrobe to be positioned on either side.
The bed is made from high-density particleboard with a durable melamine finish and is available in different colour combinations.
The wardrobe is effectively incorporated into the footprint of the bunk bed, providing substantial storage without requiring a separate full-size wardrobe elsewhere in the room.
See the Trasman Barca Bunk Bed with Wardrobe Storage
Bunk Bed with Wardrobe & Storage – Flow by Trasman
The Flow is another example of a bunk bed designed around storage.
It incorporates:
- A double-door wardrobe.
- Full-width hanging rail.
- Internal storage shelving.
- Two large storage drawers.
- Reversible configuration.
- White and oak-effect finish.
The wardrobe can be positioned on either the left or right side of the bed, allowing the configuration to be adapted to the bedroom layout.
This flexibility can be particularly valuable when planning a shared children's bedroom. Our Shared Bedroom Ideas guide has more on planning a room for siblings.
See the Trasman Flow Bunk Bed with Wardrobe Storage
High Sleepers with Built-In Wardrobes
High sleepers provide another excellent opportunity to combine sleeping and storage furniture.
Because the bed is raised above the floor, the space underneath can be used for a wardrobe, desk, drawers or other furniture. Our High Sleeper Bed Buying Guide covers this in more detail.
This can be particularly effective in smaller bedrooms where floor space is limited.
Instead of having:
Bed + wardrobe + desk + chest of drawers
a well-designed high sleeper can combine several of these functions into one compact footprint.
Low High Sleeper with Wardrobe, Desk & Drawers
The Parisot Tom is a particularly good example.
It combines:
- A low high sleeper bed.
- Built-in single wardrobe.
- Hanging rail and shelf.
- 1.3m-wide desk.
- Cable management.
- Three deep drawers.
- Wide ladder.
The bed is only around 1.46m high, making it lower than many conventional high sleepers. It is designed to make efficient use of the space underneath the bed while providing a desk, wardrobe and drawers in the same unit.
See the Parisot Tom Low High Sleeper with Wardrobe & Desk
For a child's bedroom, this type of furniture can be particularly attractive because a significant amount of bedroom furniture is effectively contained within one footprint.
Beds with Wardrobes Can Be Ideal for Small Bedrooms
If your child's bedroom is small, think about how much furniture you can fit into the available floor area, rather than simply looking for the smallest individual pieces.
For example, a separate:
- Single bed
- Wardrobe
- Desk
- Chest of drawers
could take up a considerable amount of floor space.
A high sleeper or bunk bed with integrated furniture could potentially provide several of those functions within one coordinated unit.
This is one of the main reasons integrated children's bedroom furniture has become so popular.
For more advice, see our Best Bed for Small Bedrooms | Space Saving Bed Buying Guide.
Consider the Layout of the Bedroom
Before choosing a wardrobe or integrated bed, measure the room carefully.
Consider:
- The length and width of the room.
- Ceiling height.
- Position of windows.
- Radiators.
- Doors.
- Existing furniture.
- Where the wardrobe doors will open.
- Where the ladder or steps will be positioned.
- Whether the bed can be reversed.
Some integrated beds have a fixed configuration, while others allow elements such as wardrobes to be positioned on either side.
For example, the Barca and Flow bunk beds can both be configured with the wardrobe on the left or right.
Think About Hanging Space
Not all wardrobes provide the same amount of hanging space.
Think about what your child actually needs to hang.
This might include:
- School uniforms.
- Dresses.
- Shirts.
- Trousers.
- Coats.
- Jackets.
A full-width hanging rail can be particularly useful because it allows more clothing to be stored without taking up additional floor space.
Wardrobes with Shelves
Shelves are useful for clothing and other bedroom items.
They can be used for:
- Folded clothes.
- Shoes.
- Bags.
- Toys.
- Boxes.
- Bedding.
- Accessories.
Some integrated wardrobe designs combine hanging rails with shelving, providing greater flexibility.
Wardrobes with Drawers
Drawers can provide useful additional storage for smaller items.
They are particularly useful for:
- Underwear.
- Socks.
- Pyjamas.
- T-shirts.
- Accessories.
- Bedding.
A bed with both wardrobe storage and drawers can reduce the need for a separate chest of drawers.
The Barca and Flow, for example, both incorporate two large storage drawers beneath the bunk area.
Choose Furniture That Will Grow with Your Child
Children's tastes change quickly.
A wardrobe that appeals to a young child may not be suitable a few years later.
For this reason, versatile designs and neutral finishes can be a sensible choice.
White, oak-effect, grey and natural timber finishes can work with different bedroom colours and accessories as your child grows.
You can then change the appearance of the room through:
- Bedding.
- Curtains.
- Cushions.
- Wall art.
- Lighting.
- Accessories.
without necessarily replacing the main furniture.
Consider the Material and Construction
Children's bedroom furniture receives plenty of everyday use, so quality and construction are important.
Look for furniture made using quality materials and strong fittings.
High-density particleboard with a durable melamine finish can provide a hard-wearing, easy-to-clean surface and is used in a number of European children's furniture ranges.
Solid timber is another excellent furniture material and can provide a natural appearance and durable construction.
Whatever material you choose, look at the overall construction, quality of the fittings and manufacturer's specifications rather than judging furniture solely by its appearance.
Mattress Size Is Important with Integrated Beds
When buying a bed with an integrated wardrobe, desk or storage, don't forget to check the mattress size. Our Children's Mattress Buying Guide explains UK and European mattress sizes in more detail.
Children's beds available in the UK can use different mattress dimensions.
For example, some Family Window beds use 90 x 190cm UK single mattresses, while other European-size beds use 90 x 200cm mattresses.
The Barca uses a 90 x 200cm mattress, while the Flow requires 90 x 190cm mattresses. The Parisot Tom uses a 90 x 200cm mattress.
Always check the specific product before purchasing a mattress, particularly when buying an integrated bed.
Safety When Choosing Children's Furniture
Safety should always be considered when buying children's bedroom furniture.
Make sure:
- The furniture is appropriate for your child's age.
- Heavy items are stored securely.
- The furniture is assembled according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Any required wall-fixing or anti-tip system is used.
- Doors and drawers operate correctly.
- The wardrobe is positioned securely.
- The bed is used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If buying a bunk bed or high sleeper with integrated furniture, also make sure you follow the manufacturer's requirements regarding mattress size and mattress depth. Our Children's Bed Safety Guide has more general safety advice.
Should You Buy a Complete Bedroom Furniture Set?
Integrated furniture can be a particularly good choice when furnishing a child's bedroom from scratch.
For example, a high sleeper with a wardrobe, desk and drawers can provide several important pieces of furniture in one coordinated unit.
Alternatively, you might choose:
Bed with wardrobe + separate dressing table + additional storage
This gives you a balance between integrated and standalone furniture. Our Children's Dressing Table Buying Guide can help with the finishing touches.
The right choice will depend on the size and layout of the room and how your child uses it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are beds with built-in wardrobes good for small bedrooms?
Yes. They can be an excellent space-saving option because the wardrobe is incorporated into the bed's footprint rather than requiring a separate piece of furniture.
Are bunk beds with wardrobes a good idea?
They can be particularly useful in shared bedrooms because they combine sleeping space with clothes and storage space. Some designs also incorporate drawers and shelving.
Can a high sleeper have a wardrobe underneath?
Yes. Some high sleepers incorporate a wardrobe beneath or alongside the sleeping area. Some models can also combine a wardrobe with a desk and drawers.
What is better, a separate wardrobe or a built-in wardrobe?
It depends on the room. A separate wardrobe offers greater flexibility, while a built-in wardrobe can make much better use of space and reduce the amount of separate furniture required.
What mattress size do children's beds with wardrobes use?
It depends on the individual bed. Some use standard UK single mattresses measuring 90 x 190cm, while others use 90 x 200cm European-size single mattresses. Always check the individual product specification before ordering.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a children's wardrobe isn't simply about finding somewhere to hang clothes. You need to consider the amount of storage required, the available bedroom space and how the furniture will work as your child grows.
For larger bedrooms, a traditional standalone wardrobe can be an excellent choice. However, if space is limited, a bed with an integrated wardrobe can be one of the most effective ways to maximise the room.
Bunk beds with wardrobes can be particularly useful for shared bedrooms, while high sleepers can combine a wardrobe with a desk, drawers and sleeping area.
By combining several functions into one carefully designed piece of furniture, you can create a more practical bedroom while leaving more floor space available for your child to play, study and relax.