Barbie Fashionistas: 30 Dream Walk-in Closets to Help You Play Dress Up

Walk-in closet ideas that wow

For fashion lovers, a walk-in wardrobe is the room in the house that trumps them all. If turning that spare room into a walk-in closet or dressing room is the dream, then click this way. From luxurious built-in beauties bursting with color to small but practical spaces organized from top-to-bottom, we've rounded a runway of 'fashionable' walk-in closet ideas to help you design your own ensemble. Click or scroll for walk-in heaven...

Create a dressing room fit for haute couture

@renov80shouse transformed her conpact walk-through closet into her ensuite bathroom. Fitted open and closed cupboards were installed on either side and the whole space painted a striking petrol blue. A funky black and white print and pink ottoman stool teamed with luxe gold-look hardware breaks up the block color and creates an en-vogue fashion-house vibe. "It's still the boldest room and the bravest we've been in the house." Says, Rachel. Bravo, we say!

Get bright and organized

Holly Blakey partnered with The Container Store to design her walk-in closet using the sturdy Avera line. Holly says, "it’s the perfect balance of form, luxury and function." The narrow space has been utilized and organized from top to bottom and an all-white scheme ensures the closet remains light and airy. View the whole reveal at @breathing.room.home.

Copy Carrie's closet

How could we publish an inspiring walk-in closet gallery without paying homage to Carrie Bradshaw's iconic celebrity walk-in closet? Okay - SATC ultra fans, before you stop us here...it's not the actual one. This incredible dressing room painted in Benjamin Moore's Soft Jazz blue is part of a 'pop-up' of Carrie Bradshaw's New York Apartment recreation, created by Airbnb. 

Build a hidden oasis

You'd never believe it but this incredible and unique walk-in closet lives at the top of a high-rise apartment in the heart of a busy city, specifically designed to become a tiny patch of paradise to escape to. Warm lighting, bold prints, bright watermelon pink wardrobes and wall-to-floor mirrors make this walk-in closet vibrant and opulent. And yes, the statement ceiling has been planted with a meadow of faux flowers, wow! 

Make it multi-functional

This large walk-in closet has just about all one could need to create a dream dressing room lounge. The IKEA PAX wardrobe series of drawers, shelves, organizers and rails offers a home for everything. A soft armchair facing the closet is the place to sit to contemplate that next outfit. The dressing table is set towards natural light to apply make-up. A valet mirror with storage dishes keeps accessories close to hand. Finally, a storage ottoman is a super secret storage space to hide shopping bags and mail-order packaging you may not want others to see!

Run a curtain

If your bedroom doesn't already have a walk-in closet or you don't have a whole room to convert into a dressing room why not revamp a large cupboard or alcove? Remove the doors and install shelving, hanging rails and drawers that can be customized to fit a small space. Curtains will add softness and color as well as close garments away when the closet is not in use. 

Seek a serene green theme

This super chic dressing room used to be @lifeofaninteriorstylis Laurie Davidson's tiny spare bedroom. The fit-out was part of a collab with @myfittedbedroom to create a modern space that feels serene. "I was initially set on a neutral look, but when My Fitted Bedroom showed me samples I fell in love with the green tone named 'Clover'. I chose wallpaper that has green in the pattern and used it to line the drawers in the island." Says Laurie. 

Work in a window seat

This modern dressing room is fresh and light with plenty of storage. Stand-out features include white glossy finish fitted closets and shiny tab-style handles that sit perfectly against the angled windows. An island breaks up the space and combines drawer space and seating in one. The final piece of this glamorous puzzle is the matching sumptuous brushed velvet low-level seating that runs below the window to complete the icy-toned luxury.

Balance a small space

You don't always need the biggest space to work in for a walk-in closet project. Rather than cramming everything behind a door, this small but perfectly formed walk-in closet has put shoes on display to add interest. White cabinets, pale floors and a white cushioned stool make this tiny and organized space feel light and airy. 

Dedicate shelves to shoes

This bright modern walk-in closet is an ode to shoes. Where glossy streamlined drawers hide away the more mundane items of clothing the shoes are on proud display in a bespoke open-shelved cabinet with a double height section for boots at the bottom. Baby pink accessories pair unexpectedly well with an electric blue rocking chair.

Stick with a classic design

If you are investing in a professionally fitted closet, a timeless design will ensure the investment is worthwhile. Walls, hardware even ceilings can be easily updated as fashions flow but the bones of the structure are unlikely to date. Go for clean, simple lines and give yourself plenty of space for each type of clothing.

Convert the loft into a dressing room

Take your walk-in closet to another level by utilising a loft conversion. It's an ideal solution if the space is a bit too small to build a bedroom and eaves window and skylight create an ideal spot for a dressing table. Just be careful and considered in your design so you use all of the available space.

Bring in an Island

Adding an island to your walk-in closet makes sensible use of space whilst upping the high-end aesthetic stakes. The Additional storage is ideal for undergarments, nightwear and accessories and frees up hanging space for longer garments such as coats and dresses that shouldn't be folded. 

Indulge in a statement bath

Could this be the most indulgent walk-in closet idea so far? Walk-through closets that lead to an ensuite bathroom are fairly common so this luxury bathroom slash closet space could be the next step up. It's a natural process to bathe and then get dressed, but we are not sure what effect constant steam and humidity would have on clothes. If this look is inspirational to you make sure your walk-in closet is super ventilated. 

Bounce light around in narrow spaces

Opt for mirror-fronted closets to create an optical illusion of space. The reflective properties will reflect natural light from windows and trick the eye into making the space feel bigger. These elegant mirrors are in keeping with the current curves and arches trend and give this walk-in closet an Art Deco feel.

Choose block color closets

Colorful woodwork and closets are having a moment as they can add character and interest to a neutral space. These built-in floor-to-ceiling cupboards have been professionally coated with color and installed, but paint manufacturers offer a whole rainbow of colors in specialist paint to update existing closets, so you can choose your favorite easily.

Include practical utilities

Look out for practical extras to ensure your walk-in closet has everything needed for getting ready. Plenty of hanging space? Tick. A shoe rack? Tick. A pull-out ironing board? Yes, also a tick. This design slides back into the wall when not in use, genius!

Create an atypical space

Here's proof that you don't have to splash out on expensive and streamlined fitted closets to create a functional walk-in closet. Arranged along the center of the room this modular closet system allows practical access from either side and leaves walls clear for accessory storage and mirrors. 

Coordinate your clothing

Who doesn’t love a color-coordinated closet? This slim and stylish open modular system is a simpler and less permanent alternative to built-in shelving. Perhaps a storage solution for the ultra-organized, you'd have to choose your garments carefully and take extra care with them when they are on display in this opencloset. Simple and clean, it's a great example of harmonized and balanced style. 

Opt for Farmhouse chic

Ruched fabric gives this charming walk-in closet at America Farm, a rustic and chic Danish farmhouse atmosphere. Neutral tones warm the succession of fresh white closet frames while a classic French-style chair is perfectly placed in front of a traditional sash window to draw the eye and lengthen the space. Natural light pours in through the Georgian window frames which are ideal for dressing. 

Display dark wood

The ultimate in luxury, the rich walnut wood used for this walk in-ward is too stylish and striking to be hidden behind doors. Ideal for those who like to be neat, its flawless wood finish and minimalist design are perfect for maximising your storage space. Wood also works beautifully with a range of lighting options, so you can have fun with the finishing touches.

Play with a chandelier

A classic dressing table, full-length curtains and a fitted closet create an elegant dressing room full of hotel style. Although the whole room is full of strong silhouettes, it is the chandelier set above the island of drawers that's the main feature. The statement piece has a vintage air about it that completes the space. 

Build a man cave

Who says walk-in closets are just for her? Using darker finishes of metal, brick and wood with factory-inspired strip lighting, this closet makes the perfect man cave. The multiple shelving units and hanging space give it a minimal look, and with maximum storage, there is a place for everything. Designer seating adds an opulent gentleman's touch. 

Experiment with brave color

The walk-in wardrobe is not a room that will have many visitors, so why not go to town and be outrageous with the color palette just for you? This bespoke walk-in closet for blogger Erica Davies uses every inch of space to house a fanciful closet of goodies. Inner cabinetry lighting highlights every glorious pair of shoes or stylish handbag. But the stand-out element is of course the explosion of coral rose pink throughout the closet. 

Think feminine

Dotted with blush hues, varying neutral shades and pops of gold, this walk-in feels elegant yet laid-back in a feminine way. Show off your designer collection in style and hide practical possessions in various plush and pretty storage boxes. Complete the look with an attractive dressing table and display your favorite perfume and skincare bottles on top. 

Protect your wares

This walk-in is for the person who loves to have their accessories on display but carefully protected behind glass. Make a museum-worthy display of your prized possessions while tapping into the Crittal-style door trend. Just remember to keep the glass clean and gleaming.

Go for a galley design

Named after cooking areas aboard a ship, the hallmark of galley kitchen design is two parallel runs of cabinetry with a narrow corridor in between. This footprint works just as well in long narrow walk-in closet too. The secret is to keep visual distractions to a minimum with a streamlined design and choose dark colors for added impact. 

Prepare polished luxury

It's the decorative elements that jazz up this fabulous dressing room. The opulent pendant lights and gold highlights set against black furniture forges a dramatic and masculine effect. The island in the middle is perfect for the ultimate accessory collector and the incredible view offers the ideal backdrop to suit this 'Mad Men-esque' vibe.

Put up a feature wall

The wonderful wallpaper in this dressing room makes a colorful style statement and feature wall idea. It may seem a little odd to be so bold in a small space, but using large prints in small spaces is a secret interior design trick experts often use as the results are striking. Keep the rest of the room fairly minimal to balance the busy wall and it will look great.

Use the height

If you have a narrow room but high ceilings, make the most of the space you have. Ceiling-to-floor wardrobes will utilize every inch. Organize the space well by storing less used and seasonal items at the top. Why not purchase and display a stylish wooden step ladder in the corner or hide a budget version in one closet?

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