Please Wait...

πŸŽ— Walk-In Wardrobe Conversion Guide (Australia 2025)

by Corey Douglas | 23/04/2025

Dreaming of a walk-in wardrobe? You don’t need a luxury mansion to make it happen. Whether you’re repurposing a spare bedroom, converting a nook in your master suite, or planning one into your new build, this complete guide will walk you through how to transform unused or underperforming space into a stylish, practical, and valuable walk-in robe. From layouts and joinery ideas to project costs, storage upgrades, and council considerations, this guide is packed with everything you need to design smarter, quote faster, and build better β€” with AIreno.


Why Build a Walk-In Wardrobe?

Walk-in wardrobes have become one of the most sought-after additions in Australian homes, thanks to their luxurious aesthetic and unmatched functionality. In 2025, more Aussie homeowners are converting bedrooms, alcoves, awkward corners, and underused spaces into stylish walk-in wardrobes that look stunning and help streamline their daily routine.

Top reasons to build a walk-in:

  • 🏠 Declutter your bedroom: Move bulky furniture and wardrobes into a separate space
  • πŸ‘— Stay organised: Store everything in its place, from shirts to shoes to accessories
  • 🧑 Boost resale value: Modern robes are high on buyer wishlists
  • ⌚ Save time: Simplify your morning routine with everything visible and within reach
  • πŸŽ‰ Enjoy the luxury feel: Add LED lighting, seating, a mirror wall, or even a vanity

Whether you live in a compact unit or a sprawling home, there’s a walk-in wardrobe solution to suit.


Where to Add or Convert a Walk-In Wardrobe

You don’t need to build from scratch. Often, walk-in robes can be carved out of existing floorplans. Popular locations include:

  • The end of a master bedroom (using partition walls or sliding doors)
  • Adjoining box rooms, small studies, or nursery rooms
  • Redundant hallway space or walk-throughs to ensuites
  • Behind bedhead walls to create a hidden robe
  • Under roof eaves, staircases, or attic corners
  • Converted garages or detached studio spaces (for full dressing rooms)

Pro tip: Consider natural light, ceiling height, and airflow when planning your space.


Walk-In Wardrobe Layout Options

The shape and size of your space will determine your layout. Here are the most popular configurations:

Single Wall

Ideal for narrow or apartment spaces. All storage is set along one wall with open or closed cabinetry.

Galley Style

Two parallel walls of storage with a central walkway. Great for symmetry and full-length mirrors at the end.

L-Shaped

Utilises a corner and two connecting walls. Allows you to zone clothing types (e.g. hanging vs folded).

U-Shaped

Premium layout with three walls of cabinetry, ideal for large rooms or luxury builds. Add a seat or step stool.

With Island Bench

Perfect for large robes 3m x 3m or larger. Add drawers, velvet-lined trays, and even a display case for jewellery or watches.


Storage & Styling Features to Consider

A walk-in wardrobe isn’t just about shelves and rails. Make it yours by including practical, customisable and stylish elements:

  • Full-height hanging for dresses and suits
  • Double rails for shirts and trousers
  • Pull-out shoe drawers, cubbies or display racks
  • Adjustable open shelves for handbags or hats
  • Velvet-lined jewellery trays and drawer organisers
  • LED strip lighting and downlights with dimmers or motion sensors
  • Built-in mirror with backlighting or tri-fold panels
  • Soft-close drawers, push-to-open cabinetry or handleless designs
  • Hidden laundry chute, ironing board, or steamer storage
  • Seating bench, ottoman, or window seat with under-seat drawers
  • Feature wall with wallpaper, panel cladding or custom paint

Design tip: Add one β€œluxury element” β€” whether it’s a glass-top island, backlit mirror, or makeup station β€” to elevate the experience.


How Much Does It Cost to Build a Walk-In Wardrobe?

Costs vary widely based on the space size, materials used, and whether you choose flatpack or custom joinery. Here’s a breakdown for 2025:

Wardrobe Type Estimated Cost (AUD)
Basic Open Shelving System $3,000 – $6,000
Custom Flatpack Fit-Out $6,000 – $10,000
Premium Built-In Joinery $12,000 – $20,000+
Large Robe with Island Bench $20,000 – $35,000+

Cost factors include:

  • Materials: melamine, 2-pack, timber veneer, glass
  • Joinery: modular flatpack vs. custom cabinetry
  • Lighting: LED strips, sensor lights, spotlights
  • Accessories: mirrors, shoe racks, pull-outs
  • Fit-off time and cabinetry fabrication
  • Painting, electrical, and structural adjustments

πŸ’‘ Want accurate pricing? Use AIreno’s Wardrobe Quote Tool to generate a custom quote in minutes based on your exact preferences and layout.


Do You Need Council Approval?

Generally, no approval is needed for internal wardrobe conversions. But you may require approval if:

  • You’re removing or adding walls
  • You’re converting a garage, attic, or external structure
  • You’re adding plumbing (e.g. for a vanity or basin)

AIreno helps you:

  • βœ… Determine if a DA or CDC is needed
  • βœ… Plan around structural limitations
  • βœ… Get certifier-ready scope documents

How Long Does It Take to Build a Walk-In Wardrobe?

Project Phase Typical Duration
Design, Quote & Selections 3–5 days
Demo & Prep (if required) 1–2 days
Joinery Fabrication (offsite) 2–3 weeks
Installation 2–4 days
Electrical & Painting Fit-Off 1–3 days

Total Timeframe: 3–5 weeks depending on the level of customisation and structural work involved.


How AIreno Helps You Build It Right

  • βœ… Instant quoting by robe size, layout and materials
  • βœ… Smart scope builder for storage add-ons and finishes
  • βœ… Approval check (DA/CDC) if structural work applies
  • βœ… Connects you with expert local joiners and installers
  • βœ… Helps you plan timeline, approvals, and cost allowances

πŸ“ Start your wardrobe journey today at AIreno.com.au and turn your dream into a scoped, priced and ready-to-go project.


Final Word

From morning routines to end-of-day wind-downs, your walk-in wardrobe is more than just storage β€” it’s a daily experience. Whether you want to keep things practical or create a boutique-style haven, a walk-in robe is a clever, high-impact addition to any Australian home.

With AIreno, planning and pricing your dream robe is easier than ever.

Design smarter. Quote faster. Build better β€” with AIreno


Find out how much your project will cost
with an instant quote
Get an Instant Quote Now

Are you sure you want to cancel?

(or)
Contact us for a quote

Contact us