The Benefits of Fitted Wardrobes with Mirrors
Head of design Megan Baker reflects on the use of mirrors in bedrooms and all the benefits they bring…
There’s a particular kind of magic in a well-placed mirror. A small, dimly lit bedroom suddenly feels airy and expansive. A cramped dressing area takes on a new elegance and a morning routine is made infinitely easier when you can see yourself from every angle before stepping out the door.
The mirrored fitted wardrobe has been a quiet staple of interior design for decades, and yet, it continues to surprise with its ability to transform a space. More than just a piece of functional storage, it plays with light, enhances proportions, and solves the age-old dilemma of where to place a full-length mirror in a room where every inch counts.
A Game-Changer for Small or Darker Rooms
Over the years I have visited many rooms where they light never quite feels bright enough. The windows may be modest in size so the natural light is limited or the shape of the room casts unseemly shadows. Short of major renovations, options for making the room feel lighter and airier may seem limited. But then, with the installation of mirrored fitted wardrobes, the entire atmosphere shifts. Suddenly, light bounces around, artificial illumination is amplified, and what once may have been a claustrophobic space breathes.
This is one of the most celebrated benefits of mirrored wardrobes. They take what light is available—natural or artificial—and extend its reach, subtly brightening every corner. A dark, north-facing bedroom no longer feels oppressive but instead gains an almost luminous quality.
For those who have had the experience of living in a dim, boxed-in apartment, the effect can be nothing short of transformative. One homeowner recalled moving into a 1930s semi-detached home with a small “master bedroom”. The only natural light came from a single window facing an end gable. It wasn’t until they installed floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobes that they realised how much potential the room had. The mirrors reflected the window, making it seem as though there were two, and created the illusion of a much larger space.
A Full-Length Reflection – No More Guesswork
Beyond aesthetics, the practicality of mirrored wardrobes cannot be overstated. Anyone who has ever had to make do with a tiny mirror—or worse, one propped precariously against a wall—will appreciate the luxury of a full-length, uninterrupted reflection.
There’s an undeniable confidence boost in being able to see your entire outfit from head to toe before walking out the door. It eliminates the awkward half-mirror dance, where you have to step back, crane your neck, or try to guess whether your shoes truly match the rest of their look. With mirrored wardrobe doors, the guessing game is gone, replaced with clarity and convenience.
For those who share a space, this becomes even more essential. No longer does one person need to wait their turn at the hallway mirror or squeeze into the bathroom for a quick outfit check. A well-positioned mirrored wardrobe offers a generous reflection for multiple people to use at once, making busy mornings far smoother, although I still have priority in the morning dash!
Sliding Doors: The Perfect Companion to Mirrors
The beauty of mirrored fitted wardrobes is enhanced further when paired with sliding doors. This combination is particularly well-suited for rooms where space is at a premium. Unlike traditional hinged doors, which require clearance to open, sliding doors glide effortlessly along their track, eliminating the need for extra room, I find these are perfect in many new build properties where room sizes have reduced over recent years.
In homes with awkward layouts—think converted lofts with sloping ceilings or narrow bedrooms where every inch matters—this design is invaluable. One particularly striking example is in a compact urban apartment where a fitted wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors was the only solution to an otherwise impossible layout. With a bed positioned close to the wardrobe, traditional doors would have been impractical. The sliding mechanism solved the issue, while the mirrors created the illusion of more space, making the room feel twice its actual size. Twice the impact using half the space.
This seamless movement also contributes to a sense of fluidity in the room. Rather than feeling cluttered or restricted, the space retains an open, uncluttered atmosphere. For those who lean towards minimalist aesthetics, delivering both function and form with effortless grace.
An Investment in Style and Practicality
It’s easy to overlook the impact that a mirrored wardrobe can have, but once installed, its benefits become immediately clear. Beyond their practical advantages—brightening a dark room, offering a flawless full-length reflection, and providing storage in a sleek, space-saving form—they also contribute to the overall design language of a home.
There’s something undeniably elegant about a well-crafted mirrored wardrobe. It blends seamlessly with various interior styles, from contemporary and minimalist to classic and ornate. Depending on the frame and finish, it can take on an understated, barely-there quality or become a striking focal point that brings the theme of a room together.
I often tell my clients when considering a home update, “It’s worth remembering that the simplest changes often make the biggest impact”. A mirrored fitted wardrobe is not just storage—it’s an enhancement to the way a space looks and feels. It’s the difference between a room that just ‘works’ and one that feels truly inviting. And, of course, there’s that final, reassuring glance before stepping out, confirming that everything is just as it should be.