When planning a new fitted wardrobe in Edinburgh, one of the biggest decisions is whether to choose hinged doors or sliding doors. Both options offer excellent storage and can be tailored to suit your room, but each has its own advantages depending on the available space, your preferred style, and how you intend to use the wardrobe.
At Alcove Joinery, we design and install both hinged and sliding fitted wardrobes across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. Here’s our guide to help you decide which option may work best for your home.
Hinged Wardrobes
Hinged wardrobes are one of the most popular choices for fitted wardrobes, offering full access to the wardrobe interior.
The doors open outward using concealed soft-closing cabinet hinges, allowing the entire internal layout to be accessed at once.
Benefits of Hinged Wardrobes
One of the biggest advantages of hinged wardrobes is that you can open all doors at once, allowing you to see and access the entire wardrobe layout.
This works particularly well for:
- Larger bedrooms
- Walk-in style layouts
- Maximum visibility and access
- Wardrobes with drawers and shelving combinations
Hinged wardrobes tend to offer the widest range of styles and finishes.
Popular options include:
- Shaker styles
- Modern slab doors
- Traditional panelled doors
- Integrated handle designs
- Mirror combinations
Our Bella range is available in 29 styles and has 59 colours.
Because hinged wardrobes are not restricted by sliding doors and tracks, the internal layout can often feel more open and flexible.
This can make hinged wardrobes ideal for:
- External drawer layouts
- Wider shelving sections
- Mixed hanging arrangements
- Feature bedside or desk combinations
Things to Consider with Hinged Wardrobes
The main consideration with hinged wardrobes is clearance space.
The doors open outward, so you will need enough room in front of the wardrobe for them to open comfortably. This is worth considering in smaller bedrooms where space in front of the wardrobe may be limited.
Sliding Wardrobes
Sliding wardrobes are a modern and highly practical solution, especially in bedrooms where space is limited.
Rather than opening outward, the doors glide smoothly side to side across a track system.
Benefits of Sliding Wardrobes
Ideal for Smaller Bedrooms
Because sliding doors do not swing outward, they work extremely well in tighter spaces.
This is often beneficial in:
- Smaller bedrooms
- Narrow rooms
- Apartments and flats
- Rooms with limited floor space
- Bedrooms where furniture sits close to the wardrobe
Clean, Modern Appearance
Sliding wardrobes tend to create a sleek and contemporary look.
Large uninterrupted panels can help make a room feel bigger and more modern.
Popular finishes include:
- Mirror sliding doors
- Glass finishes
- Woodgrain panels
- Combination panel layouts
Mirrored sliding wardrobes are particularly popular for helping reflect light and make bedrooms feel more spacious
Suitable for a Wide Range of Spaces
Sliding wardrobes can be installed wall-to-wall, wall-to-end panel, or between two end panels, making them an excellent choice for both large and compact bedrooms.
Things to Consider with Sliding Wardrobes
Unlike hinged wardrobes, you can only access part of the wardrobe at one time because one door slides in front of another.
Sliding wardrobes also require a deeper overall construction due to the track system.
Typically:
- Hanging space requires around 550mm internal depth
- Sliding track systems require approximately 100mm additional depth
This means sliding wardrobes generally work best with a finished depth closer to 650mm.
Feature |
Hinged Wardrobes |
Sliding Wardrobes |
|---|---|---|
| Full access to wardrobe interior | ✓ | ✗ |
| Suitable for smaller bedrooms | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traditional furniture-style appearance | ✓ | ✗ |
| Modern appearance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mirrored door options | ✓ | ✓ |
| External drawer layouts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Requires clearance space in front | ✓ | ✗ |
| Wider choice of door styles and colours | ✓ | ✗ |
| Best for wall-to-wall installations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to entire wardrobe at once | ✓ | ✗ |
Which Option Is Best?
There is no “right” answer — it depends entirely on your room, storage requirements, and preferred style.
Hinged Wardrobes May Suit You Best If:
- You want full access to the wardrobe interior
- You have enough space for outward opening doors
- You prefer a more traditional or furniture-style look
- You want maximum internal flexibility
- You like the option of external drawers and feature sections
Whilst sliding wardrobes are often associated with smaller bedrooms, hinged wardrobes can work equally well in compact spaces provided there is sufficient clearance for the doors to open comfortably.
Sliding Wardrobes May Suit You Best If:
- Space is limited
- You want a modern appearance
- You prefer large mirrored or glass panels
- Your bed or furniture sits close to the wardrobe
Our Advice
The best fitted wardrobes are always the ones designed specifically around the room and how you use the space.
At Alcove Joinery, we take the time to discuss layouts, styles, finishes, and practical day-to-day use before recommending a solution.
Whether you are considering hinged or sliding wardrobes, we can provide guidance, design ideas, and a tailored layout to suit your room.
Looking for Fitted Wardrobes in Edinburgh?
We design and install bespoke fitted wardrobes across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.
If you are considering a fitted wardrobe project, feel free to get in touch with:
- Rough dimensions
- Photos of the room
- Style ideas or inspiration
- Thoughts on internal layout
We would be happy to provide a guide estimate and discuss the best option for your space.