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No Space for a Walk-in? Go for a Capsule Wardrobe Instead

The open-concept capsule wardrobe is here to stay – and this is why they can be a good alternative to walk-ins.

Many homeowners dream of having a walk-in wardrobe, which is all well and good but only if you have the space for it.

Bishan Street 24 by Ethereall
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While there are ways to work around space constraints, such as downsizing/customising your bed and furnishings, they can be a hassle. So, what’s the alternative? We’d say getting a capsule wardrobe.

While our quick Instagram poll showed that most homeowners aren’t huge fans of this open-concept storage idea (79%), it did have supporters (21%) who were alright with making the switch.

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To help you understand why some homeowners are for the open-concept capsule wardrobe, we’ve highlighted some practical and aesthetical reasons, plus some mini adjustments you can make to improve its overall functionality (read: methods to keep the dust out)!


1. Have a mix of open and enclosed storage units

Capsule wardrobes are highly customisable fixtures. Why? Well, you have total freedom in mixing and matching your storage solutions to your needs. By having a combination of open shelves and enclosed storage solutions, this particular configuration is practicality at its best – your clothes remain easily accessible, while any accessories are kept dust-free thanks to covered displays.

Tampines Street 61 by D5 Studio Image
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2. Fits into any void or dead space

Perhaps you have knocked down a wall (or two) in your bedroom, but now that the space is open, there’s a void that needs filling up. That’s where the capsule wardrobe comes in. Since it lacks cumbersome carpentry, you don’t really need much space for it. Check out how these homeowners worked one into their newly expanded master bedroom, which also serves as a space divider.

Bishan Street 24 by Ethereall
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3. Frees up floor space

As mentioned above, one of the biggest issues of a walk-in is that it eats up a lot of floor space. With a capsule wardrobe, you can bypass this particular struggle simply by mounting it on a wall. Not only does this free up your floor for additional fixtures (like a raised platform, for example), but it also maximises other empty walls – a win-win in our books!

Tiong Poh Road by Third Avenue Studio
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4. It’s even possible to have one in a loft space

While most people usually convert lofts into a study or a cosy corner, it can be tough sometimes because they can be a little too tight. Instead, consider maximising your square footage by having an open-concept wardrobe. All you just have to do is install a wardrobe system and you are good to go.

Marine Blue by Prozfile Design
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5. You can keep a wardrobe mobile by using racks…

One of the major pluses of a capsule wardrobe is its potential mobility. Instead of installing it, why not build one using lighter racks? This way, you can still ‘uproot’ the wardrobe and bring it along if you move in the future.

Oh, and because these loose fixtures are rather compact in size, you can hide them away behind a curtain!

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6. … or add in baskets to keep things dust-free

Having to dust your wardrobe weekly isn’t the most appealing chore for sure, but it’s possible to get around it. These homeowners solved the issue with a few minor additions/adjustments – shelves to rest lightweight baskets on, and a set of drawers that keep the dust out of smaller bits and bobs.

Cantonment Road by Space Factor
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7. Cost-effective, and great for morning rush

Because it is considered carpentry, a walk-in wardrobe’s not the most wallet-friendly option. The capsule wardrobe, however, is a different story. You can get one off the shelf at major e-commerce sites like EZbuy or Lazada without breaking the bank – in fact, we’ve seen a few going for just $30!

And that’s not the only plus – the open shelves make it really easy to pick out clothes, especially in the mornings when you’re pressed for time!

Sembawang Close by Butler Interior
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