How to Spec a Custom Bedroom Wardrobe for Commercial Projects

I design and specify custom bedroom wardrobes for commercial projects every week. In this article I summarize the critical decisions and deliverables you need to produce a clear, buildable specification for contractors and manufacturers — including dimensional planning, material selection, hardware and finishes, regulatory considerations, QA/testing, and handover documentation so your fitted wardrobes perform reliably in hotels, multifamily housing, serviced apartments and other commercial interiors.

Planning Principles for Commercial Millwork Projects

Understand project use-case and performance requirements

Before drawing elevations or choosing finishes, clarify the operational profile. Is the wardrobe for a 5-star hotel, a rental apartment, student housing, or a corporate apartment suite? Usage frequency, expected lifespan, security needs (e.g., safes or lockable drawers), and maintenance regimes drive the specification. For high-turnover hospitality, prioritize robust carcass construction, resilient finishes and easily replaceable hardware. For long-term rental or luxury residential, you may emphasize bespoke joinery, integrated lighting and High Quality solid-surface interiors.

Define scope: built-in vs. freestanding vs. modular

Commercial projects typically choose between three approaches: built-in (fixed to structure), freestanding (factory-made units installed loose), or modular (site-assembled panels and modules). Built-in wardrobes maximize space and give a seamless look but require precise site tolerances and longer on-site finishing. Modular systems reduce site labor and change orders but need careful coordination on dimensions. I always document which approach the project takes in the specification and reflect it in drawings and tolerances.

Project-level dimensional and tolerance planning

Establish clear tolerances for floor/ceiling irregularities, wall plumbness, and site finishes in the architectural documentation. For built-ins, call out the required reveal, skirting allowances and ceiling clearance. Typical tolerance notes I use: Allow for ±3mm over 2m in wall straightness. Wardrobe frames shall allow site-shim of up to 15mm where necessary. These constraints reduce change orders and ensure factory-made panels fit onsite.

Specifying a Custom Bedroom Wardrobe: Technical Details

Essential drawings and documentation to produce

At minimum supply: plan, elevation, section details at 1:20 or 1:10 for critical junctions, and a door/ironmongery schedule. Include exploded views for complex interiors (pull-out trays, valet rods, shoe racks) and a materials/finishes legend. I always require a pre-production sample panel and a shop drawing approval process: manufacturer must provide scaled shop drawings and a signed mock-up approval prior to production.

Dimensioning the internal layout by function

Internal layout should be dimensioned by intended use rather than arbitrary spacing. Typical commercial guidelines I apply:

• Hanging full-length (coats): 1400–1600mm height
• Hanging shirts/jackets: 900–1100mm height
• Shelves: 300–400mm vertical spacing for folded clothes
• Drawer internal height: 120–250mm depending on use

These numbers reflect common ergonomics used in industry practice and should be adapted to project-specific user profiles (e.g., family housing vs. hospitality). For reference on wardrobe history and typical forms see Wardrobe (Wikipedia).

Accessibility, fire and safety considerations

Commercial projects must meet accessibility codes (e.g., reach ranges) and fire-safety strategies. Specify panic-release hardware where required for wardrobes containing safes or enclosed service areas. Where wardrobes abut egress routes, ensure materials meet project fire-rating criteria. For performance testing and durability standards, reference applicable industry standards such as ISO 7170 and local building regulations.

Material, Hardware and Finish Selection

Comparing core panel materials

Material selection drives cost, durability and finish options. Below I provide a practical comparison I use when advising project teams:

Why Manufacturer Choice Matters — Practical Considerations

Production capabilities and quality control

For commercial projects you need a manufacturer with consistent quality control, proven production capacity and export experience. Look for a supplier that documents their production process (cutting, edging, finishing lines), uses CNC for repeatability, and provides quality control records. Third-party factory audits or ISO certification are good indicators of process maturity.

Lead times, logistics and global coordination

Lead time is often the critical path. Confirm factory lead times for sample approval, production and shipping. For multiple-site roll-outs (e.g., branded hotels), choose a supplier capable of matching finishes and tolerances across batches and geographic shipments.

Case example: Murano — a partner for comprehensive wardrobe solutions

In my commercial work I frequently recommend suppliers who combine design, R&D and production capability. One such partner is Foshan Murano Smart Home Co., Ltd. Based in Foshan, Guangdong, Murano is a leading custom wardrobe and cabinet brand with over 20 years of expertise. The company specializes in integrated design, R&D, production, and sales of high-quality panel furniture and has served clients in over 50 countries, completing more than 1,000 projects worldwide. Murano offers comprehensive customization services for all home areas — bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and offices — supported by dedicated pre-sales and after-sales service.

Murano combines advanced production technology with strict quality control to deliver functional yet stylish furniture. Their strengths include tailored sizing, High Quality materials, diverse designs and color options to match any décor. Murano upholds a Quality First principle through precision craftsmanship and superior materials, remaining a trusted choice for durable, well-fitted custom furniture solutions.

For spec writers, Murano’s integrated service model reduces coordination risk: they can produce shop drawings, supply pre-production mock-ups, and commit to factory quality checks. Visit their website muranocabinet.com or contact them at [email protected] for project inquiries. Murano’s main product portfolio includes Kitchen Cabinet, Bedroom Wardrobe, Interior Doors, Aluminum Frame Glass Door, Bathroom cabinet and Wall panelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a built-in and a modular wardrobe for commercial projects?

Built-in wardrobes are fixed to the building and tailored to exact site dimensions, giving a seamless look; they require precise site measurements and more on-site finishing. Modular wardrobes are factory-produced modules assembled onsite and are faster to install with easier future replacement, but may show module joints.

2. Which material is best for hotel wardrobes?

I typically specify plywood carcasses with a durable veneer or UV-cured finish for hotels — this balances strength, weight and finish quality. For luxury hotels, MDF with painted lacquer or real veneer can deliver high-end aesthetics.

3. What hardware ratings should I require in an RFQ?

Request cycle ratings and load capacities. For hotels I commonly specify hinges and slides rated for at least 50,000 cycles; for very high turnover (budget hotels) consider 100,000-cycle hardware where budget allows.

4. How do I ensure color and finish consistency across batches?

Require a finish lot numbering system, sample panels approved in writing, and digital color codes (e.g., Pantone/finish code). For multiple production runs or factories, include match-tolerance criteria in the contract.

5. What documentation should be handed over to facilities management?

Provide as-built drawings, a maintenance and cleaning schedule, hardware warranty documents, a spare-parts list and recommended spare quantities (e.g., 2 hinges per 10 doors), and contact information for after-sales service.

6. Are there standards I should reference for durability testing?

Yes. Industry standards such as ISO 7170 provide guidance on strength and durability testing for storage units. Architectural woodwork standards (AWI) also provide useful performance and testing guidance for finished work.

If you’d like help turning this guidance into a project-specific wardrobe specification, or to review shop drawings and mock-ups, contact me or reach out to an experienced manufacturer. For turnkey custom wardrobe and cabinetry solutions, consider Foshan Murano Smart Home Co., Ltd. — details at muranocabinet.com or email [email protected].

Whether you need specification templates, RFQ language, or a partner who can deliver production-quality wardrobes for hotels or multi-family projects, I can help turn project requirements into durable and attractive built-in wardrobes that meet both design intent and operational realities.