If you’re deciding between an open concept wardrobe and a traditional built-in closet for your home in Singapore, the best choice comes down to your lifestyle needs.
- Choose an open concept wardrobe if you value flexibility, customisation, and modern aesthetics—especially for walk-in wardrobes, evolving storage needs, or if you may relocate in the future.
- Choose a traditional built-in wardrobe if you prefer fully enclosed carpentry with seamless integration—ideal for designs with bay windows, overbed storage, or if you’re building a fixed long-term layout.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these two types of wardrobes, show how each fits into different home scenarios, and help you choose the best storage solution for your space.
What Is an Open Concept Wardrobe?
An open concept wardrobe is a type of wardrobe that is modular in concept. It uses pre-engineered components like metal poles, panels, drawers, and baskets—assembled with factory precision. These wardrobes are typically installed within a day or two and can be reconfigured or expanded over time.
At HausBedroom, our HausFlex and HausPole systems represent Singapore’s first lifestyle-based modular wardrobe solutions, built with German CNC precision and designed around how real families live.
Unlike what many homeowners assume, open concept wardrobes aren’t just for walk-ins or minimalists. Their visibility, accessibility, and configurability make them a smart choice for BTO units, resale flats, or even service yards.
Key benefits:
- Custom layouts tailored to your lifestyle
- Easy to expand, move, or reconfigure
- Quick installation with minimal disruption
- Works for both typical closets and walk-in wardrobes
Can an Open Concept Wardrobe Be Closed Off?
Absolutely. If you prefer a more enclosed look, you can add:
- Sliding glass or laminated doors
- Soft-closing bi-fold door
- Curtains or translucent screens
and drywall partitions to enclose the wardrobe.
These options offer privacy and dust protection without sacrificing the flexibility and aesthetic of a modular, pole system wardrobe.
What Is a traditional built-in Wardrobe?
A traditional built-in wardrobe is a custom plywood-based closet constructed on-site during renovation. It’s fully integrated into the room’s structure and usually has swing or sliding doors. Built-ins are common in carpentry packages offered by interior designers and tend to follow a fixed layout. This is also offerred by Hausbedroom under our custom carpentry for bedroom.
Most interior designers in Singapore still default to traditional built-in wardrobe or also known as casement wardrobes when planning homes. This is partly due to convention and partly due to integration with the overall carpentry concept. However, it’s important for homeowners to know that alternatives do exist. Open concept wardrobe systems offer a clean, modern, and highly adaptable alternative to traditional carpentry — often at a similar or even lower price point.
Key features:
- Fixed structure, usually made from plywood
- Hinged doors that swing outward
- Traditional and familiar design style
- Built on-site, less adaptable after installation
Open concept vs traditional built-in wardrobe comparison
(feature-by-feature breakdown)
Feature | Open concept wardrobe | Traditional wardrobe |
|---|---|---|
Installation Time | 1-2 days | 3 days – 1 week |
Post-installation customizability | Adjustable, reconfigurable | Fixed once installed |
Durability | Metal parts are rust
and moisture resistant | Varies by carpenter’s skill and materials |
Formaldehyde | Lower/Minimum (if choose fully metal) | Higher due to more wooden planks & HPL laminates being used |
Post installation upgradibility | Easy to add shelves, hanging, and accesories | Requires dismantling and rework |
Post installation mobility | Able to be moved to new location | Dismantling would damage structure |
Open concept or Traditional? Choose Based on Lifestyle
🏠 The New Homeowner
You’re collecting your BTO keys soon and want something fast, clean, and flexible. You appreciate modern design and want a wardrobe that grows with your life.
- Recommended: Open concept wardrobe
- Why: Fast installation, flexible configuration, cost-efficient.
❤️ The Couple Designing a Forever Home
You’re investing in a long-term space with a strong aesthetic.
Concealead storage and fully customized.
- Recommended: Traditional built-in
- Why: Flush finishes, integrated into your carpentry theme.
🏡 The Reseller or Landlord
You may rent out or sell the unit in future and want something elegant but non-permanent and cheaper
- Recommended: Open concept wardrobe
- Why: Easy to relocate or update for future tenants.
🧍♀️ The Fashion-Forward Individual
You own multiple pieces and love styling your wardrobe display.
You need visibility and maximum access.
- Recommended: Open concept wardrobe
- Why: Boutique-like visibility, reconfigurable hanging sections.
🎓 The Young Family
Your kids are growing and so are your storage needs. Flexibility is non-negotiable.
- Recommended: Open concept wardrobe
- Why: Adjustable hanging height, expandable drawers, clean build process.
When traditional built-in wardrobes Still Make Sense
While modular systems offer greater flexibility, casement wardrobes can still be a practical choice for certain spaces:
- Irregular or unusually shaped niches and corners
- Preference for traditional hinged-door designs
- Need for a combination of open shelves and closed compartments
That said, such wardrobe results vary based on the carpenter’s expertise and finishing quality. For reliable craftsmanship, explore our custom carpenty options.
HausPole and HausFlex: A Smarter Way to Store
At HausBedroom, we designed the open concept wardrobe to meet the needs of modern, space-conscious living in Singapore. It’s engineered for maximum usability, aesthetic appeal, and future-ready adaptability.
- Precision-cut panels using German CNC machinery
- Clean and fast installation process
- Sleek open-pole or enclosed panel configurations
- Eco-conscious, low-VOC materials
Learn why we’re trusted for Carpentry/renovation projectsin Singapore.
Final Thoughts: Which Wardrobe Should You Choose?
Choose Open concept wardrobe if:
- You want flexibility and future-proof design
- You prefer a quick, hassle-free installation
- You might move homes or reconfigure your layout in the future
Choose Traditional built-in if:
- You love a mix of open and closed shelf designs
- You prefer a traditional look with hinged doors
Still unsure? Book a Consultation with our team. We’ll guide you through the best options based on your floor plan, lifestyle, and budget.
📍 Let’s Plan Your Dream Wardrobe
Explore HausFlex and HausPole , or connect with us via WhatsApp consultation .
Want real feedback? Visit our Reviews to see how other Singapore
homeowners created their ideal wardrobes.