The almirah, or wardrobe, is the biggest piece of furniture in an Indian bedroom and often its most used. A modern almirah is built in rather than free-standing: it runs from floor to ceiling, uses a loft for seasonal things and is planned inside for the way you store clothes, saris, bags and valuables. Here are designs that work in different bedrooms.

Sliding or hinged?

  • Sliding almirah: needs no space for doors to swing, so it suits rooms where the bed is close to the wardrobe. Only half opens at a time.
  • Hinged almirah: opens fully, is easier to fit inside and to repair, and costs a little less.

Our guide to sliding vs hinged wardrobes compares them in detail.

Sliding wardrobe in marble finish with brass inlay grid, Bhaskar’s villa in JP Nagar (3D design)
3D design visualisation prepared for a ModScale client, not a photograph of a completed home. See the full design.

Almirah designs

  • Full-height with loft: uses the wall to the ceiling, with a loft for suitcases and bedding. See wardrobe loft design.
  • Almirah with study desk: a desk set between two wardrobe sections, ideal for guest and kids rooms.
  • Almirah with dresser: a mirror and counter in one bay; see wardrobe with dressing table.
  • Corner almirah: an L-shaped unit that uses a corner fully.
  • Walk-in: in larger homes, open or glass-front storage in a separate dressing area. See walk-in wardrobe design.
Master bedroom study desk built between full-height wardrobes, Komal’s home at Sobha Dream Acres (3D design)
3D design visualisation prepared for a ModScale client, not a photograph of a completed home. See the full design.

Colours and finishes

  • Light wood, white, beige or greige almirahs make a small room feel larger.
  • Sage green, dusty blue or blush shutters work well against plain walls.
  • Fluted, profile-handle or inlay details add interest without clutter.
  • Tinted glass shutters with lights suit walk-in and dressing areas.
Sage green wardrobe with arched cream inlay beside the bed, Chethan’s home (3D design)
3D design visualisation prepared for a ModScale client, not a photograph of a completed home. See the full design.

Inside the almirah

  • Long hanging for saris and dresses, short double hanging for shirts.
  • Drawers for folded clothes and a locker for valuables.
  • Pull-out trousers rail, tie and accessory trays.
  • Use BWP plywood for the carcass, which handles Bangalore humidity better.

For full detail, read wardrobe internal design and modern wardrobe design ideas, or see our wardrobe design service.

Frequently asked questions

Which almirah is best for a small bedroom?

A sliding, full-height almirah in a light finish, with a loft. It needs no door-swing space and uses the wall up to the ceiling.

What is the standard depth of an almirah?

About 21 to 24 inches for hanging clothes. Shallower units of 15 to 18 inches suit folded storage only.

Is a sliding almirah better than a hinged one?

Sliding suits tight rooms; hinged opens fully, is easier to organise and costs a little less. The choice depends on the space in front of the wardrobe.

Which material is best for a bedroom almirah?

BWP plywood for the carcass and shutters, finished in laminate, acrylic or veneer. It resists moisture better than particle board.

Can a study table be built into an almirah?

Yes. A desk between two wardrobe sections, with shelves above, is a popular design for kids and guest bedrooms.

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