Wardrobe with Loft Storage – How to Maximise Every Inch
Most wardrobes stop at 7 feet. In Chennai apartments with 9–10 ft ceilings, that's 2–3 ft of completely wasted vertical space. Here's how to use it.
What Is a Wardrobe Loft?
A wardrobe loft is a storage section built above the main wardrobe body — filling the gap between the top of the wardrobe and the ceiling. In Chennai's apartments (ceiling height typically 9–10 ft), this creates 300–700mm of additional storage that most homeowners leave unused.
Loft storage is ideal for seasonal items, suitcases, rarely-used festival clothing, extra blankets, and other bulky items that shouldn't take up prime wardrobe space.
Three Types of Wardrobe Lofts
Open Shelf Loft
Simple shelves above the wardrobe. No shutters. Easy and affordable. Best for items in covered storage boxes.
Shuttered Loft
Hinged or lift-up shutters over the loft section. Looks integrated with the main wardrobe. Keeps items dust-free.
Suitcase Loft
Extra-high loft (400–600mm) specifically sized to store trolley suitcases standing upright. Common for frequent travellers.
Loft Dimensions
Pull-Down Loft Lifter Mechanisms
A loft lifter (also called a pull-down wardrobe rail) is a spring-loaded mechanism inside a tall wardrobe section that allows you to pull a clothing rail down from above head height to a comfortable level for hanging and removing clothes. Extremely useful for sections where clothes are stored at 1800–2200mm height — no step stool needed.
- Manual spring-loaded loft lifters: ₹3,000–₹5,500 (Ebco, Hafele brands)
- Pneumatic smooth-action models: ₹5,500–₹8,000
- Pull-down range: 900mm (comfortable arm height) to 2200mm storage position
- Weight capacity: 15–25 kg per rail
What to Store in the Loft
- Suitcases and travel bags (roll them in from a step stool once or twice a year)
- Seasonal blankets, quilts, and woollens (in vacuum storage bags)
- Festival wear that's worn only a few times a year (silk sarees, lehengas)
- Extra bedsheets and pillow covers
- Rarely-used items — cricket gear, festive decoration boxes
Don't store: Daily-use items. The loft should only hold things you access once every few weeks at most.
Cost to Add Loft to Wardrobe
| Loft Type | Width | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Open shelf loft | 6 ft | ₹6,000–₹10,000 |
| Shuttered loft (hinged) | 6 ft | ₹12,000–₹18,000 |
| Shuttered loft (lift-up) | 8 ft | ₹18,000–₹28,000 |
| Add loft to existing wardrobe | Any | ₹8,000–₹25,000 |
Use Every Inch of Your Bedroom
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Design Your Wardrobe →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wardrobe loft?
A wardrobe loft is a storage section above the main wardrobe body, sitting between the top of the wardrobe and the ceiling. It can be open shelves, shuttered cabinets, or a dedicated suitcase storage area. The minimum height for a useful loft section is 300mm (about 1 foot).
What is a loft lifter mechanism?
A loft lifter (or pull-down rail) is a spring-loaded mechanism mounted inside a tall wardrobe section that allows you to pull down a clothes rail from above head height without needing a step stool. Very useful for items stored at 1800–2200mm height. Cost: ₹3,000–₹7,000.
What is the ideal height for a wardrobe loft section?
A loft section should be at least 350–400mm high to be useful. Standard items like suitcases (large trolleys) need 400–500mm. The loft section typically sits from 2100–2200mm up to the ceiling (usually at 2700–3000mm in Chennai apartments).
How much does it cost to add a loft to an existing wardrobe?
Adding a loft section to an existing wardrobe costs ₹8,000–₹25,000 depending on width, whether you add shuttered doors, and the finish used. A simple open-shelf loft above an existing wardrobe can be done for ₹8,000–₹12,000.
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