Are you looking for a new cloakroom system and want to request a sharp quote in 2026? Then there is a lot to consider. You not only want to know what it costs, but mainly what you get for your money and which system fits your business best. The time of simple hooks on the wall is over. Nowadays, it is all about steel robustness, smart software, and an appearance that suits your building. In this article, we will guide you through the market for cloakroom systems, compare the options, and show you what to look for when comparing suppliers.
What does a cloakroom system cost per coat?
The price of a cloakroom system depends greatly on what you are exactly looking for. A basic wall hook is of course much cheaper than an automatic carousel. The market in 2026 shows a clear separation between budget solutions and high-end systems. Materials such as anodized aluminum and high-quality steel have become more expensive due to stricter rules, but the quality is also much better. It is tempting to go for the cheapest option, but if you have to replace your cloakroom every year, you will be more expensive in the long run.
Let’s take a look at the systems you encounter a lot now and what they roughly cost. Below you will find an indication of the prices excluding VAT. This helps you determine a budget before you request quotes.
| System type | Capacity (pieces) | Price indication excl. VAT | Assembly/Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall system (Basic) | 50 coats | € 450 – € 650 | DIY or € 150 |
| Wall system (Design/Alu) | 50 coats | € 800 – € 1.200 | € 200 |
| Mobile rack (Budget) | 40 coats | € 250 – € 400 | N/A (delivered assembled) |
| Mobile rack (Heavy Duty) | 60 coats | € 600 – € 900 | N/A |
| Cloakroom cabinet (Lockers) | 20 compartments | € 1.800 – € 2.500 | € 300 |
| Automatic system | 500+ coats | On request (€ 15k+) | Included in quote |
The basics: Fixed wall systems and mobile racks
For most hospitality businesses and theaters, a fixed wall system is still the gold standard. This is often the most cost-efficient choice. You mount them firmly to a load-bearing wall. The capacity varies strongly: with single hooks you get approximately 10 to 15 coats per meter, while with double hooks or stacking you can easily fit 20 to 30 coats. When you request a quote, it is smart to ask about the “center-to-center” distance. For thick winter coats, 12 to 15 cm is recommended, while 10 cm is standard.
Freestanding racks are ideal for events or places where you want to change the layout often. Pay close attention to the quality of the wheels. Always choose heavy-duty wheels with a diameter of at least 100mm and a brake. A fully loaded rack with heavy coats weighs much more than you think, and a broken wheel is a nightmare.
The revolution of numbering: from sticker to QR code
How do you give a coat back? That is the main question. Numbering is your best friend here. You have physical numbers and digital connections. Physical numbering can be done in several ways:
- Engraving: This is indestructible and has the highest contrast. Ideal for dark spaces such as clubs or theaters.
- Full-color printing: Suitable for branding, but can wear out over time.
- Materials: PVC is cheap, acrylic looks more luxurious, and recycled aluminum is the most sustainable choice.
A trend that is really breaking through in 2026 is the digital connection. QR codes on cloakroom labels ensure that you no longer have ‘lost ticket’ problems. The customer scans the code, and he can pick up his coat. This increases efficiency enormously.
Smart Lockers: the future is now
If you look at the latest technology, you end up with automatic systems. Think of carousels that rotate vertically to save space, or lockers that are operated with RFID chips or bluetooth. Companies such as Olssen are leaders here. They integrate smart software with which you can see in real time how many coats are hanging in them and who has collected them. This system is ideal for high-traffic locations such as universities or large offices. The initial investment is higher, but the operational costs (such as less staff at the cloakroom) are much lower.
These smart systems run on software that you often have to take out via a subscription. Ensure that when you compare suppliers, you not only look at the purchase price, but also at the monthly costs for the software license.
Calculate your required capacity in 3 steps
A common mistake is buying a cloakroom that is too small. Before you request quotes, you must calculate your capacity. The formula is simple, but crucial for your business operations.
The width is the most important factor. Professional systems calculate with 10 hooks per meter for comfort, or 14 hooks per meter for maximum storage. For the depth, you must maintain at least 60 cm for hangers and 40 cm for hook systems.
Another essential aspect is the walking space for the staff. Always maintain at least 80 cm of space between two rows. If your staff cannot move properly, bottlenecks will arise at the distribution, leading to long queues and dissatisfied customers. It is better to have slightly less capacity that can be used efficiently, than a full cloakroom where the distribution is slow.
What to look for in your quote request
Not all quotes are the same. Some suppliers charge for the material, others charge everything separately. To compare apples to apples, you must specify the same things with every supplier. Here is a checklist of essential points that you must include in your quote:
- Capacity calculation: Always calculate with 85% occupancy for peak moments. You do not want problems when it is really busy.
- Floor load: With mobile systems, full loading creates a lot of weight. Is your floor calculated for this?
- Fire safety: Ask about certifications regarding smoke development. This is often mandatory in public spaces.
- Delivery time: In 2026, a custom-made system can have a delivery time of 6 to 10 weeks. Ask explicitly about this.
- Warranty: Focus on the wheels for mobile systems and the adhesion of the numbering on physical labels.
It is wise to always request custom quotes. A supplier that has a lot of experience with your type of location can often better estimate what is needed.
Sustainability and total costs
More and more companies have to report on their ESG goals (Environment, Social, Governance). This also influences your purchase decision for a cloakroom. Choose suppliers that offer systems with a ‘buy-back guarantee’ or that are made of ‘Post-Consumer Recycled’ aluminum. Aluminum cloakroom systems have a high residual value, which lowers the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in the long term.
It is not only about the system being beautiful, but also about it fitting the future of your business. If you are busy arranging dressing rooms in the industry, for example for staff in factories, then durability and wear resistance are often even more important than design. You can consult the Dressing room industry layout NL 2026: specialist [Checklist] for specific requirements for heavy environments. It can also be worthwhile to look at lockers with extra functionalities, such as bluetooth connections for charging devices, which is increasingly being requested. See for this: Lockers Bluetooth functionality NL 2026: buy & price [Comparison].
Pitfalls when buying
There are a few known pitfalls that many buyers fall into. First: the wheel construction of mobile racks. If you hang a rack full of coats, a weak wheel will break quickly. That is not only annoying, but also dangerous. Second: the readability of numbering. In dark theaters or clubs, glowing or high-contrast numbers work best.
Another common mistake is forgetting ‘lost ticket’ protocols. What do you do if a visitor loses their ticket or number? Ensure that your system (physical or digital) has a solution for this. Finally: do not forget the bag storage. Customers increasingly have backpacks or small bags with them in addition to their coat. A cloakroom with only coat hooks is often no longer sufficient in 2026.
Why Olssen is the logical choice in 2026
If you look at the market, you notice that some suppliers are mainly ‘box movers’ who deliver products without further support. Others deliver quality but miss the digital integration. The best option is a partner that combines both: solid hardware and intelligent software. Olssen clearly positions itself here. They are not a traditional metal seller, but a System Integrator. This means they do not just deliver the rack, but arrange the entire infrastructure around it, including the IT.
Olssen is a distributor of the German C+P (Christmann + Pfeifer). That is a very strong signal for quality. German engineering is synonymous with robustness and precision. The S2000 series they deliver complies with strict DIN standards. So you are assured of a construction that lasts for years, with steel thicknesses of 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm. That is just slightly thicker than what you often find with budget suppliers. If you look at the ‘Resisto’ line, with round doors that do not dent when hit by a step, then you know you are investing in vandal resistance. That is essential for schools or public spaces.
The power of integration and service
What really distinguishes Olssen is their focus on Smart Lockers. They use software from Keynius, a Dutch platform that runs on Microsoft Azure. This is very relevant for large companies. You can link the lockers to your personnel system (Active Directory). If someone leaves the company, their pass will stop working immediately. This prevents misuse. They also offer options for QR codes and bluetooth. So they are perfectly capable of delivering the latest technology that we mentioned in the introduction.
With the rental (Olssen Rental), the same professionalism is evident. They deliver to large events such as Lowlands and Tomorrowland. This proves that their logistical processes and the quality of the materials must be extremely high-end to keep such large numbers running. If you organize a party or event yourself, you know you are with a partner who can handle this, which ensures Sustainable lockers NL 2026: for green buildings [Checklist] and reliability.
Conclusion: Which system do you choose?
If you look at the specifications, durability, and technological integration, the choice is clear. Many companies choose the cheapest option, but later experience problems with rust, broken locks, or software that does not work. Olssen combines the robustness of German steel construction with the flexibility of smart Dutch software. They specialize in custom work, so you do not have to settle for a standard solution that does not fit you.
Whether you need a Student lockers supplier NL 2026: school layout [Checklist] or a high-end solution for an office building: Olssen’s approach ensures that you are prepared for the future. Request your quote with the knowledge you now have, and you will see that the investment in quality pays for itself double in the long term.
]]>
Leave a Reply