10 things you need to know about fitted wardrobes

Fitted wardrobes will instantly create more space and can be tailored to your room and lifestyle.

Desperately seeking more storage space in your bedroom? You’re not alone. Wardrobes across the UK are bursting with clothes, shoes and whatever else we can cram in. Freestanding wardrobes compound the problem because they don’t make the most of space or allow for customisation.

A simple way to boost your bedroom storage is with built-in wardrobes. They instantly create more space – three times more, to be exact – and are available in sizes and finishes to suit all sorts of spaces.

Read on to discover what you need to know before installing fitted wardrobes.

1. You’ll get more space

Freestanding wardrobes have gaps above and to the side that are crying out to be filled with knickknacks and dust. In contrast, fitted wardrobes can be tailored to fit the full height of the room. Even if a bedroom is an awkward shape, a fitted wardrobe can turn even the tightest corner into a workable home for belongings.

2. You’re making an investment

Now for the bad news. Unlike a freestanding wardrobe, you can’t take a fitted wardrobe with you when you move house. However, there’s a silver lining, says Matthew Nagel, director at Neatsmith. “Your investment is always recouped when you sell your house because of the premium that buyers put on storage, especially in London homes,” he explains.

3. Choose from all budget levels

There’s an excellent choice of companies offering fitted wardrobes at a variety of price points. These range from mass-market retailers, such as Homebase and B&Q, to fitted furniture specialists such as Neville Johnson.

If your budget allows, a bespoke furniture company will design and hand make wardrobes to suit your space and style. It’s costly, but the benefit is that you won’t have to adapt your ideas to an off-the-shelf solution.

4. Recommendations yield the best results

Irrespective of where you buy your fitted wardrobes, always ask friends and family for recommendations. Read online reviews too, and make sure you visit showrooms to see and feel the quality of the products. Go to at least three to narrow down your options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions what companies offer.

If you opt for a bespoke furniture company or a local carpenter, ask to see a portfolio of their work. Ideally, visit previous projects and use the opportunity to chat to the homeowner about the company, its service and how problems were handled.

5. Future proofing will keep the look fresh

If you want to keep things simple, choose a company that will manage the work from concept to completion, and that will help with design and installation. This can avoid costly mistakes as well as stress.

Given that fitted wardrobes are a long-lasting solution, it’s essential you choose a future-proofed option that you know will still suit your personal taste in years to come. “We’d advise determining the colour palette of your room before you start adding different furniture elements,” advises Rachel Hutcheson of Sharps.

6. Doors make a difference

Think about the size and shape of your bedroom as well as your personal preference when you’re choosing wardrobe doors. If you’re short on space, opt for sliding or bi-fold doors so you don’t need as much room for them to open.

Small bedrooms also benefit from mirrored doors, as they create the illusion of a larger room and provide a full-length mirror without taking up valuable floorspace.

7. Prep is key

Before you start on your fitted wardrobe project, you’ll need to take some measurements. First, determine what the ceiling height is at both ends of the room as well as the middle. This will reveal whether or not the wardrobe needs to accommodate a sagging ceiling.

Secondly, check the floor is level. “This is yet another ‘need-to-know’ piece of information, as fitted furniture can now be designed to meet exact dimensions or variation in floor level,” says Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval. “When it comes to the surface material of the floor, I would recommend your wardrobes be fitted onto a hard floor. When fitted on carpet, the wardrobe can drop over time as a result of the carpet settling and this will undoubtedly affect its once-flawless finish.”

8. Made to measure means just that

Does the room include coving or skirting boards? If yes, then ensure you provide the dimensions of any fixed details that are protruding. They’ll alter how the back of your wardrobe is designed, so must be accommodated to make a flush, tailor-made finish.

Do any electrical plugs need moving before installation? “If moving an outlet is just not possible, then bespoke fitted furniture will provide a solution to conceal unsightly wires, cables or controls for integral lighting as well as maintain easy access. Just make sure you mention these requirements at time of concept,” says Simon.

9. You’ll need to prepare the room

“We generally advise that you don’t decorate your room prior to fitting,” says Rachel. “However, as our wardrobes are fitted without backs and sides as standard, if you’re planning to redecorate the walls, then you may wish to do this before installation as these walls will be on show when the doors are open. In addition, we ask that customers remove all furniture from their bedroom prior to installation and if carpet is fitted, to roll it back in the area where the new wardrobes will be situated.”

10. Choose interior options to suit your lifestyle

The inside of your wardrobe must be as beautiful as the outside. Make sure you choose a company that offers the right range of options for your specific storage needs.

“Whether you have an abundance of tailored suits or a passion for the occasional Jimmy Choo, there’s a variety of hidden-away or display options to suit you and your lifestyle,” says Simon.

Ask about hanging rails, shoe and trouser racks, and specialist pull-out shelving to suit your needs. Some companies also offer space for media devices and integral illumination.