More and more homeowners are turning to fitted wardrobes as a smart way to save space and make their homes look nicer. In this guide, we’ll look at why fitted wardrobes are so great and help you see why they’re worth considering for your own home. We’ll talk about all the good things they can do, from making the most of your space to adding a touch of style to your rooms.
What Are Custom Wardrobes?
Custom wardrobes, also called built-in wardrobes, are storage solutions designed to fit your specific space perfectly. Unlike standalone furniture, these wardrobes use every bit of available room, from top to bottom and side to side.
Benefits of Custom Wardrobes
- Making the Most of Your Space
One of the main advantages of custom wardrobes is how well they use space. By using the full height, width, and depth of your room, you can greatly increase your storage capacity. This is especially helpful in smaller homes or rooms with unusual layouts.
- Made Just for You
Custom wardrobes offer unmatched personalisation. You can pick from many styles, finishes, and internal layouts to match your personal taste and storage needs. Whether you like a modern look or a more traditional style, your custom wardrobe can be designed to match your home’s decor.
- Storage That Fits Your Needs
With custom wardrobes, you can create a storage system that’s just right for you. This might include space for long dresses, shelves for folded clothes, drawers for smaller items, or special sections for shoes or jewellery.
- Adding Value to Your Home
Well-designed custom wardrobes can be a big selling point, potentially increasing your home’s value. They offer future homeowners a ready-made storage solution, which can be attractive in the property market.
- Making Your Room Look Better
Custom wardrobes create a smooth, integrated look in your room. They can be designed to blend in with your existing decor or stand out as a feature, improving the overall look of your space.
- Fitting into Tricky Spaces
Unlike standalone furniture, custom wardrobes can be designed to work around things like sloped ceilings, fireplaces, or awkward corners. This makes them great for attic conversions, older properties, or any home with unusually shaped rooms.
| Feature | Fitted Wardrobes | Freestanding Wardrobes |
| Space Utilisation | Maximises available space, floor to ceiling | Often leaves unused space |
| Customisation | Fully customisable to your needs and space | Limited to available designs and sizes |
| Adaptability to Room Features | Can work around awkward spaces, sloped ceilings, etc. | Limited adaptability to room features |
| Storage Capacity | Maximised for the specific space | Fixed capacity based on product size |
| Impact on Property Value | Potential to increase property value | Typically no impact on property value |
| Style Options | Unlimited designs to match your décor | Limited to available designs in the market |
Custom Wardrobes Around the House
While bedrooms are the most common place for custom wardrobes, they can be useful in many areas of your home:
- Living Rooms: Create stylish storage for books, media, and display items.
- Home Offices: Design efficient workspaces with built-in storage for files and equipment.
- Kitchens: Maximise storage for cookware, appliances, and food items.
- Bathrooms: Use every inch of space for toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies.
- Hallways and Landing Areas: Turn unused spaces into practical storage areas for coats, shoes, and household items.
The Design Process
When choosing custom wardrobes, you’ll usually go through these steps:
- First Meeting: Talk about your needs, likes, and budget with a custom furniture expert.
- Design and Planning: Work with designers to create a solution that makes the most of your space and meets your storage needs.
- Choosing Materials and Finishes: Pick from a range of materials, colours, and finishes to match your home’s style.
- Installation: Professional fitters will install your custom wardrobes with minimal disruption to your home.
Thinking About Cost
While custom wardrobes might cost more at first compared to standalone options, they offer long-term value:
- They’re built to last, so you won’t need to replace them often.
- They make the most of your space, potentially removing the need for extra furniture.
- Well-fitted wardrobes can help keep your room warm.
- They might increase your property value when you sell your home.
Keeping Them in Good Shape
Custom wardrobes are generally easy to maintain and last a long time. Regular dusting and occasional checks on hinges and sliding parts are usually enough to keep them in good condition. Many companies offer warranties on their products, giving you peace of mind about your investment.
How much time does it take to set up built-in wardrobes?
The time needed can change based on how big and complex your project is. A basic wardrobe might be done in a few days, but larger or more intricate designs could take weeks. Our team give you a more precise schedule for your specific project.
If I move house, can I take my built-in wardrobes with me?
Built-in wardrobes are usually meant to stay put. While it’s possible to take them apart and put them back together, it’s not a good idea because they’re made to fit a specific space. If you think you might move soon, talk to our designers about this. We might be able to create a design that’s easier to move.
Are built-in wardrobes more costly than regular wardrobes?
At first, built-in wardrobes might cost more than regular ones. But they’re often worth it in the long run because they last longer, use space better, and can make your home worth more. It’s best to think of them as an investment in your home.
What if my room has odd features like slanted ceilings or chimney breasts?
Built-in wardrobes are great for rooms with unusual features. Our professional designers can create custom solutions that work around slanted ceilings, chimney breasts, alcoves, or any other odd parts of your room. In fact, these challenges often lead to unique and very efficient storage solutions.
Can I change how my built-in wardrobes look in the future?
Yes, you can update how your built-in wardrobes look without replacing the whole thing. Many people freshen up their wardrobes by changing the doors, handles, or inside fittings.
What’s the best material for built-in wardrobes?
The best material depends on your budget, style likes, and practical needs. Common choices include:
- MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): Affordable, versatile, and can be painted or covered with a thin layer of wood.
- Solid Wood: Long-lasting and luxurious, but more expensive.
- Plywood: Strong and doesn’t warp easily, good for bigger structures.
- Chipboard: Cheaper but not as long-lasting as other options.
Looking for a Wardrobe That Fits Just Right? Get in Touch with G&M
At G&M, we make custom-built wardrobes designed to use your space well and suit your taste. We offer free design meetings, well-made products, expert setups, and fair prices. Our team can help you create a storage answer that’s made for you and improves your home.
Want to know how much it might cost? We’d be happy to give you a free estimate. Give us a call at 01206 212913, send an email to info@gandmltd.co.uk, or come see us at Unit 3, 91 London Road, Copford, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1LG.
We’d love to work with you on making the wardrobe you’ve always wanted.