10 Important Tips Before You Get Your Fitted Wardrobes

Fitted wardrobes are an excellent storage option with two main advantages: flexibility to suit any space, while we can also choose any style, material, and color to suit our exact preferences.

Built-in wardrobes are one of the simplest and most effective solutions to maximize storage space in your bedroom, as well as any other rooms. On average, a custom-fitted wardrobe can increase space by 300%, while also allowing flexible customization options.

Thinking of getting a fitted wardrobe for your bedroom? Here are 10 important things you should know before deciding on one:

1. Maximize Your Space

Above, we have mentioned that the main idea of a custom-fitted wardrobe is to make optimal use of your available space. But how exactly?

The space issue with freestanding wardrobes mainly comes from the gaps created to the side and above the wardrobe. These are valuable spaces we can use for storage, but instead, now they are only filled with dust.

A fitted, built-in wardrobe can be tailored to fill the full height of this room, as well as utilizing the side spaces even if the bedroom is awkwardly shaped. So, we can use even the tightest corner as a storage space.

2. Versatility in Budget 

It’s a common misconception that fitted wardrobes always=expensive. While it used to be the case in the past, nowadays we can get a built-in wardrobe at a variety of price ranges from below £800 per lineal meter to above £5,000 for a large bedroom. Mid-range fitted wardrobes will cost around £1,500 per lineal meter.

You can get a relatively affordable fitted wardrobe from mass-market retailers, while here at London Bespoke Interiors, we also offer a specialized service to design a custom-fitted wardrobe according to your needs.

Remember that the main idea of a fitted wardrobe is flexibility. You have the freedom to choose any design, material, and style according to your budget.

3. Fitted Wardrobe as a Long-Term Investment

On one hand, unlike a freestanding wardrobe, you can’t take your built-in fitted wardrobe with you when you decide to sell the house. However, there’s a silver lining to this, as a fitted wardrobe virtually guarantees a high ROI. 

In almost all cases, you will always recoup 100% of the cost of the fitted wardrobe (as long as it’s still in good condition) when it’s finally time to sell the house. This is especially true in London homes, as well as other big cities in England and the UK, with the premium buyers put on storage spaces.

4. Future-Proofing The Fitted Wardrobe

Since as we’ve just discussed, fitted wardrobe is—and should be—a long term investment, it’s important to choose a future-proofed option for the fitted wardrobe, with two main benefits: first, so you can maximize its value as a long-term investment, and second, so it can still suit your personal preferences for the years to come.

In general, decide on a colour palette and overall feel of the room, and the fitted wardrobe should complement this overall style.

5. Choosing The Doors

Wardrobe doors are an important design and functional element of the bespoke wardrobe and can make a significant difference both aesthetics-wise and functional-wise.

For example, if you are a little short on space, sliding wardrobe doors, or bi-fold doors can be a great option since they won’t require too much room to open.

On the other hand, wardrobe doors with glass or mirror materials can enhance the look of small bedrooms, as it can make the room look more spacious without taking any additional space.

6. Measure The Room Properly

Remember that a fitted wardrobe should be ‘fitted’, so a proper measurement of the room is essential to make the most of your investment. 

First, focus on your ceiling height. Measure the ceiling height at both ends, and the middle of the room. If there are any height differences, the bespoke wardrobe might need to accommodate a sagging ceiling.

On the other hand, also check whether your floor is perfectly level. This is important so the fitted wardrobe should be designed to accommodate variations in floor level. Your fitted wardrobe should be fitted on a hard floor, and then you can add your carpet around it after it’s fitted. 

7. More Details About Your Room

Consider all the possible factors in your room that might affect the fitted wardrobe’s installation and placement. For example, does your room include any protruding elements (skirting boards, coving, etc.)? The fitted wardrobe’s backside must be custom-tailored to accommodate these elements, so make sure to provide the correct dimensions to the furniture company.

Also, check out whether you’ll need to move any electrical outlets and wirings before installing the fitted wardrobe. 

If possible, get the furniture company to measure the details of your room so they won’t miss any important elements.

8.Preparing The Room Before Installation

In general, don’t decorate your room before the fitting process is complete. The only exception is when you opt for a fitted wardrobe without backs, so the walls behind will be on show when the doors are opened. In this case, you might want to redecorate or repaint these walls first before installation.

If a carpet is fitted in the room, roll it back in the area where the new fitted wardrobe will be installed, and remove all furniture from the room.

9. Don’t Forget The Wardrobe’s Interior

 The inside of the fitted wardrobe is often overlooked compared to the outside, but it’s actually just as, if not even more important than the exterior. 

When considering your wardrobe’s interior options, you should consider both the aesthetic and functional factors according to your preferences and needs.

For example, if you have a lot of tailored suits, you might need specific design options. Similarly, explore your options for shoe racks, hanging rails, and pull-out shelving to suit your exact needs.

10. Choosing The Right Company

There are plenty of companies and furniture makers to choose from when buying your fitted wardrobes, including the option of buying from retail companies like B&Q or Homebase.

In general, ask friends and family for recommendations, and also check for online reviews. These will help you narrow down your options to find the right furniture company according to your needs and budgets.

Visit showrooms to check the overall quality of their product, and if possible, visit previous projects and ask the homeowner for their experience with the company.

End Words

Here at London Bespoke Interiors, we provide a specialized service in designing and installing custom-fitted wardrobes according to your needs and budget preferences. We offer plenty of variations in color, material choices, and wardrobe interior options to suit your aesthetic and functional preferences.