Your Complete Guide to Fitted Wardrobes

In any bedroom, one of the most challenging aspects to cover is clothes storage.

After all, our bedrooms often have multiple tasks to fulfil. Not only must they be a relaxing and calm space, but they also need to be functional.

In pursuit of more clever storage solutions, many bedroom designers recommend the use of fitted wardrobes, and for good reason. 

Compared to free-standing units, fitted wardrobes often make better use of available space by fitting seamlessly into the spatial challenges of your bedroom.

We’ve helped countless homeowners solve their design and storage solutions with fitted wardrobes, and we’re here to share our knowledge on these innovative pieces of furniture. 

In this guide, we’ll cover all there is to know about fitted wardrobes, including how much value they add, their benefits, and even answer some commonly asked questions.

What is a Fitted Wardrobe?

Fitted wardrobes are a piece of bedroom furniture designed to blend seamlessly with the room in which they are installed. 

Unlike freestanding wardrobes, fitted wardrobes are often tailored to suit each individual space. And, with each bedroom being different, fitted wardrobes can sometimes be a more space-efficient solution compared to their mass-produced counterparts. 

Fitted vs Walk-In Wardrobes

Fitted wardrobes aren’t to be confused with walk-in wardrobes. Walk-in wardrobes are an entire room dedicated to one purpose: storing your clothes and shoes. Fitted wardrobes emulate the same customised, unique characteristics of a walk-in wardrobe, all while fitting directly within your bedroom.

Walk-in wardrobes will be made of fitted units, but the doors are often removed for greater access to the contents within. 

Are Fitted Wardrobes Worth It?

As mentioned above, every bedroom is different. Likewise, every budget and use case also differs between different homeowners. 

Regardless, one of the most commonly asked questions about fitted wardrobes revolves around their value. Specifically, are they worth the investment?

To answer this question, we’ll explore a few of their main benefits.

The Benefits of Fitted Wardrobes

Fitted wardrobes work with the space in the bedroom, rather than against it, to provide as much storage as possible. 

Increased Floor Space

Every bedroom has its quirks. From recessed walls to random doorways and thresholds, there’s every chance your bedroom too has its own oddities to overcome.

While many pieces of furniture can be used with these differences in mind, nothing quite compares to the allure of a truly customised storage solution. Of which, there’s nothing quite better than a fitted wardrobe. 

Fitted wardrobes work within the boundaries of your bedroom’s design in order to unlock new storage opportunities and, as such, help free up much more space than any other off-the-shelf solution. 

More Storage Possibilities

In a similar vein to our previous point, one of the primary advantages of fitted wardrobes is that they offer substantially more space compared to freestanding units. 

When consulting a bedroom designer, they’ll look at all the missed storage opportunities that are currently present in your space. They’ll then work closely with a furniture provider to realise those opportunities and unlock the utmost possible storage space for your possessions.

Greater Customisation

With a typical wardrobe, what you see is what you get. There’s little chance for owners to customise their wardrobes based on their needs. 

Of course, you could take on the task yourself by making your own adjustments. But, then you risk losing your warranty or, in worst cases, compromising the structural integrity of the wardrobe itself. 

This isn’t an issue with fitted units. Many providers often allow for the interiors of the wardrobes to be changed in many ways. 

For example, you may want to add a designated space for storing your shoes, or, if you rarely hang clothes, you could introduce drawers directly within the wardrobe. Whatever your needs, a fitted wardrobe is almost always the best way of making your wardrobe truly unique.

Do Fitted Wardrobes Add Value?

Although home values are unique, the addition of fitted wardrobes can sometimes be a deciding factor.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much conclusive evidence to suggest that fitted wardrobes add value to a home. However, a study conducted in 2021 revealed that built-in wardrobes may be able to add upwards of £100,000 in value to a home compared to those without.

Ultimately, the question boils down to the buyer's needs. For first-time buyers who lack furniture, built-in wardrobes can be especially valuable. On the opposite end, fitted wardrobes offer fewer benefits to those who already have their own wardrobes that they’d like to keep.

It’s also worth querying the condition of the home. A house without fitted wardrobes, combined with a poor bathroom and outdated kitchen is unlikely to see much of a value increase purely from changing the wardrobes. 

To truly figure out how to add value to your home, consult our guide: How to Add More Value to Your Home

Do Fitted Wardrobes Cause Damp?

If they’re installed incorrectly, yes, there is a risk of fitted wardrobes causing damp on the wall behind them.

However, there are ways to prevent this. The main of which being to ensure that adequate ventilation is granted to the wardrobe and its surrounding space. This is often achieved by adding vents or by creating small gaps around the top and sides of the wardrobe.

These days, many homeowners no longer need to worry about ventilation, especially when it comes to modern fitted wardrobes. Over the years, manufacturers have incorporated ventilation measures directly into their designs, which helps maintain air circulation. 

Can You Remove Fitted Wardrobes?

Although fitted wardrobes are designed to be left in place, it is possible to remove them. Doing so can be more difficult compared to freestanding units, but it can be done. 

The removal process will depend significantly on how the units were installed. If it’s attached directly to the wall, the wardrobe will need to be pried off once its contents have been taken out. Depending on the weight and size, a professional may need to be called in to handle the rest.

The main way to safely remove a fitted wardrobe is to act sensibly and methodically. Take it slow, know your limits and, if needed, call in the experts. 

Making Your Bedroom Come to Life

At Cwtch Haus, our design specialists help turn your house into a home.

With years of experience across kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom design, we create high-quality, bespoke designs that are practical and stylish in equal measures. 

Take the next step by getting in touch for a free consultation with our design specialists today. For more help and advice, see our interior design blog. 

Written by John Griffiths for Cwtch Haus.