7 Mistakes People Make When Choosing Fitted Wardrobes

Fitted wardrobes are an amazing way to utilise all of the space in your rooms. They’re fantastic for providing custom storage solutions, and they’re flexible because you can design them in any way that you want. However, people do make mistakes when choosing and installing fitted wardrobes.

There’s nothing worse than regretting your decision after having one installed, so it’s important to understand what those mistakes are and how to avoid them.

 

 

1. Overlooking Quality for Price

It’s common to shop around for different design and installation services that offer fitted wardrobes. Prices can vary a lot depending on the experience and reputation of a contractor. However, it’s important not to skimp on quality just for the sake of price.

It’s not unusual for some companies in the marketplace to use low-quality materials that can introduce issues down the line. For example, shelves may sag, rails might become loose, and doors might not close properly. In some cases, the bespoke wardrobe might not maximise all of the space in your room, and the overall construction might deteriorate quickly due to the use of low-quality materials.

So even if it seems cost-effective to get a cheaper fitted wardrobe installation, it’s paramount that you choose a reputable designer and installer that uses high-quality materials to protect the long-term usability of your wardrobe.

Here, we use quality materials and components throughout, including 18mm MFC on all panels (including solid backs - worth considering when wondering if fitted wardrobes need backs) and German-supplied fixings. 

 

2. Neglecting Access Needs

So imagine you’ve just installed a wonderful new fitted wardrobe. You’ve packed it full of stuff, cleaned up your room, and decluttered all the mess. You’re feeling great about it–up until you actually try to use it.

The wardrobe doors might not open fully because they're clashing with other furniture or room elements, or it’s hard to reach the top rails to hang clothes without a step.

Access needs are important with fitted wardrobes, so it’s important to consider how you plan to use the wardrobe in the future.

A great tip to remember is that sliding door wardrobes are great for smaller rooms because you don’t have to swing them open. However, hinged doors might be more convenient for larger rooms because you have more space.

 

3. Forgetting About Ventilation

Don’t forget that wardrobes need good airflow to prevent the buildup of mould and mildew. This usually isn’t a problem for most fitted wardrobes, but it can become an issue if you live in a damp or humid environment.

When installing a fitted wardrobe, make sure there’s plenty of ventilation and airflow around it. This can be achieved by installing vents or by leaving a bit of space between the wardrobe and the wall.

This is something that a professional design service will take into consideration, especially if you’ve historically had moisture-related problems in your room.

 

4. Not Utilising Professional Design Services

It’s entirely possible to design your own DIY fitted wardrobe, but this is going to require some serious design knowledge and expertise. You’ll also need skills in carpentry, and tools to make the individual shelves and wardrobe pieces to put together.

So while it might seem like you’re saving money by avoiding a professional design service, you ultimately might end up spending more time and money than you first thought.

Using a professional design service ultimately means a better end product with less hassle. It avoids the potential mistakes you’ll make when designing or building your wardrobe, and you won’t need to invest in any tools or materials that could drastically increase the cost of having a fitted wardrobe installed.

You don't want to end up wondering if fitted wardrobes are worth it just because you didn't get a proper, professional design.

 

5. Choosing the Wrong Style

Fitted wardrobes essentially become a part of the room that they’re in. This means that you need to consider the overall design of the wardrobe, such as the material choices, the colours you use, and even the finish.

A fitted wardrobe should ideally fit seamlessly into your existing decor to prevent it from disrupting the overall aesthetic of the space.

A professional design service will be able to help you choose the right materials and colours to make your fitted wardrobe blend seamlessly with the rest of your room, so it’s best to consult them for design advice.

6. Ignoring Interior Layout

A fitted wardrobe is all about flexibility, hence why it’s important to consider the interior layout. The number of clothes rails, drawers, and shelves will really depend on your personal uses.

Do you have a lot of clothes that you want to hang up and use on a regular basis? If so, you may want to install an extra rail or two.

Do you have a lot of folded or small items? You can add more drawers for that.

What if you just want some extra shelving space or room for shoes? You can do that too.

In short, don’t neglect the interior layout of your fitted wardrobe. It’s a bespoke piece of furniture, so you can customise it to your exact needs and specifications.

Whether it’s adding more shelving, hanging space, or drawers, you get to pick how the wardrobe is laid out, so you should take full advantage of it.

It's really easy and simple to build a fitted wardrobe on a budget.

 

 

7. Not Considering Future Needs

Lastly, don’t forget that a fitted wardrobe is a long-term investment in your rooms. It’s a piece of furniture that is going to last a long time, and that means you should consider not just your current needs, but also your future requirements.

For instance, maybe you’ll need more storage space in the future for when your partner moves in to live with you, or maybe your kids will need more clothes storage space when they grow up.

Consider these future needs and try to plan around them so that you don’t need to make adjustments or changes later on.

 

Conclusion

We hope these 7 common mistakes have taught you a little more about the considerations to keep in mind when designing and installing a fitted wardrobe.

If you need more assistance or are interested in installing a fitted wardrobe, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts today to learn more.