Fitted wardrobes are known for their modern solutions. They provide smart storage for your house and are built in every section to provide an ideal space. They specialise in building unique furniture for homes and are widely known for their aesthetics, stylish and personalised designs.
Fitted wardrobes are one of the best furniture choices for house renovation, but it is important to know full well about your furniture options before moving forward.
Standalone wardrobes are also good for storage, and there’s not much difference in built-in & fitted wardrobe storage space, only a personalised feature makes a fitted wardrobe more favourable than freestanding wardrobe.
Which is growing their popularity & making them the first choice of homeowners. Compared to standalone wardrobes, the quality of fitted wardrobes is much higher. It creates a lifestyle and defines your home. The ease of use & systematic storage solution keeps the mind at ease and gives a beautiful interior.
And above all, the most attractive feature of a fitted wardrobe is their durability, they can withstand time, which makes them worth the investment. But the initial cost of a fitted wardrobe is higher compared to other storage solutions, so the question is, are they really worth the money?
Understanding Fitted Wardrobes
What are fitted wardrobes?
They are personalised wardrobes, customised as per your style, modifying all the features to suit your taste. They are made to measure, fit in any space of the home, built for specific storage requirements and needs in every part of the house. They are built in walls leaving no extra space and gaps, which gives a seamless experience in the room creating a beautiful interior in the house.
Difference between fitted and freestanding wardrobes.
The most basic difference between a freestanding and fitted wardrobe is the choice of their interior selection and building as per the need. Freestanding wardrobes are moveable, built-in and provide standard designs, their range is based on the size and materials used. They are easy to relocate, available in any size and range. But their durability has a limit.
Fitted wardrobes are built on demand based on the room size be it loft, awkward and small space. They can be modified based on requirement, room size, material choice, color, interior selection and number of accessories. They are expensive compared to a freestanding wardrobe but they can last a generation, if built with high quality and maintained regularly.
Common materials used in fitted wardrobes
MDF, Plywood, Laminate, MFC, Glass, Hardwood, Engineer wood materials are used for building fitted wardrobes. Most of the finishes are High gloss, lacquered, matt, natural wood textures. It is based on the personal decision and what goes well with the house and according to the weather.
Pros and Cons of Fitted Wardrobes
Pros
- Maximised space utilisation (especially for small bedrooms) – Fitted wardrobes are built for best space utilisation, and they are useful in small rooms. If a freestanding wardrobe is used in a small room, it will leave extra space, require regular dusting, risk falling off and not utilise the space completely. Fitted wardrobes are built using each and every corner from floor to ceiling with minimum maintenance; they can install features like mirrors, more drawers and hangers to increase the space for storage.
- Customisation options to match your style – You can create a wardrobe as per your design taste. This is what makes the customers fall in love with fitted wardrobes, even though they are a bit expensive compared to other storage options, but this sole feature of them makes them stand out and wants them to be in every house. They are not only a great storage solution, but they also build a lifestyle.
- Enhanced organisation and clutter-free storage – They are installed smoothly and with a clean design in any room spaces. This helps in increasing the space in the room and makes the storage clutter-free and easy to use. Leaving sufficient space spare for other use. Fitted wardrobes are created permanently and in every inch to keep the house well organised.
- Long-lasting durability – Fitted wardrobes are built to last; if built with quality material and high finishes, they can last a lifetime compared to freestanding wardrobes, which are durable for some years and soon start to show some faults. If you are planning to create a house for generations to use, a fitted wardrobe can build riches in your house.
- Adds value to your property – A quality material-fitted wardrobe with a classic design and modern use can really add value to your house. People prefer their own choice of storage interior. If you are planning to sell your house, a limited interior is a good suggestion, but if you invest properly in a fitted wardrobe, it can turn the value of your house to a new range.
Cons
- Higher upfront cost compared to freestanding wardrobes – A freestanding wardrobe is definitely a much more affordable choice as compared to a fitted wardrobe. They are movable, can be easily resold and are easy to buy. For a quick purchase to last a decade, a freestanding wardrobe is a good choice as compared to a fitted wardrobe.
- Cannot be relocated easily – Just as customisation is the best feature of fitted wardrobes, mobility is the best feature of freestanding wardrobes. They can easily be relocated to any space and transported to any location. If you move frequently and live on rent, freestanding wardrobes are the best option. Unlike fitted wardrobes, they are wall-fitted and cannot be moved.
- Installation time and possible home disruption – They can be purchased and installed within a minimum of 3 days, but the online process can vary. They are also available as a DIY option.
Where a fitted wardrobe takes 14 days minimum to complete the design and 3 days of installation.
Cost of Fitted Wardrobes
- Overview of cost factors (materials, customisation, brand, size) – Fitted wardrobe costs include every feature installed in it. They are fully customised, from handles to door style, lighting, wood selection, texture, finishes, mirror, colour, size, wardrobe design and all the other features. These overall features and materials are the main factors in the price of a fitted wardrobe.
- Comparison between budget-friendly vs. luxury fitted wardrobes – If you want to create a budget-friendly fitted wardrobe, it will cover all the basic designs and a simple, clean wardrobe for your space. It will be an ideal storage solution without any additional features.
Where a luxurious wardrobe is anything but basic. It is built with rich materials and quality finishes to create an extravagant look. They are built with a premium wardrobe design; they remain new forever with long-term durability.
- Are they a cost-effective solution in the long run? – Absolutely, in the beginning they are expensive investments in the process of building the fitted wardrobe, but in the long run they proved to be the most cost-effective solutions. They utilise the space effectively, include many features to avoid additional needs for them, and keep the room seamless and ideal for storage organisation.
Do Fitted Wardrobes Increase Property Value?
Yes, a fitted wardrobe increases the value of property, but there are many factors which are considered. The fitted wardrobes are supposed to be of high quality and in the right space. If you are planning to sell your house in the future, make sure you consider all the options; else a fitted wardrobe won’t create an effect.
How do fitted wardrobes impact real estate resale value?
It depends upon the buyers: how they are taking the property, are they looking for open space and building their own interior, or are they looking for a ready to move-in house? A real estate person would have more knowledge about it; you can check with them and make your interior accordingly. A fitted wardrobe is a deal breaker in the value of the house; make sure your decision is in the maker.
Do buyers prefer well-organised storage solutions?
Most of the buyers prefer a smart and modern storage solution; it is their desired choice. A well-maintained and spacious fitted wardrobe makes them reassured of the property condition and helps them be ready to move in. Make sure to mention all the details of the house to avoid confusion. And if the quality of the fitted wardrobe is low, they have to get rid of it, so they will try to exclude the value of the fitted wardrobe from the house, as it will be an expense for them.
Fitted vs. Freestanding Wardrobes – Which One is Better?
- Space efficiency – which one uses space better?
Fitted: They use the space efficiently, fitted to the wall from floor to ceiling, and build in the required space in any shape of the room. They are the real space savers and provide organised storage solutions. They are built with proper planning and leave no room for extra space.
Freestanding: They don’t use the space efficiently; freestanding wardrobes are built-in; these wardrobes come with a standard design and only need to be installed. They leave gaps behind the wall and don’t cover the space completely; the shape and size of the wardrobe can be mismatched in the room.
- Customisation – which offers more design flexibility?
Fitted: They have more design flexibility. Fitted wardrobes offer personalised features, which give more style options in their features, interior or exterior both. They can be customised as per your lifestyle and daily needs. They also create a design sense in the room; they become a part of the interior design of your house.
Freestanding: They have limited design flexibility. Freestanding wardrobes are to be picked based on their features, if they suit well with the room and their size. You cannot make additional changes in their design as compared to a fitted wardrobe.
- Cost comparison – which is more budget-friendly?
Fitted: Their cost is higher. Fitted wardrobe prices vary with their materials, size, wood selection, accessories, colour, texture, finishes, interior modifications and all the other parts while making them. They have a higher initial cost compared to freestanding.
Freestanding: Their cost is lower. Freestanding wardrobe prices are much lower than fitted wardrobes. They are cost as per their complete design without any additional charges. They are more budget-friendly options to choose for your storage solution in the short term.
- Resale value impact
Fitted: They have both the chances of higher and lower resale value impact in the house. Their value is added to the house price. If they are premium or luxurious wardrobes, built with high-quality material, smart storage solutions and modern design. They increase the value of the house in the long run. But with a basic storage wardrobe, they won’t add any additional value to the house. It all depends on your planning.
Freestanding: They have lower resale value. Their cost is depreciated with time just like any other asset you own. They hold value for personal use but not when it comes to reselling them.
Tips for Choosing the Right Fitted Wardrobe
- Choosing the right materials and finishes: A fitted wardrobe is an ideal storage solution, and how often you are going to take that into use will determine the materials and finishes you might need for building them. If you are building a luxurious fitted wardrobe, you need premium materials; this will create a fitted wardrobe which will stay new forever. And a standard fitted wardrobe can be done with basic materials.
Choosing the right material is a crucial step, and it can include many factors like the usability, weather, resale value of the house, storage efficiency, your lifestyle and much more. Decide carefully, as fitted wardrobes are an investment which can last a lifetime.
- Selecting the best layout for your storage needs: To determine the right layout for your storage needs, measure the room size properly, the structure of the room, size, interior, colour, and your requirement for a fitted wardrobe. If you want to build a wardrobe in your bedroom, consider the space in the room. If the room is small, consider a sliding fitted wardrobe; for a normal-sized hinged-door fitted wardrobe, having extra space will give you more options, like building a walk-in wardrobe or creating a unique design as per your choice.
- Hiring a reputable wardrobe designer: An expert designer will help you save from many wrong decisions for which you will be grateful later. If you decide to build a fitted wardrobe for your house, a lot of research along with expert advice can go a long way and help you build a strong and beautiful wardrobe of your choice. Try to take expert advice according to your house location, weather conditions and needs.
Conclusion
Fitted wardrobes are the modern solution for storage needs. Yes, they are expensive and take time to build. But they are worth the investment of both time and money. They have more pros than cons as compared to freestanding wardrobes. For that, you need to make sure to follow the tips before installing a fitted wardrobe and ask for expert advice to choose which fitted wardrobe design, material and layout will make your lifestyle easy and provide a lifetime of durability while increasing the resale value of your house.
If you are wondering when you should consider investing in a fitted wardrobe? Here are a few points:
- In an unfurnished house
- If you are building a house for generations
- Freestanding wardrobes are not providing an ideal design.
- For a smaller room with awkward layout
- Sufficient space to build an ideal fitted wardrobe
- To create more than storage, a lifestyle
It all depends upon your choice of how you are taking your storage solution. Fitted wardrobes are making their way to every house in the UK and around the world. Because fitted wardrobes are worth the investment if you prioritise space, efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal!
