Fitted wardrobes: design ideas and buying advice

When it comes to making the most of the space in your bedroom, fitted wardrobes can be a game-changer, and this is especially true if your room has awkward nooks and crannies, such as an attic room with sloping ceilings. 

A built-in wardrobe will help you maximise your storage space and you can adapt the design to suit the type of clothes you own. If you wear lots of suits, for example, you can opt for extra hanging space; if you have an enviable shoe collection, you can build in shoe storage compartments.

Read on to find out about different fitted wardrobe options and prices, and browse our picture gallery for inspiration.

See our guide to the best fitted bedroom furniture brands to discover how customers rated seven big companies on the build quality and installation quality of their furniture.

Fitted wardrobe design ideas

Between the variety in fitted wardrobe door styles, internal fittings and finishes, you have a myriad options to choose from. Do keep in mind, though, that adding more bespoke elements will have an impact on the overall cost.

Hinged doors will give your wardrobes a more traditional look, while sliding doors can give a sleek finish and are a neat option if you have limited space.

You can even ditch doors completely and opt for an open-fronted wardrobe. These will put your items of display and create a more relaxed feel room. You’ll need to keep your clothes tidy though, to avoid your bedroom feeling cluttered.

Are fitted wardrobes worth it?

Besides helping to keep your clothes clean and dust-free and hiding clutter behind closed doors, fitted wardrobes can complement the style of your bedroom.

If you choose high quality wardrobes in a timeless style, they can even help to increase your home's appeal when it comes time to sell.

The first step in deciding whether fitted wardrobes are for you is to work out if they suit your room, lifestyle and budget. 

Answering a few basic questions should help you to narrow down your requirements:

• What do you want to store? Do you need to accommodate specific clothing such as long dresses, suits or shoes?
• Do you want to include other functional sections, such as a dressing table or laundry bin?
• What items do you need to get to regularly, and what can be hidden away?
• Do you want your storage to be open and on view, or closed in?
• Does your room have any awkward areas you need to work around?
• What colours and finishes do you like?
• How frequently are you willing to clean the surfaces?

Shopping for other bedroom furniture too? See how to buy the best bed.

How much do fitted wardrobes cost?

Fitted wardrobes can cost anywhere between a few hundred and several thousand pounds. How far your money goes will depend on your requirements and the level of customisation you want. 

You also need to factor in installation, as often it's not included and may be a considerable expense.

While fitted wardrobes can be a sizeable investment, there are options to suit all budgets.

Cheap fitted wardrobe prices

Brands such as Ikea, B&Q and Wickes offer affordable fitted wardrobe solutions that you can customise to suit your space and requirements. They aren't fully bespoke but can be a great way to get a fitted look at a fraction of the price of custom fitted wardrobes.

Opting for off-the-shelf, space-saving solutions like these will help keep costs down, but you may find that they won't fit your space exactly.

Budget-friendly options start at around £400. An Ikea Pax starts from around £400 and B&Q and Wickes have similar options. 

Bespoke fitted wardrobe prices

The more personalised you want your fitted wardrobe to be, the more it’s likely to cost. 

If you're after a custom finish you should consider either an independent or fitted furniture brands such as Hammonds and Sharps.

If you’re envisaging luxurious bespoke furniture meticulously installed to make the most of every inch of your space by a professional, you'll need to budget at least £1,500. 

Independents retailers also quote prices starting at £650 per square metre, so make sure to shop around.

Quotes for bespoke fitted wardrobes tend to include the cost of installation and some brands include premium features such as soft close hinges as a standard.  

Checks to make before you buy

Whether you're going for a budget option or splashing your cash on the fitted wardrobe of your dreams, it's wise to make the following checks before you commit.

• Is everything included in the price? Philip Thomas, Which? Trusted Trader Assessor Manager says that any fitted bedroom furniture quote should be ‘a clear unambiguous price that includes all fixtures and fittings, the fitting of the furniture and VAT.' If there are any unexpected costs – for example where additional work is required - this should be explained to you and agreed before the work takes place.
• Will I need to pay a deposit or advance?  Some companies will require a deposit upfront, typically 25%. Check that your deposit will be protected should anything happen to the company before your wardrobe is fitted. 
• Is there a guarantee included? Some brands’ fitted wardrobes come with a 10, or even 12-year guarantee. Others offer a much shorter one so you’re only protected for faults soon after installation.
• Should I choose a big brand or an independent firm? Our fitted bedroom furniture brand survey found that customers of independent firms were significantly more satisfied with them than customers of some larger high-street brands.
• Will I need to pay extra for delivery or installation? If you're going for semi-bespoke furniture you may need to either install it yourself, or pay a professional for installation. However you may be able to save on delivery fees by getting it home yourself. 
• Have I compared all my options and sourced several quotes? Don't feel pressurised to sign a contract if you are offered a discount. A good trader will allow you time to think and won’t put you under pressure to make your decision immediately, nor use a discount to encourage you to do so.
• Can I pay by credit card? Paying for your fitted wardrobes all or partly by credit card, if it costs less than £30,000, should give you protection if something happens to the business.

Find out more about the benefits of using a credit card to pay for your furniture in our guide to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Can I get help with my fitted wardrobe design?

Some companies offer virtual design appointments so you can start to design your fitted wardrobe without leaving your home.

They'll usually then draw up the design for you so that you can visualise it. For most, this will be in the form of a 3D drawing. At Sharps, the drawing is done by hand, but you'll get a 3D visualisation once you've agreed to buy the furniture.

Not all offer as full a service though. Ikea, for example, only has in-store design appointments rather than home visits. It does have several online wardrobe planning tools you can use though, including the Pax wardrobe planner and the Platsa planner.

Once you're happy with your fitted wardrobe design and layout, the company you choose will confirm a delivery and installation date (if relevant). 

Should fitted wardrobes have backs?

A number of fitted wardrobe companies use what's called a 'front frame' for their wardrobes.

Front frame fitted wardrobes don't have backs, sides or tops, so can run floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. They are usually made of wood. Sharps only uses this type of frame, as it says it makes the most of the available room without using up space on extra walls. However, this does mean that your clothes might get slightly more dusty than if they were completely closed in.

Hammonds offers an alternative 'premium' frame, which is fully enclosed. They say that this not only protects your belongings from dust, but also makes the wardrobe more stable. 

Do fitted wardrobes cause damp?

Fitted wardrobes in themselves do not cause damp, but if they are poorly fitted or installed in a humid room, they can develop it.

If you find that your fitted wardrobe is damp inside or your clothes start showing signs of mould or mildew, there are two main culprits:

• Condensation 
• Poor air circulation

Condensation inside a fitted wardrobe is usually caused by the wardrobe being installed against a poorly insulated external wall.

This is one of the most disruptive issues to deal with – either the wardrobe will need to be relocated or you will need to insulate the wall it is installed against.

Humidity and poor air circulation in your bedroom can also be a cause of damp inside a wardrobe.

Preventing damp in fitted wardrobes

A few simple measures can help to prevent damp forming in a fitted wardrobe:

• Choose a suitable location. One of the best ways to prevent damp in a fitted wardrobe is to have a professional advise on its location in the planning stages. If you want to build a fitted wardrobe against an external wall, a reliable trader will asses the wall's condition and offer advice which may include an alternative location.
• Leave space around the wardrobe. One common practice, says Jacek Sob of JS Deco, a Which? Trusted Trader, is to leave a space between the wall and the back of the wardrobe. This allows for air circulation to help prevent condensation and damp from forming. You could also forego the back panel altogether, but in this case, damp may transfer to your clothes. You will need to air your wardrobe often to prevent damp inside.
• Tackle humidity. If your bedroom has a tendency to be humid, make sure to address it. Open windows frequently to allow air to circulate. You could also consider investing in a dehumidifier - see our round up of the best dehumidifiers. 

For more tips on dealing with damp, check in with our expert guide on how to stop condensation.

How long does it take to install a fitted wardrobe?

Installation can take as little as two weeks if the company you buy the furniture from also installs it. But if you've chosen a custom fitted wardrobe, it could take anything from two weeks to more than two months to have it installed.

On or before delivery, your fitted wardrobe company may take a second payment. Sharps for example, asks for a second instalment of 65% of the total price of your wardrobes before they are installed.

Another option would be to buy your fitted wardrobes from your chosen company and then employ a professional to help you with installation.

Read more about how to find a reputable trader or use our Trusted Traders tool to find vetted professionals near you.

Can I install fitted wardrobes myself?

If you are tempted to install fitted wardrobes yourself, bear in mind that a good level of experience is needed to achieve a professional finish. Don’t take on a project that you are not confident in your ability to complete.

If you are a competent DIYer, though, you can probably do it. 

Consider how long it’s likely to take, whether you have the necessary tools, and how concerned you are with the quality of the finish.

Here are some questions and considerations, in case you're uncertain.

• Make sure you have enough people to help - it's unlikely you'll be able to put it all together yourself.
• Allow plenty of time - you will find things tend to take longer than anticipated and its easy to make mistakes if you are under pressure.
• Read all the instructions before you start. Also make sure you read them all the way through to avoid errors.
• Measure and measure again. Remember, hinged doors need more room to open than sliding doors so make sure you have enough space for the option you choose. 
• Be ware of wonky floors and walls. Also make sure you decorate the back wall first, if you've chosen a front frame design.

Our guide to toolbox essentials explains the tools that every DIYer should have in their toolkit.

Looking for more home improvement inspiration? See our guide to kitchen design ideas.