Fitted wardrobe ideas and buying advice

Fitted wardrobes can be a game-changer for making the most of the space in your bedroom.

They're especially effective if you have a small room or an awkward alcove, like with sloping cielings.

Whether you want a luxurious bespoke fitted wardrobe or a more basic option, our guide has everything you need to know. 

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Modern fitted wardrobe ideas

Modern styles are based on clean lines and a minimalist feel – perfect if you want to create a calm space.

While hinged doors will give your wardrobes a more traditional look, sliding doors have a sleek finish. They're also a neat option if you have limited space.

To create a wardrobe that feels more modern, you can also play around with the material of your doors. 

Natural and textured materials, such as wood and fluted finishes, are a huge trend in 2024, but still maintain a timeless and relaxed feel. 

Dark colours such as dark blues and greens also continue to be a big trend in home improvements. 

If you're considering taking the plunge, make sure you consider your appetite for maintenance (and painting skills) – these wardrobes will need occasional touch-ups to keep them looking as good as new. 

Traditional fitted wardrobe ideas

If you want to maintain a more homely or decorative feel in your bedroom, traditional style built-in wardrobes are the best choice.

Traditional fitted wardrobes are less minimalistic than their modern counterparts.

Shaker-style doors are a classic option while maintaining a simple finish. Also consider your hardware - adding ornate handles will create a more decorative style. 

Finally, consider the colour of your wardrobes. Wood is a great traditional option, and adds a warmth to any bedroom. If you want to paint your wardrobe, consider neutral colours like white and beige. 

Read real customers' reviews in our guide to the best wardrobe brands

Fitted wardrobes for problem rooms

Fitted wardrobes are perfect for small or awkwardly shaped rooms, because they allow you to maxmise space and use awkward corners. 

Just remember that it will be a lot harder to make an effective design - check that all your doors can open fully, that you will be able to open your drawers with the doors open or shut, and be extra careful when planning the internal storage. 

Small bedrooms and fitted wardrobes

Sliding doors are great for small bedrooms, because you don't need to worry about having enough floor space for door clearance. 

Opt for light coloured wardrobes or even mirrored doors to create the illusion of more space. 

'Colour drenching' is also a huge interior trend at the moment - it involves painting your whole room (including the walls, ceiling, radiators and built-in furniture) the same colour. It helps to create a more cohesive space and can make your room look larger. 

Fitted wardrobes with sloping ceilings 

Properly designed fitted wardrobes will maximise storage space by making use of akward cubbies. Just ensure that the internal spaces are large enough to be useful - if you can only fit a shoe box, it's probably best to re-consider your design. 

Sliding doors probably won't be an option, so consider bi-fold doors if you lack the floor space for a traditional hinges.

See our guide to fitted wardrobes costs for cost estimates for flat-pack wardrobes of different sizes, quality and brands

Designing and installing your wardrobe

The process of designing your wardrobes will depend on the company you choose. 

Some companies, like Sharps and Hammonds, offer in-store or virtual appointments for you to design your wardrobes with an expert. They'll usually then draw up the design for you so you can visualise it. 

However, not all companies offer this type of service. 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 the design and layout, the company you choose will confirm a delivery and installation date (if relevant). 

Checks to make before you buy

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

• Is everything included in the price? Any fitted bedroom furniture quote should include a clear, unambiguous price that includes all fixtures and fittings, the fitting of the furniture and VAT.
• 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-year or even 12-year guarantee. Others offer a much shorter one so you’re only protected for faults soon after installation.
• 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're 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? If you're spending less than £30,000, paying for your fitted wardrobes all or partly by credit card should give you protection if something happens to the business.

How to DIY fitted wardrobes

If you're tempted to DIY your fitted wardrobes, bear in mind that you'll need a good level of experience to achieve a professional finish. This is especially true if you have any awkward spaces or wonky floors and ceilings.

However, it can be a good way to save money and create a more premium, customised finish. 

Some companies (like Ikea and Wickes) do allow you complete control over the design and installation process. It is a lot easier to use these companies than making a wardrobe completely from scratch. 

The process will roughly follow these steps: 

1. Measure your room precisely. This includes noting the angles of your ceiling, plug sockets and other structural details. 
2. Design your wardrobe. Consider both the external design and internal storage systems, as well as hardwear like hinges and handles. 
3. Purchase and assemble your wardrobe.
4. Add the final touches. You might want to customise your wardrobe by painting it or adding additional details like extra cladding. 

Need a wardrobe for your loft conversion? See our loft conversion advice

Do fitted wardrobes cause damp?

Fitted wardrobes themselves don't cause damp, but if they're poorly fitted or installed in a humid room, they can develop it.

If 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'll need to insulate the wall it's installed against.

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

How to prevent damp and mould in built-in 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 it 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. You may also choose 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.
• Tackle humidity. If your bedroom regularly feels humid, address it. Open windows frequently and consider investing in a dehumidifier – see our round-up of the best dehumidifiers. 
• Air your wardrobe. Open the doors of your wardrobe regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. 

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. 

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 your clothes might get slightly more dusty than if they were completely closed in.

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