How to plan and buy your fitted wardrobes

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, such as one with sloping ceilings.

We've spoken with fitted wardrobe owners, estate agents, and professional installers to find out everything you need to know. 

Find out the best fitted wardrobe brands according to reviews from over 2,000 real owners

How to plan your fitted wardrobes

Here are the key steps we recommend you follow when planning your fitted wardrobes. 

1. Budget

The first step of any renovation project is creating a budget. See our guide to fitted wardrobe costs to find out how much you can expect to spend. 

During this process, consider whether you will be designing and installing your wardrobes yourself or using a professional. 

Always add 10-15% to your budget as contingency costs, in case something goes wrong.

2. Measure your space

Next, create a detailed plan for the wall or walls where you hope to install your wardrobes. 

Measure the area carefully and note any features that can't be moved, such as windows and doors. 

3. Create your internal layout

Once you have your measurements, you can create your internal layout. 

Start by assessing your needs – do you need more space for shoes, drawers for woolly jumpers, or space for long-hanging items? 

Then look around for design ideas, including checking out the brands you're considering. 

4. Pick your style and brand

Once you've got your storage right, you can choose the external design of your wardrobe – including style, hardware, and colour. 

At this stage, you can also consider the best wardrobe brands. 

Are fitted wardrobes right for me?

To find out whether fitted wardrobes are the right choice, we've spoken to more than 2,000 owners. 

What wardrobe owners say 

What estate agents say

We spoke with two estate agents to find out whether fitted wardrobes can improve your home. 

Aidan Coates, director of sales at Hamptons in Hyde Park and Bayswater, told us: 'While fitted wardrobes don’t necessarily add value to a home, simple upgrades can make it more appealing.'

'As a general rule, principal rooms should include some storage – while still leaving enough floor space to make the room feel spacious.'

If you're renovating to sell, it probably isn't worth adding fitted wardrobes. But adding fitted wardrobes could make your home more practical and enjoyable to use. 

Christopher Burton, head of sales at Knight Frank’s Wimbledon office, told us: 'Fitted wardrobes are often worth adding. Soft-closing wardrobes with internal lighting make the most of the vertical space and are popular in smaller rooms.'

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Should I DIY my fitted wardrobes?

Professional fitted wardrobe companies often offer an end-to-end service – they plan, design, and fit your furniture. 

This is best if: 

• You have detailed specifications and want to ensure your furniture has the best possible finish.
• You have a complicated room and need to maximise space – eg, with uneven walls or sloping ceilings.
• You're not confident at DIY.

If you opt to DIY your wardrobes, you will need to do all of these steps yourself. 

In general, you'll use modular furniture to create your fitted wardrobes, so it won't be as customisable or create as much storage space as a professional service. 

This is best if: 

• You want to prioritise saving money and are willing to compromise on quality and design.
• You have a clear idea of what you want and are confident in your DIY skills.

What the professionals say

We spoke to professional wardrobe builders about whether it's advisable to DIY your own installation – and what you need to know. 

'If you are genuinely skilled at woodworking, have the right tools and realistic time expectations, DIY can work,' said Chris Binnersley, product category manager for Hammonds (Hammonds' installation service is a Trusted Trader). 'But there are challenges that DIYers can underestimate.'

'The initial cost saving of DIY against a fitted furniture product soon narrows when you consider the material waste from mistakes, tool purchase and the value of your time.'

Grant, director of Elite Installations (South Yorkshire) concurred: 'If you’re confident with carpentry and understand the importance of detail, DIY might work.

'Otherwise, investing in professional installation often delivers a far better result and adds more long-term value to your home.'

Is it hard to design your own fitted wardrobes?

In our online survey, we asked 308 people who designed their wardrobes about how they found the process, and whether they had any top tips for other DIYers. 

Log in or join Which? to see what they said.

Is it worth installing your own fitted wardrobes? 

In total, 237 of our survey respondents reported that they fitted their own wardrobes. 

Log in or join Which? to see how easy they found the process, and their tips and tricks for other DIYers. 

Fitted wardrobes and damp

If you live in an old or poorly insulated property, you should take steps to prevent the build-up of damp and mould in your wardrobes. 

Fitted wardrobes themselves don't cause damp, but if they're poorly fitted or installed in a humid room, they can develop it. There are two main culprits: condensation and poor air circulation. 

You can prevent damp by choosing a suitable location (eg, against an internal wall) and possibly also by leaving space between the wall and the back of the wardrobe. 

You can also tackle humidity in the bedroom using a dehumidifier, and by both opening windows and leaving your wardrobe open to allow 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 they can run floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. This makes the most of the available room without using up space on extra walls.

However, fully enclosed wardrobes protect your belongings from dust and their build is more stable, and longer-lasting. 

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

How to measure for fitted wardrobes

Whether you are DIYing your design and installation, or considering your options before working with a professional, this is one of the most important parts of the wardrobe planning process. 

'Accuracy is everything,' said Grant, director of Elite Installations. 'Even a small mistake in measuring or levelling can lead to poor alignment, gaps, or doors that won’t close properly.'

When measuring the width and height of your space, ensure you take measurements in three different locations – this is because your walls may be uneven.

You should also note down any features you can't move, so you can plan your wardrobes around them. 'Details like plug sockets, light switches, or radiators are often overlooked, causing headaches during installation,' said James Ordsmith, director of Bluebell Fitted Furniture Ltd.

If you have carpet in the space, press it flat when measuring, to mimic the pressure of the wardrobes or consider removing it from the wardrobe space altogether.

'The most common mistake is having wardrobes fitted on top of old carpets and in rooms that haven't been decorated,' said Alexander Carraro, office manager at James for Carpets. 'It is always better to have a professional carpet fitter roll the carpet back prior to the wardrobe being built, and then have it re-fitted up to the base edge with new gripper rods. It makes a tidier finish and future-proofs the fit.'

Internal storage options

The layout of your wardrobe will depend on your existing storage and what you need to store, so ensure you carefully assess your needs before you start. 

'Plan from the inside out,' suggests Grant. 'Think about what you need to store first — long dresses, shoes, bags, folded clothes — and design compartments around that.

'Think also about your future needs. Include some adaptable shelving or adjustable rails for flexibility over time.'

Most wardrobes will include the following options:

• full-height hanging rails for coats, dresses and trousers that crease when folded
• half-height hanging rails for shirts, jackets and folded trousers 
• drawers for underwear and jumpers. 

Additional options include:

• pull-out shoe racks
• open shelving for miscellaneous items – such as suitcases, spare bedding, and seasonal storage (eg, winter coats)
• drawers with plush inserts for jewellery storage. 

Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable trader to build and install your wardrobes

Fitted wardrobe design ideas

Picking the design of your wardrobe might not be quite as important as getting the storage right, but it's still crucial for creating functional furniture. 

'Don't overlook the finishing touches,' said James Ordsmith, director of Bluebell Fitted Furniture Ltd. 'Trim, scribing, and plinth work are what make a wardrobe look truly "fitted".'

In addition, picking the right type of door is very important. 

'One common mistake is choosing sliding doors to save space then realising you can only access half of the wardrobe at a time,' said Chris Binnersley, product category manager for Hammonds.

'If you go for traditional doors, account for the swing, and where you'll stand to use them.'

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

Natural and textured materials, such as wood and fluted finishes, 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. 

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 warmth to any bedroom. If you want to paint your wardrobe, consider neutral colours such as white and beige. 

Fitted wardrobes for problem rooms

Fitted wardrobes are perfect for small or awkwardly shaped rooms, because they allow you to maximise 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 awkward 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 traditional hinges.

Need a wardrobe for your loft conversion? See our loft conversion advice, including cost estimates from BCIS

Choosing your fitted wardrobe brand

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

Some companies, such as Hammonds and Sharps, 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. 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). 

Check out our round-up of the best fitted wardrobe brands according to reviews from more than 2,000 real owners. 

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 have 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 pressured 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.

Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable trader to build and install your wardrobes – all of our traders have passed our expert vetting process, including checks of their work, qualifications, and warranties by Trading Standards professionals.