Should I Decorate Before or After Fitted Wardrobes?

If you’re considering renovating your bedroom and are looking at commissioning new custom cabinetry, you’re probably asking yourself: Should I decorate before or after my wardrobes are installed?

We generally advise against adding other furniture and accessories before installation. But because many custom cabinetry makers create units without backs and sides, giving your walls a fresh coat of paint first may be a good idea. This will ensure that its interior looks top-notch from the moment you open the doors.

On the other hand, built-in wardrobes are typically the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom, so planning your décor before the fitting process will help define the exact space available for your cabinetry.

With over 30 years in the industry, we have a team of expert designers who know all the ins and outs of taking on new interiors projects. Join us as we guide you through some tips that will help you make a decision, ensuring your bedroom renovations end up looking like a million bucks.

The benefits of decorating before fitted wardrobes

The best thing about decorating before you install your built-in wardrobes is that you get to participate right from the design phase. This will allow you to curate each element simultaneously, including a tailor-made unit that matches the style of the rest of your ensemble.

It is advisable, however, that you move all of your furniture out of the area before the installation team arrives as they will need space in which to work. It will also guarantee that the contents of your room remain damage-free.

Make sure that you select a genre and finish that work with all your other décor.

For contemporary interiors, choose something sleek made from glass like the Wardrobe Design #1 by Logo. However, if you want something more traditional, we love the Milano sliding door wardrobe from MisuraEmme.

The benefits of decorating after fitted wardrobes

Choosing a wardrobe that exactly matches the style of your décor is a great way to elevate the aesthetics of your room and create a focal point. However, the overall concept and layout of your cabinetry must also be functional in order to maintain an organised, clutter-free environment.

Fitted wardrobes provide the most effective way of utilising your space from both standpoints. But before you choose your design, it’s important to be clear about your requirements. Here are some tips:

Measure the dimensions of your room so that you have a good idea of how much space you have at your disposal. This will help you decide on the size and location of your wardrobe.
Determine your storage requirements based on the type and volume of clothing and accessories you have. You’ll need to figure out how many hanging rods, shelves, drawers, shoe racks and accessory compartments you need. Don’t forget to think about extras like laundry baskets and tie racks.
Set your budget and make sure that you spend all of it to ensure that you get the best quality possible. If you want an idea of how much bang you’ll get for your buck, use our online cost calculator. It will give you an instant cost estimate based on your needs.
Include a good lighting plan - internal LEDs will help to increase visibility, allowing you to find what you’re looking for with ease.
Add some glamour to your space by choosing the right finishes. This will include materials, handles and colours. At FCI London, we offer hundreds of options to choose from, ensuring that you can perfectly match any genre.

Should I Decorate Before or After Fitted Wardrobes?

Wardrobe design ideas that will elevate your space

Here are five popular design choices that add both visual impact and practicality to your bedroom ensemble:

Choosing a combination of open and closed storage elevates the aesthetic appeal of your room and creates a luxurious boutique-like ambience that emulates a home shopping experience. Take a look at the Venezia wardrobe by Bamax for inspiration.
Panelled doors are a highly popular choice and bring interest, texture and originality to a contemporary bedroom. The elegant Miss Graff sliding door wardrobe by EmmeBi is a wonderful example.
Mirror doors are streamlined and modern and will make your room look significantly bigger. We love the sleekness of Logo’s Wardrobe Design #26.
Open-concept designs like the My Suite walk-in by Porada will give you all the space you need to get dressed in style.
Wooden doors add a timelessness to your décor, bringing a traditional touch of class to any room. The Wardrobe Design #27 by Logo is a must-have if you’re looking for a sense of refinement.

Bear in mind that your fitted wardrobes need to look fabulous for at least ten years, so make sure that your design choices are future-proof.

Choosing the right type of fitted wardrobe for your bedroom

Picking a trustworthy business with an experienced design and joinery team is a key aspect of any wardrobe refurbishment project.

At FCI London, we have been in the business for over 30 years, giving us the know-how you need to ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for.

But before you start choosing your layout and style, it’s important to define what type of cabinetry you’re after.

Here are 4 popular options:

While walk-in wardrobes are the ultimate choice when it comes to opulence and style, gone are the days when only the elite can afford them. So, whether you subdivide your bedroom, allocate a spare room or just opt for a simple concept like the Pleione design by Barel, it’s doable.
Sliding door wardrobes are a convenient option if you have smaller spaces, eliminating the need to open doors outwards. Add a mirrored finish and your room will look double its size.
Corner wardrobes help you to utilise every inch of your floor space, filling awkward nooks and providing ample storage for all of your clothing requirements. They also enhance the flow of your furnishings and create a polished, cohesive aesthetic.
Floor to ceiling wardrobes allow you to build storage solutions in areas that may not have regular dimensions. Take a look at Logo’s Wardrobe Design #31, for example, which will accommodate the sloped rafters of an attic space. They are also easier to maintain as you don’t have to clean either above or underneath them.

Whatever you choose, our dedicated team will manage the process from conceptualisation to final installation, making sure that everything is perfect every step of the way.

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In Conclusion

Deciding whether you decorate before or after you install a fitted wardrobe is a personal choice. In essence, it boils down to whether you want to define your space first or wait to see how your cabinetry will alter the aesthetics of your room.

Whatever you choose, our expert design team is ready to help you build the wardrobe of your dreams.

To find out more, get in touch today or pop into our showroom for a one-on-one consultation.