What is the Difference Between Fitted and Built-in Wardrobes?

A question commonly asked online is, what is the difference between fitted and built-in wardrobes? Every year, fitted wardrobes are installed in thousands of homes in the UK. This bespoke storage trend is on the rise, and with very good reason. To answer the question, no, there is no distinction between built-in and fitted wardrobes. Both terms refer to the same thing and are used interchangeably. Here we’ll explain what a fitted wardrobe is in detail and discuss the benefits of having one installed in your home.

1. The benefits of fitted wardrobes

A fitted wardrobe provides the maximum amount of space for storing your clothing, shoes and accessories without taking up too much floor space. Because they are made to your specific measurements, you can optimise every millimetre of space in your room of choice.

And because they're custom-built, you can choose any combination of drawers, shelves, hanging rails and specialised accessory storage options. If you share a bedroom with a partner, a modern fitted wardrobe that you can both use is more efficient than two freestanding cabinets that take up a lot of room.

We are fanatical about luxury fitted wardrobe design.

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2. The benefits of built-in wardrobes

The majority of built-in wardrobes don't have a back panel, giving you maximum depth for storage that then allows space for large boxes and containers. Comparatively, a free-standing wardrobe always has a gap between the back of the cabinet and the wall, sacrificing precious inches of potential storage space.

Built-in wardrobes are designed specifically for your space. If you have challenging areas like sloped ceilings and awkward corners, your bespoke built-in wardrobe can be designed around them so that they don't compromise your storage.

Another great benefit is the customised look and feel of your wardrobe. You can choose colours, materials and finishes that match your existing decor and enhance the room.

3. Are fitted wardrobes and built-in wardrobes the same?

Yes, they are the same thing! Here in the UK, "fitted wardrobe" is the most commonly used term. When someone refers to or searches for "built-in wardrobes" or "fitted wardrobes," they typically mean a wardrobe that feels like it is part of the room, as if it was part of the original building plans when the house was constructed.

These wardrobes are integrated into the area to ensure a perfect fit, for example, by neatly filling the space between two walls where a wall cavity would otherwise be. Built-in wardrobes are designed to fit inside a room and once they are installed, you can't relocate them if you move house.  

4. How to choose the right wardrobe for your home

There are a number of key aspects to consider when choosing the right contemporary fitted wardrobe for your home. At FCI London, our professional wardrobe team has been designing and fitting wardrobes for more than 35 years. Here are their top tips to help you choose the best option for your space.

Functionality

Confirm what sort of storage space you need. Do you need more hanging space for clothes or are most of your clothes folded in drawers? Do you have accessories that require custom-built storage units, such as scarves, jewellery and hats? Identifying how you'll use your wardrobe will help you direct the specifications that it needs to meet.

Size

Decide how big you want your wardrobe to be. This will depend on the size of your bedroom and the type of storage arrangement you need inside the wardrobe. We'll ask you to measure your space so we can give you a quote, but our professional fitting team will come in and take accurate measurements before we start building.

We recommend a depth of around 24 inches if you need space for hanging rails, while the width and height will depend on your bedroom shape and size. Our expert designers encourage you to extend the wardrobe as high as possible toward the ceiling. This creates space that is perfect for storing extra bedding and other goods that are only used occasionally.

Style

Modern built-in wardrobes tend to fit snugly within two walls, but there are still plenty of options to choose from when it comes to style. The design plays a significant role in the bedroom's overall look and feel because its size makes it a centrepiece of the space.

There are many options to choose from including hinged or sliding doors, high-gloss or matte wood finishes and custom-designed elements like a pull-out TV cabinet. Door handles come in many shapes and materials, from elegant glass knobs and brushed-chrome sliders to leather handles with customised stitching.

These small details affect the wardrobe's overall appeal and can change the ambience of your room. It's also worth considering whether you want to add other pieces of furniture, such as a bedside cabinet or chest of drawers. If so, decide whether you want these items to match your wardrobe.

5. Fitted or built-in - which is best for you?

Since they are the same thing, we can safely answer "both!" to this question. Your contemporary fitted wardrobe will be built to your exact size in your preferred style with every small detail customised to your taste.

Unlike mass-produced freestanding cabinets, which often feature cookie-cutter shelves and standard sizes and formats, a bespoke built-in wardrobe provides you with unlimited choices, creating a piece of furniture that is exclusive to you.

In Conclusion

Fitted and built-in wardrobes both refer to a custom-built, individually styled cabinet that is fitted into a measured space in your room. At FCI London we supply tailor-made wardrobes to fit your specific requirements.

Our skilled designers will guide you through your options and suggest customisations that will fit within your budget. Book a Zoom call with us today or chat with us on WhatsApp and we'll get you started on your wardrobe journey. 

If you would like to find out more in regards to how our fitted wardrobes could be the best option for you, please reach out to us via our 'Book an Appointment' form.