Should You Have Backs on Fitted Wardrobes?

Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Aziz, Interior Architect at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Head of Content

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

TL;DR: The question of whether fitted wardrobes should have backs is more nuanced than you might expect. While backs provide structural integrity, dust protection, and moisture barriers, backless designs offer cost savings and open-concept aesthetics. The right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and style preferences - though most luxury installations benefit from the added protection and stability that backs provide.

Table of Contents

• The Role of Backs in Fitted Wardrobes
• When to Consider Fitted Wardrobes Without Backs
• Customising Your Wardrobe Design Choices
• How Much Does a Fitted Wardrobe Cost
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

There's a peculiar moment in every luxury home project when clients realise the devil truly is in the details. Take fitted wardrobes, for instance, whilst most focus on door styles and internal configurations, the question of whether to include backing panels often catches even seasoned homeowners off guard.

Yet this single decision can dramatically influence everything from structural integrity to long-term satisfaction.

For property owners across London and the Home Counties, understanding these nuanced choices separates merely expensive storage from genuinely exceptional craftsmanship. Interior designers working on high-end residential commissions will recognise this as one of those make-or-break moments that distinguish superior installations from the merely adequate.

The backing debate isn't simply about construction preferences; it's about creating storage solutions that perform flawlessly for decades while maintaining the aesthetic refinement your space deserves. Our technical analysis reveals precisely why this seemingly straightforward element deserves serious consideration before your first carpenter lifts a tool.

The Role of Backs in Fitted Wardrobes

Yes, they may be just a few millimetres thick, but wardrobe backs provide advantages that protect your clothing. Let's delve into them in more detail.

What constitutes a wardrobe back?

Rear panels joined to the main structure of your cabinetry are referred to as "backs". They form a barrier between your garments and the wall.

They can be constructed from a variety of materials, including mirror panels, plywood and medium-density fibreboard (MDF), all of which can be finished to your preference. A sturdy backing board for wardrobes ensures enhanced structural integrity and protects garments from wall moisture.

This construction provides you with an all-encompassing storage area that fully encases your clothing. 

What are the Benefits of Having Wardrobes with Backs?

• Structural integrity: They provide the support needed to help preserve the wardrobe's shape and stability over time, preventing warping, leaning and other types of deterioration. They will also help to distribute the weight of its contents more evenly.
• Cleanliness: Creating an enclosed space limits internal exposure to dust, keeping your possessions fresher for longer. They also ensure that your clothing stays out of the public eye, so if you're a naturally messy person, it's definitely the way to go.
• Protective barrier: The added layer ensures that nothing inside your wardrobe is exposed to moisture or humidity. This is particularly important should you have a damp issue in your walls or be positioning your cabinetry near an en suite, preventing the formation of mould and mildew.
• Style and aesthetics: Adding backs to a wardrobe ensures a clean, polished appearance, especially if you choose a finish that complements the rest of your décor. With plenty of options to choose from, they enable you to personalise your space according to colour, texture and style. The back of the wardrobe, when designed with high-quality materials, can elevate both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your storage.
• Noise reduction: The extra panel increases sound absorption, lessening any commotion made by opening your wardrobe doors or moving clothing around. This is especially useful if you share a room.

Key Takeaway: Wardrobe backs deliver essential structural support whilst protecting your garments from dust, moisture, and wall imperfections. They're rather sensible investments for luxury storage solutions that prioritise longevity and garment care.

When to Consider Fitted Wardrobes Without Backs?

Although there are numerous benefits to installing a fitted wardrobe with a back, there's no hard and fast rule. In fact, in some circumstances, excluding them may even be a better option. Here are some such scenarios:

Open concept designs:

Keeping your cabinetry open plan helps to create a sense of space, which is particularly useful if you're dealing with a small room. Take a look at the Plieone walk-in by Barel for some inspiration.

Creating a minimalist style:

Currently one of the hottest interior trends this year, minimalism is making a comeback. Defined by clean lines and simple, functional furnishings, it promotes a clean, airy aesthetic that oozes serenity. If you love this genre, then a backless wardrobe like the Pass design by Jesse would be a great choice.

Budget constraints:

In general, it is cheaper to build a backless wardrobe than a fully enclosed one, as it requires much less material and labour. So, if your potential spending is a little on the low side, it's a surefire way to cut costs.

Key Takeaway: Backless wardrobes suit minimalist aesthetics and tighter budgets whilst creating an airier feel in compact spaces. However, you'll sacrifice some protection and structural integrity with this approach.

Customising Your Wardrobe Design Choices

Employing the services of a reputable design and joinery team will ensure that you end up with a high-quality, luxury wardrobe that is customised to your exact specifications. With over 35 years of experience, our FCI London offering is definitely a cut above the rest.

With over 200 options in terms of materials, handles, colours and finishes, you'll be able to choose any layout, storage requirements and style you like. We'll make sure that, from conceptualisation to build and final installation, every step is perfectly executed.

Here are some things to consider to ensure that you get exactly what you're looking for:

• Individual compartments: Assess your clothing collection before deciding on what you'll need in terms of drawers, shelving and hanging rails.
• Special features: If you have the space, think about including unique additions like tie racks, shoe compartments, laundry bins, and hat stands.
• Materials: To create a seamless aesthetic, pick materials, finishes, colours, and handles that blend in with the rest of your furnishings. While doing so, make sure that you consider the layout of your room to optimise every aspect. Mirror doors, for example, will help make compact areas look bigger. They're ideal if you have a space crunch.
• Technology integration: Features like lighting, surround sound and USB points help to enhance our busy lifestyles and contribute to a more pleasurable experience.
• Open and closed concept integration: If you can't make up your mind, combining both backed and backless sections will give you the best of both worlds. Fitted wardrobes with dressing table integrations offer a seamless solution for combining storage and grooming spaces in luxury bedroom designs.

Key Takeaway: Bespoke wardrobes require careful consideration of storage needs, materials, and technology integration. Hybrid designs combining backed and backless sections offer exceptional flexibility for discerning clients seeking customised solutions.

How Much Does a Fitted Wardrobe Cost?

Your required budget for a fitted wardrobe depends entirely on your choices in terms of materials, size and customisations. So until you know exactly what you want, it's impossible to obtain a conclusive quote.

However, if you need an instant estimate, simply fill out our online wardrobe  cost calculator, and we'll send you something you can work with right away.

Key Takeaway: Wardrobe costs vary significantly based on materials, size, and customisations you select. FCI London's online calculator provides instant estimates tailored to your specific requirements, helping you plan your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do wardrobe backs add significant cost to a fitted wardrobe project?
Adding backs typically increases costs by 15-20% due to additional materials and labour, but this investment pays dividends in structural stability and garment protection over time.

Can you retrofit backs to existing fitted wardrobes?
While technically possible, retrofitting backs is often more complex and expensive than including them in the original design - it's genuinely more sensible to specify them from the outset.

What's the best material for wardrobe backs in humid environments?
For bathrooms or humid spaces, moisture-resistant materials like melamine-faced MDF or marine-grade plywood provide excellent protection against warping and mould formation.

How do wardrobe backs affect ventilation and air circulation?
Properly designed wardrobes include ventilation channels or small gaps to maintain air circulation whilst still providing protection - our designers ensure optimal airflow in every installation.

Visit Our Showroom

Address & Hours:
FCI London, Rays House, North Circular Road, London, NW10 7XP
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: 11am - 5pm

Contact Details:
Phone: +442081531235
Email: [email protected]

What to Bring:

• Room dimensions and measurements
• Floor plans or room layout sketches
• Current room photos from multiple angles
• Budget range and timeline
• Style preferences and inspiration images
• Details of existing furniture you want to keep

Conclusion

Adding backs to a fitted wardrobe is, at the end of the day, a personal choice. However, they do have certain advantages that help to protect your clothing collections, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run. At FCI London, we're here to help you make the best possible decisions based on factors like your budget, style and storage requirements. So book a showroom consultation today, and our top-notch team will take you through the process.

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