Having curated unique luxury interiors and fitted wardrobes for countless discerning clients over the years, we have observed that what makes a house truly feel like a home is the thoughtful combination of form and function - and perhaps, nowhere is this more evident than when it comes to bespoke storage solutions.
Modern built in wardrobes ideas are more than mere storage - they seek to feature wardrobes as an architectural element of your home. These tailored storage solutions hold the power to transform dull spaces into elegant features, all while greatly enhancing your daily rituals of dressing and organisation.
Unlike their standardised, free-standing counterparts, built-in wardrobes are not mere furniture pieces that can be added as an afterthought. They are a very integral part of your interiors that must be incorporated as one of the architectural elements.
They can be adapted seamlessly to utilise unused, awkward spaces such as attics, alcoves, corners and even under the staircase - turning them into areas that contribute visually and functionally to your home.
The true beauty of a built-in wardrobe is the tailored experience it offers. Every cm, every angle is precisely measured and included to meet your requirements. Housing a valuable timepiece collection, or holding a massive collection of tailored suits - bespoke wardrobes accommodate your specific collection with ease.
Unlike standard options, built-in wardrobes help maximise every centimetre of space by covering your full ceiling heights, and any awkward nooks and angles with precision. This has the effect of making your interiors look tailored, well-designed and thoughtfully made.
The complete customisation of built-in wardrobes extends to various features including its interior and more:
Built-in wardrobes can be designed as cohesive elements of your interior by ensuring their aesthetics and materials complement the aesthetics of the rest of your room. This maintains a classic, timeless integrity for your room without overdoing it.
Built in wardrobes with sliding doors are well-loved for a reason: they offer better workflow for restricted spaces where swinging doors wide open is not an option. Opting for premium, well-engineered mechanisms ensures a smooth, soft-close feature without the annoying gaps for years.
Although sliding doors are practical in narrow spaces, we suggest the traditional hinged doors for larger built-in closets in master suites due to their exceptional structural strength. They also offer a better, more open access to the wardrobe when fully opened.
Bespoke walk-in wardrobes are synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle and for good reason. The thoughtful use of categorised open displays, islands that house accessories, and interior elements such as flooring, lighting, and fixtures combine to create an experience designed to meet your needs.
Corner spaces serve as a challenge when it comes to standalone closets - but not for bespoke ones. The addition of thoughtful details like L-shaped hanging railings, carousel systems and pull-out corner shelves ensure that every centimetre of your corner wardrobe remains thoroughly accessible.
Some spaces cannot house a standard depth wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean they can’t offer storage. Using shallow-depth wardrobes (around 60-65cm deep) can offer ample folding storage and even hanging options through angled railings.
Solid timber and quality veneers channel warmth and character to your space while offering superior structural strength and longevity. Some popular timber options include:
The engineered boards available today offer greater stability and work as excellent substitutes for lacquered finishes. They mirror the natural aesthetics of rare wood varieties without the environmental impact associated with them.
Incorporating glass can elevate the wardrobe experience by adding a new depth of opacity. There are many ways to do that:
When used in measured, curated amounts, metal elements can add just the right amount of opulence that greatly uplifts a wardrobe’s impact. Chrome plated metals, Patinated brass, Stainless steel - there’s a large variety of metals that can be added to wardrobes in handles, through delineating inserts, metal bases and much more.
Certain belongings require precise storage dimensions in the hanging section. For instance, shirts require 100 cm of height whereas full-length dresses need a minimum of 180 cm. We recommend hanging specifications such as:
Often undermined, a high quality drawer system will make your wardrobe stand out among a myriad of basic wardrobe solutions. Full-extension slides, dovetailed joinery techniques, soft-close mechanisms, leather-lined finishes, all these delicate details ensure a smooth and seamless operation that remains just that way even after years of usage.
Thoughtfully designed shelving space considers our unique storage needs. Some solutions include:
Built in wardrobes ideas that work around architectural complexities define an inclusive approach. For a recent project, we designed a tailored closet that wrapped around a supporting pillar, celebrating it instead of covering it up.
Sliding or hinged, doors for built in wardrobes must consider factors that go beyond spatial efficiency. For a recent project that sought to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern ease, we created classic panelled doors that worked with a smooth, sliding mechanism. The result was something both space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
Beyond the structure of the wardrobe itself, we also need to consider how it becomes a part of your space. Subtle detailed elements like shadow gaps, recessed plinths or expressed transitions can create a sense of cohesion while offering some practical advantages.
As a part of your bedroom, wardrobes can be utilised to better serve your personal requirements beyond storage. As an example, for clients who work remote jobs, we seamlessly integrate pull-out desks that can be easily accessed and hidden as required.
A wardrobe needs to be aligned with the design concepts that echo throughout your home. This does not mean that you need to match everything, thoughtful inclusion is all that’s required. Even a curated juxtaposing style can work wonders when done right.
As with other interior elements, the journey towards a successfully designed and implemented wardrobe begins with a detailed consultation. An experienced designer will factor in your personality. How do you live, what do you seek from your storage, what are your daily usage patterns, what interior styles do you prefer, and much more. Once that’s outlined, the discussion can progress to include quantifiable details such as dimensions, spatial requirements and the amount of storage required correct to the last millimetre.
Designers then provide 2D drawings, layouts and 3D visualisations along with the recommended material samples to provide a complete picture to the client before beginning the manufacturing process.
Expert carpenters and joiners work together to bring the conceptualised designs to life with complete integrity towards the craft. The installation process alone depends heavily upon precision.
True luxury must always come at a cost, and bespoke wardrobes are no exception. Built-in wardrobes costs vary according to material, dimensions and any internal and external fittings required. Nonetheless, when going over your budget, consider how a quality wardrobe serves for years, effectively enhancing your quality of life. The cost of built in wardrobes seems minimal compared to their utility.
Many clients seeking to diy built in wardrobes end up with more on their shoulders than they bargained for. Designing and creating a tailored storage piece requires unmatched craftsmanship levels, cutting edge equipment, quality fixtures and fittings as well as a highly experienced eye for detail.
At FCI London, we house the largest fitted wardrobe showroom in the city featuring over 100 different door styles and 200 luxurious finishes. Our award-winning team can understand exactly what you need, sometimes, even more than you do. We understand that a well designed wardrobe transcends mere storage, it offers ease, refinement and organisation that will improve your life on a daily basis. A worthwhile investment for sure.
Visit our showroom for an in-depth, one-on-one consultation with our designers to get started on your journey towards
For those considering such an investment, we recommend beginning with a detailed assessment of both practical needs and aesthetic preferences, followed by consultation with specialists who can translate these requirements into exceptional built-in solutions that will provide pleasure and functionality for decades to come.
Our design consultants at FCI London bring decades of experience creating bespoke storage solutions for the most discerning clients. To explore how we might address your specific requirements, we invite you to schedule a personalised consultation at our design studio.
If you need advice on your layout, then take advantage of our free design consultation. Simply make an appointment to visit our award-winning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options, ensuring that you end up with the wardrobe of your dreams.
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