The fitted wardrobes vs freestanding wardrobes debate often forms part of a bedroom design discussion. We look at the pros and cons of each type of storage
Where do you stand on the fitted wardrobes vs freestanding wardrobes debate?(Image credit: Tom Howley)
It's highly likely you'll have the fitted wardrobes vs freestanding wardrobes debate when considering your bedroom design. The largest item you'll need to buy, and one that potentially eats into a large part of your bedroom budget, wardrobes are rarely purchased on a whim.
Design, cost and availability will all need to be considered before you make your final purchase – even more so if you have the luxury of a dedicated dressing room to kit out.
To find out a bit more about the pros and cons of each type, we asked the experts to weigh in with their thoughts to help you decide which is the right one for you.
Fitted wardrobes vs freestanding wardrobes: Start by assessing what you need to store
“When it comes to getting the most out of your bedroom storage ideas, it's key to consider the items you already possess so that your wardrobes can work optimally for you," says Rachel Hutcheson, National Retail Manager at Sharps.
“We all organise differently, so think about the volume of clothes and shoes that you have, as well as whether you need areas for bedding and towels. And don't forget to think about how much space you might need in the future," says Rachel.
Before assuming you need space for everything you have right now, it can also be a good time to declutter as you may find yourself able to streamline your possessions – not only saving space, but also ensuring you get the right kind of storage.
Once you've got a clearer picture of everything you need to find a home for, you can then start considering the other pros and cons of fitted wardrobes vs freestanding ones.
Before choosing wardrobes sort out your belongings so you know exactly what you need to store(Image credit: The Painted Furniture Co.)
Rachel Hutcheson
Rachel Hutcheson is a National Retail Manager at Sharps, with a vast array of knowledge on how to make the most out of your fitted wardrobes.
Fitted wardrobes – the pros
There's no doubt that the aesthetics of fitted wardrobes meet with appreciation and are a luxurious addition to your bedroom ideas. Offering a professionally finished, neat and considered external appearance – in comparison to the often less co-ordinated contents – they add a sense of calm and order to your space.
But when it comes to the specifics, what exactly are the pros of fitted wardrobes? The experts say it's down to extra space, personalisation and their ability to deal with awkwardly-shaped rooms.
Extra space
"A well-designed fitted wardrobe can offer on average 40% more space than a one-size-fits all design," says Rachal Hutcheson, "so it's well worth considering for any bedroom."
"The benefit of bespoke fitted wardrobes is that you can design them to use all of this space, rather than the limited amount that a freestanding wardrobe would give you," says Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company.
"We design bespoke furniture that can go wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling," says Tom. "This means we can also make the storage deeper if needed, whereas a standard wardrobe would be 600mm deep.
"Bespoke furniture provides you the luxury of using everything you have available to you, and the key is to make the most of every available space there is."
“Fitted wardrobes are great because they can be used in a variety of spaces (even tight fits," agrees Ady Heaton, head of design at Howdens. "However, it isn’t just down to your wardrobes," he adds. "Choosing fitted drawers can offer the same results too, as it removes any dead space or between the units and other furniture or walls."
Freestanding vs fitted wardrobes – a before and after
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(Image credit: Sharps)
(Image credit: Sharps)
Tom Howley
Tom has spent over 20 years designing bespoke kitchen and utility rooms designed to work in harmony with a client's lifestyle. The company's recent move into bespoke fitted wardrobes will bring Tom's expert knowledge into a whole new arena.
Ady Heaton
Ady Heaton is Head of Design at Howdens. Responsible for designing all of Howdens award-winning kitchens and now their fitted bedroom collections means he has extensive knowledge on how well-designed storage can transform your bedroom.
Personalisation
The reason the extra space is beneficial? It allows you to choose more personalised internal solutions that are designed to meet your storage requirements. It can be perfect for master bedroom ideas where you often need to fit a lot into one room.
"When we make wardrobes deeper to use up the available space, this means the drawer boxes are also deeper and the shelves are also deeper," explains Tom Howley. "Every spare inch becomes useful."
Bespoke storage is also highly personalised to your belongings, ensuring you have a specific space for everything. And when it comes to the internal design of fitted wardrobes the options are varied.
"Fitted wardrobes are valuable pieces that can be personalised in a myriad of ways," says Rachal Hutcheson, "with rails, shelving and drawers designed to your exact lifestyle.”
"The things we get asked for regularly are the bits you would expect that people want – long hanging, double hanging, deep or long drawers, adjustable shelving to display items, plus storage solutions for small items such as watches, jewellery, belts, scarfs etc," says Tom Howley.
“Take a holistic approach of what needs you need met when looking to invest in a fitted wardrobe," adds Ady Heaton. "For example, if you have quite a few pairs of shoes then a unit with shelves top to bottom would be ideal whereas if you’re looking to store longer dresses and coats then a single hanging rail would be ideal.”
The insides of fitted wardrobes can be designed to suit your personal storage requirements(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Can suit difficult room shapes and sizes
The other benefit of fitted wardrobes vs freestanding ones? They can be designed to deal with awkward spaces.
“Investing in fitted furniture is often the most effective and efficient way to make use of the space in your home, especially if the bespoke design has been created to fit the exact contours of your rooms," says Rachal Hutcheson.
"The beauty of bespoke furniture is that you can proportion the furniture to the space it’s in," says Tom Howley, "so in a larger room with high ceilings you can create large furniture that looks good in that space yet won’t dominate it, and in a smaller space you would reduce the proportions and details of the furniture to look right in a smaller room."
Alcoves, sloped ceilings in bedroom loft conversion ideas and uneven floor or ceiling levels can all be dealt with with the right fitted wardrobe design and supplier.
Difficult room shapes can be navigated more easily with fitted wardobes(Image credit: Sharps)
Fitted wardrobes – the cons
Although it can be all too easy to fall in love with dreamy floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes and imagine that this perfectly co-ordinated storage will provide you with a life to match, it's worth remembering that in order to achieve the look, you need clothes with fairly deep pockets.
In the same way that they will provide you with extra storage, they will also leave you with extra costs. Fitted wardrobes done well, are never cheap.
And, unless you have the budget to opt for a completely handmade version, you could argue they aren't as bespoke as they feel.
In general, choosing from a finite range of doors, finishes, handles, hinges and internal fittings means that while the combination used may be unique to you, there will still be other homes kitted out with fitted wardrobes that look similar to yours.
That said, the overall feeling is that you get what you pay for and if you invest in fitted wardrobes, you generally get a quality finish and maximum return on your hard-earned cash.
Freestanding wardrobes – the pros
Freestanding furniture of any kind offers a greater amount of flexiblity and portability. It can also be changed more easily and in some instances, will offer a more affordable option. But when it comes to freestanding wardrobes, what specifically are the positives?
Mobility
Although fitted wardrobes make the most out of the space available, the fact they are fitted means they are always going to stay in the room where they are installed.
“Freestanding storage on the other hand, has many benefits due to its mobility," says Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made. "Unlike fitted designs, freestanding wardrobes can easily be repositioned or moved to another room, making them an ideal choice for those who are moving house or simply want an interior refresh."
Freestanding wardrobes can be moved to different rooms or homes(Image credit: Neptune)
Adam Brown, director at The Painted Furniture Co. agrees. "Freestanding wardrobes are reasonably easy to move and reposition should you decide to re-arrange your bedroom or change your bedroom layout ideas to accommodate a new piece of furniture.
"This flexibility is also useful for renters or people who tend to move frequently," he adds, "as they can simply take their wardrobes with them."
Becca Stern
Becca is creative director and co-founder of Mustard Made, along with sister Jess. Mustard Made specialises in metal lockers in all kinds of styles and colours perfect for most rooms in any home.
Versatility
Another benefit of freestanding wardrobes is the fact that you aren't tied into one style or design, should you choose to change your bedroom decor ideas.
"Freestanding wardrobes come is a huge range of styles, sizes, colours and finishes," says Adam Brown, "making it also easy to match existing décor or change the look without major renovations."
They can also lead to more opportunity to express your style, says Becca Stern.
"Freestanding storage options, for example a beautiful and functional vintage-inspired locker, can also be a great way to inject a pop of colour and personality into neutral bedroom ideas.
"They also offer flexibility when it comes to their internal layout," says Becca. "Similar to fitted wardrobes, freestanding designs often allow for additional shelving, increased hanging space, or storage for smaller items in baskets, allowing you to tailor your storage to your exact needs.”
Freestanding wardrobes can still offer a variety of internal storage solutions(Image credit: Mustard Made)
Adam Brown
The Painted Furniture Co. brand was launched in 2010 by husband-and-wife Adam and Rosy who were were keen to move away from bland furniture produce times that used paint instead of lacquer. They now produce a range of furniture items and have years of experience in creating practical and stylish bedroom storage solutions.
Cost
Last, but perhaps one of the most important factors when it comes to deciding which is best in the fitted wardrobes vs freestanding debate is cost. There's no doubt that you will find cheaper freestanding wardrobes for sale than you will fitted versions.
"Freestanding wardrobes are often more cost-effective when compared to fitted options since they don’t require custom fitting and professional installation," says Adam Brown. "This is often necessary for built-in wardrobes unless you are fitting them yourselves.
"Additionally, if damage occurs, individual pieces of a freestanding wardrobe can often be repaired or replaced more easily than components of a built-in unit," he adds.
Freestanding wardrobes are generally cheaper than their fitted counterparts(Image credit: The Painted Furniture Co.)
Freestanding wardrobes - the cons
Cost vs quality
It's often the case that you get what you pay for when it comes to wardrobes, so while buying a cheaper freestanding wardrobe online may feel like you're getting a good deal, it may not seem quite that way if it feels flimsy once you've assembled it.
And, while the fact that they can be moved is good, moving them too often can also lead to damage or instability - especially if you've bought lower quality items which may not be as hardwearing.
Sizing
While freestanding wardrobes are available in a variety of sizes, there's a chance they still might not suit the size and shape of your home. "This can be especially more challenging in older properties," says Rachel Hutcheson, "where alcoves and lower ceilings are a consideration."
If your wardrobe falls slightly short of your ceiling for example, it may not leave room on top to store any extra items and can also be tricky to keep clean.
It's again another situation where paying a little more for your wardrobes could be worth it so that you get a hybrid solution.
"Some retailers (such as ourselves)," says Adam Brown, "also offer a bespoke design service. So, if for example you have a particularly low ceiling, or need to fit a wardrobe under the eaves, this can still be done and the wardrobe made to fit perfectly. But it will still have the benefit of freestanding should you ever need to move it."
FAQs
Is there any space that's too small for fitted wardrobes?
"There isn’t a space too small for bespoke storage really," says Tom Howley, "but in terms of wardrobes you could be working with limited hanging space as clothes do need a certain depth and height.
"You need 1m in height and 600 mm in depth for hanging a suit, so in a smaller space you may not be able to accommodate this.
"Therefore, depending on the space, you may need to compromise on design vs. storage, or vice versa – especially if you have a smaller space," says Tom Howley.
"The design is important as we want all our furniture to look beautiful. But, it also needs to function," says Tom. "We will always ensure furniture looks as stunning as it is functional for our clients."
Can you install fitted wardrobes yourself?
Although most fitted wardrobe companies offer a supply and fit service, if you have a good level of DIY skills, there are certainly ways of making off-the-shelf solutions look more bespoke.
The popular Ikea PAX wardrobe system is often used by homeowners to create a seemingly fitted wardrobe solution. Check out the Pinterest Ikea PAX hacks for some inspiration.
What's the most popular design for fitted wardrobes?
'’There are 2 stand out styles in fitted bedrooms at the moment," says Ady Heaton. "Firstly, there's a lot of interest in a shaker door in a light neutral colour that adds a modern classic look which is great for creating a retreat in the home.
"Alternatively, customers are opting for a slab door which matches their wall colour to create a seamless unobtrusive look in modern bedroom ideas. Or they combine it with a timber handle to create a Scandinavian inspired look.‘’
Where to buy fitted and freestanding wardrobes
Fitted wardrobes
Tom Howley - bespoke handmade luxury designs with a high quality finish
Howdens - made to measure wardrobes in a range of styles
Sharps - well known as one of the UK's fitted wardrobe suppliers
Neville Johnson - for bedrooms, home offices and other bespoke storage
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Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
