Do You Carpet Before or After Fitted Wardrobes?

Planning the layout and style of your living spaces entails a series of deliberate decisions, often leading to an array of pressing questions. And, when it comes to remodelling your custom cabinetry, one in particular stands out. So welcome to our in-depth debate regarding a classic interior design quandary: "Do you carpet before or after fitted wardrobes?" 

Finding the correct combination of beauty and functionality necessitates a thorough understanding of the advantages and repercussions of each decision. And, if you’re new at this game, you might be unsure of which order will suit you best. 

At FCI London, our expert team have been conceptualising, building and installing fitted wardrobes for almost 40 years, allowing you access to heaps of practical advice. 

So, whether you’re a discerning homeowner embarking on a bedroom makeover or a designer seeking helpful insights, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

Join us as we navigate this topic, ensuring that your optimal outcome is consistent with your vision for a seamless, well-coordinated storage solution.

Carpeting before fitted wardrobes

There are two different scenarios to think about when fitting a wardrobe over carpeting: 

Existing carpets

If you choose to install your wardrobes over existing carpets, you’ll need to follow these pointers:

• It’s essential to make sure that your floor is even. Failing to do so could result in poorly fitted cabinetry which may end up warping over time. 
• Thin carpets without an underlay are usually firm enough to provide a stable base for a wardrobe. However, thicker, woven or tufted pile carpeting will need a floor liner placed between them and the base of the unit.
• When it comes to sliding doors, we suggest removing a section of the carpet where the tracks will be installed. 
• Carpet gripper rods will be fixed into this space, leaving a 5 mm gap to allow the cut carpet edge to be tucked down neatly between the gripper and the liner. This will make space for the sliding door track to be screwed on top of the liner.

All of the above will allow for a seamless aesthetic. 

New carpets

If you decide to fit new carpets before you install your wardrobe, take these tips into account:

• Before installing your carpet, take accurate measurements to ensure that it will fit perfectly beneath your future wardrobe with no gaps around the edges. 
• Padding should be used to increase comfort and insulation. Make sure that it extends beneath the wardrobe installation area to create a uniform surface and promote less wear over time. 
• Discuss the exact positioning and size of your built-in wardrobes with your carpet and joinery teams to assist both parties in tailoring their work to fit seamlessly.
• Tack strips should be used to properly secure the carpet edges. After the wardrobes are placed, these strips ensure a clean finish and keep it from fraying or pulling away.
• Select a carpet material that complements the design of your wardrobe. For example, if you’ve opted for sliding doors, the height of the pile should not restrict the gliding movement. 
• Avoid laying carpets in a way that makes moving or adjusting fitted wardrobes difficult. If the carpet installation is too tight around the wardrobe foundation, alterations or maintenance may be difficult.

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Carpeting after fitted wardrobes

When you install your carpet after fitted wardrobes have been put in, you may find that you’re charged a little extra. However, doing it this way around does have certain benefits: 

• It enables the proper measuring and fitting of the carpet, allowing any issues or abnormalities to be addressed on the spot. 
• It lowers the risk of the carpet being damaged in any way while your wardrobe installation takes place. 
• It opens up the possibilities for a greater choice in carpet colour and style, allowing you to find something that compliments your cabinetry beautifully. 

As per carpeting before fitted wardrobes, we recommend using a floor liner to level the bottom door track and provide a neat, straight edge. 

Before you decide to go this route, you should also consider the following disadvantages:

• Carpeting around existing furniture requires precise trimming and fitting, which may result in increased labour and installation time. 
• The floor beneath your new wardrobe will remain uncovered, making it susceptible to scratches and other forms of deterioration.

Which is best for you?

If you’re working in a room that is already fitted with beautiful carpets, then your first choice would be to install your wardrobe over the top of them. 

However, if you have a bare floor and definitely want a carpet, you’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons of both remaining options. 

Generally, fitting wardrobes onto hard floors is better as it prevents the risk of sagging over time. However, you will need to employ professional carpenters with experience in this area to ensure that all of the edges are seamless.

Conversely, installing wardrobes over the carpet means there won’t be any gaps in the flooring should you ever decide to remove your cabinetry. But before you go this route, you will need to ensure that your floors are level and that the type of carpet can accommodate your choice of doors. 

Making any decision regarding your home’s interior design can be overwhelming, but don't stress - we are here to help. Our team of expert wardrobe designers is always available to chat about your specific needs and will give you professional advice on what’s best for you. 

The pros of installing carpets in your bedroom

While many opt for bare floors and bespoke rugs, there are certain benefits to installing wall-to-wall carpets in a bedroom. Here they are:

• Combining carpeting with a fitted wardrobe produces a seamless, sophisticated look and helps to add texture and enhance the visual impact of your room. 
• Sliding doors and drawers in a fitted wardrobe are prone to making a noise when opened and closed. Carpeting considerably minimises this, creating a calm environment conducive to peace and relaxation.
• Placing a carpet beneath a fitted wardrobe works as a protective barrier for your flooring against potential damage that may be caused by the weight or movement of the wardrobe. 
• Stepping onto the plushness of a carpet optimises the overall comfort of your daily routine, providing warmth, a sound barrier and a general sense of opulence. 
• Covering your floors improves insulation and will help to keep your indoor temperature consistent. 

How to choose a fitted carpet for your bedroom

When choosing a carpet for your bedroom, there are a myriad of factors to consider from maintenance requirements to the height of the pile. Here are some guidelines to help you find the right one:  

• To create a cosy and inviting ambiance in your bedroom, choose a carpet with a soft and comfy texture.
• Make sure that you find a colour that complements the rest of your decor remembering that neutral tones promote relaxation while brighter hues add life and character.  
• The material you choose should be durable and fit both your preferences and lifestyle. Wool, for example, is warm and long-lasting while synthetic fibres are stain resistant and cost-effective. 
• The pile height is important and should strike a balance between comfort and functionality. Longer piles, while sumptuous underfoot, can be difficult to maintain and are not ideal in high-traffic areas. 
• If spills are a worry, choose something that has been treated with a stain-protector or find a colour and pattern that will hide dirt and footprints.  
• Consider your budget and choose the best quality possible within those constraints. And remember that long-term durability is an investment, so don’t skimp if you can afford something fabulous. 
• Before you make a final decision, bring home some carpet samples so that you can look at them in the lighting conditions of your bedroom. This will ensure that you’re not disappointed when the final product is in place. 
• Make sure that you hire a professional to guarantee a seamless installation, especially if you’ll be adding or working around a fitted wardrobe. 

What to consider when designing a fitted wardrobe

Fitted wardrobes are the key to an uncluttered bedroom aesthetic, helping to carefully store away everything from clothing and shoes to jewellery and accessories. 

Highly customisable, they can be tailor made to your exact specifications, enhancing your lifestyle and adding a touch of glam to your home.

If you’re thinking of installing one, here are some things that you’ll need to bear in mind:

• Evaluate and measure your available space accurately, taking into account your ceiling height, wall irregularities and the placement of your other furnishings. The Wardrobe Design #31 by Logo, for example, can be made to fit sloped ceilings in a loft room. 
• Assess your possessions and determine your storage needs. This should give you a good idea of how much hanging space, shelving and compartments you require. 
• Make sure that you think about smart enhancements that will improve functionality and ease of use. Shoe racks, tie hangers, pull-out drawers, laundry bins and accessory trays will all make your life a little easier. Take a look at the gorgeous Millimeter walk-in by MisuraEmme for some inspiration.
• Decide whether you would like a sleek sliding door as seen in the Hopus wardrobe by Jesse, or a hinged version like the beautiful Arrow unit by Dall’Agnese.
• Choose colours and finishes that perfectly match your existing decor and personal taste. At FCI London, we have hundreds of options available for all of our luxury fitted wardrobes, allowing you to create something wonderfully unique. 
• Decide on a budget before you start planning and use our easy-to-use online cost calculator for an instant estimate. 

In Conclusion

Deciding whether to carpet before or after fitting wardrobes is a matter of personal preference and dependent on the overall look and feel you’re aiming for. We suggest you choose the option that best suits your budget, time frame and design needs.

For excellent advice and professional service on all designs, builds and fittings, get in touch with our expert team today or pop into our showroom to discuss your ideas.