At FCI London, one of the most common questions we are asked by new homeowners or those who are refurbishing their bedrooms is “Do built-in wardrobes add value?”

Highlighting what future home buyers want is the cardinal rule of selling real estate. This usually includes a spacious floor plan, high quality kitchen countertops with overhead cabinets, a view of the garden from your living room and the most modern addition: walk-in or built-in wardrobes. So the resounding answer is YES they do!

Our team has put together a list of the things you need to know before you make a final decision about your new built in wardrobe.

1. What are the benefits of having a built-in wardrobe in your home?

Finding the ideal shop-bought wardrobe can be challenging. The majority of them either aren’t the right size or don’t have enough space to accommodate all of your clothing and accessories. A straightforward solution to these problems is to incorporate built-in wardrobes, which are essentially tailor-made for your space.

So if you’re looking for practical ways to arrange your clothes, blankets and other items, here are 6 benefits of built-in wardrobes that will inspire you:

1. Space optimisation: Built-in wardrobes can be integrated into any type of space and are a clever way to deal with tight areas. They can even be specially made to fit L-shaped corners, alcoves and sloped ceilings or can be built around windows to maximise the amount of storage potential in your room.
2. Hand-picked finishes: The best thing about built-in wardrobes is that you get to participate in the design phase and create a unit that matches the finishes and style of the rest of your décor. From contemporary glass or sleek acrylic to a more traditional look made from walnut or any other reclaimed wood, the world is your oyster.
3. Custom interiors: Built-in wardrobes give you free rein to personalise your internal storage systems to suit your needs, so whether you would like more hanging space and trouser racks or a larger area for your shoes, it’s achievable. If you and your partner share a room, you can also configure each section of you wardrobe to best meet your specific requirements right down to the last height-adjustable shelf.
4. Lighting: One element that is commonly overlooked in wardrobe design is lighting – especially in free-standing units. However, integrated lighting fixtures like LEDs and spotlights can be used in the design of built-ins, ensuring that you can see what you’re doing at all times.
5. Easy cleaning: As they are built to fit and can’t be moved, keeping them clean is a cinch.
6. Multiple storage options: Fitted wardrobes give you more space to store items that aren’t related to clothing like blankets, bedsheets, towels and suitcases.

We are fanatical about luxury fitted wardrobe design.

Take a look at our range of contemporary wardrobes.

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View Built-In Wardrobes

View Large Wardrobes

View Corner Wardrobes

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View Walk-In Wardrobes

2. How much value will a built-in wardrobe add to your property?

Real estate agents will tell you that there are many aspects that affect a property’s overall worth, regardless of whether you plan to sell it soon or in years to come.

Luxury built-in and walk-in wardrobes along with other bespoke storage solutions are some of the common features that constitute a “dream home”, giving it a unique selling factor and making it stand out from the competition. This is because potential homeowners are constantly on the lookout for features that they won’t have to spend big money on once they’ve moved in.

It is important to keep in mind that the cost-benefits of investing in a fitted wardrobe for your home only make sense when you decide to sell it, but it will certainly become a negotiating advantage and you should most certainly more-than recuperate your spend.

Welcome to FCI London

We help designers & clients transform mundane spaces into extraordinary ones.

• Clearance items
• Sofas
• Dining Tables
• Custom Wardrobes
• All Furniture

3. What are the different types of built-in wardrobes you can choose from?

Built-in wardrobes are fitted into your specific space and can therefore come in a limitless number of configurations depending on the area you have available. They are also fully customisable, allowing you to design the interior and finishes that best suit your needs. Here are some of the most popular options:

• A hinged wardrobe

  These fit larger areas perfectly and have doors that open out into the room. They enable you to access every interior compartment simultaneously and are therefore ideal if you’re sharing with a partner. They are also cost-effective and easy to install.

  Hinged wardrobes prevent dust from getting onto your clothing, making them a more hygienic option than open door wardrobes.

• A sliding door wardrobe

  If you have a tiny room, then a sliding door wardrobe is a fantastic alternative as the doors move along a fixed track rather than opening outwards, therefore taking up minimal space. They are also good for high-traffic areas like hallways and passages.

  Opting for a mirrored finish on your sliding door wardrobe also has the advantage of making your room look double its size.

• A corner wardrobe:

  Otherwise called L-shaped wardrobes, corner wardrobes are perfect if you’re looking to fill awkward corner spaces and take advantage of every available centimetre of your room.

  They can be fitted with either hinged or sliding doors depending on your space.

• A walk-in wardrobe

  These are a perfect choice if you enjoy fashion and like to accumulate clothing over time. A walk-in wardrobe, the pinnacle of luxury, is ideal for homes with lots of space and can be built into a spare room or by dividing a master bedroom with some sliding doors.

  These wardrobes can have both open and concealed storage spaces and, if big enough, can even accommodate a dressing room, central island and laundry area.

  No matter what you choose, all built-in wardrobes are made to fit and can accommodate anything from slanted ceilings to awkward angles with ease, ensuring that you never have any wasted space.

  

  

   

  4. How do you go about choosing the right built-in wardrobe for your home?

  Before you choose your ideal wardrobe, it’s best to consult with an expert to ensure that you find the right one for your space. At FCI London, we have an experienced design team who will be able to walk you through all your options from layouts and interiors to the myriad of different colours, materials and finishes we have on offer.

  In essence, a combination of your storage requirements and available space will influence what type of wardrobe you should select and help to cement whether you should opt for key design features like hinged or sliding doors. Here are 4 easy steps to help you make the right decision:

  1. Take measurements: The first step is to properly measure your space so that you know exactly how much room you have available.
  2. Understand your storage needs: This is crucial when purchasing a wardrobe, so take a look at your clothing and accessories and determine how much space you will need for each category. Ensure that you have hanging rails for your formal clothing, trouser racks for shorter items, shelving for your t-shirts and jumpers and drawers for underwear, belts and socks. You also need to think about how you would like to store your shoes and bags. Make sure that you include some overhead space for items that you don’t wear on a regular basis.
  3. Find the right style: Select a wardrobe style that complements the current interior of you bedroom. This should include hues, accents, wardrobe components and door features. For a contemporary theme, choose glass or go for a lovely wooden finish if you prefer a timeless aesthetic.
  4. Pick a door that works for you: Before you choose between sliding or hinged doors, have a look at your bedroom layout. If your space is cramped and the bed is close to the wardrobe, sliding doors would be better. But if you have ample space, you may prefer a hinged door.

  5. What are the installation costs associated with building a new wardrobe?

  It is very difficult to determine the exact cost of a built-in wardrobe until you have an idea of what you want. But whatever your budget, our team will be able to give you a range of different options when it comes to materials, finishes and colour, ensuring that you get exactly what you can afford.

  If you’d like an upfront estimate, call one of our consultants or use our easy-to-operate cost calculator today.

  6. How long does it take to have a new built-in wardrobe installed?

  The time required for installing your fitted wardrobes will vary depending on the size and complexity of the design and the area they are going into. Typically it takes between one and two days for a simple configuration.

  7. In conclusion

  Built-in wardrobes are one of the most effective ways of adding value to your home, giving you an edge when it comes to putting your property on the market and ensuring that you have all the storage space you need for as long as you live there.

  To find out more, book a consultation with us today. With almost four decades in the design industry, we’ll be able to give you the best advice and create something spectacular for you right from the word go.