How Do You Ventilate a Fitted Wardrobe?

Written by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator
Edited by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Rey Amini, Senior Interior Designer & Architect
Fact-checked by: Benjamin Ibanez, Development & FF&E Manager

A well-ventilated wardrobe is more than just a luxury; it's a necessity.

Without adequate airflow, your wardrobe can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.

Moisture and humidity trapped within the enclosed space can lead to irreversible damage to your clothing and even compromise the structural integrity of the wardrobe itself. Proper ventilation ensures a dry and fresh environment for your beloved clothes, promoting their longevity and freshness.

Why does your fitted wardrobe need to be ventilated? 

Fitted wardrobes are the most popular choice of wardrobe these days, mainly because of the cutting-edge improvements in their design and construction. They make the best use of your space and they can easily be adjusted in awkwardly designed areas. And it’s not just their exterior, but also their interior that is custom-made to provide you the kind of storage that you need, hence eliminating the need for extra storage units./p>

Hence they make your lives easier and stress-free as you get to organise your clothes, shoes and other belongings just the way you want. 

While fitted wardrobes offer hundreds of benefits, their only drawback is that they’re more prone to mould and dampness than free-standing wardrobes. This is because of the fact that these wardrobes are attached to the wall, ceiling and floor so there is no room for air to circulate. So by ventilating your wardrobes, you can ensure better circulation of air that prevents dampness and mould.

The vents will let air into and out of the wardrobes from the room. As a result, both the wardrobe and the space in which it is located will have a balanced atmosphere. In the absence of any vents, the still air in the wardrobe will be cooler and this creates the ideal environment for mould growth. 

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Different ways to ventilate built-in wardrobes

• Leave Gaps at the Back: During the installation of the wardrobe, ensure there are small gaps left between the wardrobe's back and the wall. These gaps will allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup. 
• Use Moisture Absorbers: Place moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel packets, dehumidifiers, or moisture-absorbing charcoal inside the wardrobe. These will help reduce excess humidity and prevent mold growth.
• Use Perforated Shelves or Back Panels: If possible, choose fitted wardrobe components like shelves or back panels with perforations. This will promote air circulation within the wardrobe. 
• Leave the Doors Ajar: If your fitted wardrobe has doors, leave them slightly ajar when not in use. This will enable air to flow inside and prevent the buildup of stagnant air.

• Avoid Overpacking: Avoid overstuffing the fitted wardrobe, as it can restrict airflow and trap moisture. Properly organize your clothes and belongings, leaving some space between items.
• Ventilated shelving: Ventilated shelving can include baskets, drawers, racks or other forms of storage that is adjusted in your wardrobe. Such shelving is not just stylish but also durable and they can be customised in finishing of your choice. 
• Mechanical ventilation: There are many different types of mechanical ventilation but the most common one is to add a good quality HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. This system is specially designed to maintain air quality and regulate the temperature of your home. It also filters out the air from any contaminants, including mould and dust. However, installing such systems can be expensive so a more budget-friendly alternative is to install an exhaust fan or a vent in the wardrobe. These days, you can also find solar-powered ventilation systems for wardrobes which are much more eco-friendly. 
• Using air bricks: This is perhaps one of the most traditional methods of making sure a room or wardrobe is ventilated. Air bricks are bricks with holes in them and they’ve been designed this way to maximise ventilation and avoid issues like mould and mildew. 
• Closet dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers are a popular ventilation method these days as they’re easy to use and portable. They’re many different types of dehumidifiers in the market, including single-use dehumidifiers, rechargeable ones, electric and fragrance-free dehumidifiers. So before investing in one, it is important to do your research to buy one which fulfils all your requirements and has good reviews. 
• Go for open-door wardrobes: If your fitted wardrobe is already installed and there’s no way of adding ventilation in the room, one option is to go for an open-door wardrobe. You can also get more wardrobes installed to turn the room into a walk-in wardrobe. 

Summing up

By prioritizing wardrobe ventilation, you can safeguard your wardrobe and belongings, enjoying a clean, fresh, and long-lasting storage solution. With a little planning and simple techniques, your fitted wardrobe will become a haven for your cherished clothes, ensuring they stay in pristine condition for years to come. Embrace the power of ventilation and breathe easy knowing your wardrobe is well taken care of!

If you still need help, our expert wardrobe design team is available to offer you a free wardrobe design consultation.