Do Wardrobes Have To Be Fixed To Wall?

When you're planning your new bespoke fitted wardrobe, one of the first questions you need to answer is, do wardrobes have to be fixed to the wall?

For freestanding wardrobes, the answer is no, they don't. They can be positioned anywhere in a room depending on the layout you want, although they are usually positioned against a wall to save space.

But the same is not true of bespoke fitted wardrobes, the sphere of luxury wardrobes which we are FCI London have been perfecting for the past 4 decades. Fitted wardrobes are made to measure and are installed in your space by being secured to at least one wall. You don't need to have walls on either side -  in fact, the most common installation involves fixing a wardrobe to the back wall as well as in one corner to save the greatest amount of space in the room.

When fixing a wardrobe only to the back wall, the built-in wardrobe can look like a freestanding wardrobe in that it has no walls on either side and does not reach the ceiling. However, fitted wardrobes are installed against a wall using screws, so unlike a freestanding cabinet, it cannot be moved.

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1. The benefits of wardrobes that are fixed to walls

A wardrobe that is fixed to the wall is known as a fitted wardrobe or built-in wardrobe - and yes, these two terms refer to the same thing. There are many benefits to these modern wardrobes, including the fact that they are a practical long-term investment and add value to your home if you decide to sell it later. This is especially true if you choose a luxury wardrobe design made from high-quality, long-lasting materials.

The biggest benefit of fitted wardrobes is the way they ensure that you fully maximise your storage space, but it's easy to underestimate just how much this can help you. If you've ever lived in a house where storage space is an issue or dealt with a wardrobe that didn't fit all your belongings, you'll know how frustrating it is.

Your bespoke wardrobe can be specially designed in any shape, style and size and can be installed to fit like a glove into any room, no matter how odd the layout. L-shaped nooks, alcoves and that space below the stairs suddenly become areas you can use. 

Personal participation in the design process is another major advantage of a fitted wardrobe. You have full control over the materials used for the wardrobe, the finish on the door, the type of door handles and the arrangement of the interior storage units, such as shelves and hanging rails.

You can also control how much you spend. At FCI, we've been designing and installing luxury wardrobes since 1985. We understand all the pressure points, from the potential to go over budget to awkward space constraints. We'll work with you to ensure that your vision fits within all of your parameters. 

If you're interested to see what a fitted wardrobe could look like for you, get started with our user-friendly cost calculator. Simply fill in your requirements and get an instant quote. 

2. How to fix a wardrobe to the wall

In the case of having fitted wardrobes installed by a supplier such as FCI, you will never do this yourself. Our professional installation teams are highly skilled and will bring all the necessary tools to do the job. They will plan advance site visits to ensure they're aware of any sticky corners or electrical outlets that may require moving. 

They will check to see whether the wall is a brick wall or a stud wall. Brick walls are usually outside or support walls while stud walls are inside walls that, when tapped, sound hollow. Our team will also use spirit levels and other measuring tools to ensure that your wardrobe is level before they fix it to the wall. 

We don't recommend installing a luxury wardrobe on your own. Not only will your materials not be covered in the event that something goes wrong - like splitting the wood, for example - but unless you are a carpenter and master craftsman, you won't get the same value that professional installers will add by doing a sterling job. 

3. Where is the best place to put a wardrobe

Before you start designing your new modern bespoke wardrobe, you'll have to decide where to put it. This will depend very much on the design of the room where you want it installed.

It can be made to fit flush between two walls, which is the most common choice. Or you may prefer another layout such as flush to the left or right wall with the opposite end of the wardrobe open to the room.

Another option is a centred wardrobe that does not sit against a wall on either side. It's important to take note of any characteristics in the room that can impede installation such as radiators, doors, window ledges, electrical outlets, cornices and light switches. 

Also consider the sunlight in your room if you plan to have mirrored doors, as the reflection can create uncomfortable glare if the doors are not angled correctly. 

4. Which walls can wardrobes be fixed to? 

Fitted wardrobes should be fixed to brick walls where possible as these walls are more stable and will not be damaged by drilling. Drilling through a wall can be risky as there is the possibility of coming across gas or water pipes or electrical cables.

If you're drilling near or behind an electrical outlet, you have to take into account the way the wires are connected in order to avoid accidental electrocution. Flooding can happen unexpectedly if you drill into a pipe connected to the plumbing system. As a general rule of thumb, avoid drilling anywhere near potential electrical hookups or piping.

Our brilliant wardrobe team is very experienced and they will take all of these potential risks into account during the wardrobe design and planning process. By the time they arrive to do the installation, your space will have been inspected and optimised so that the installation of your wardrobe is smooth and hassle-free.

None of these issues should be a problem, but rest assured that if something unexpected does happen, our installation guys are very on the ball and able to sort out potential disasters long before they happen. 

5. Tips for ensuring your wardrobe stays in place once it's been fixed to the wall

Once your wardrobe is installed and ready to use, there are a few maintenance tips that will help you keep it securely fixed and in immaculate condition.

• Don't overload your shelves - this can cause strain on the secure brackets and fastenings which could in turn cause your wardrobe to become unfixed from the wall.
• Don't allow dampness to invade your wardrobe as the softening of the wood can weaken it.
• If you notice signs of wear and tear, call in your original installers and have them repair it.

In Conclusion

While not all wardrobes have to be fixed to a wall, bespoke fitted wardrobes are by their nature secured to at least one wall. 

If you're unsure of the best place to put your wardrobe, hop on a Zoom call with us and show us your space. We'll give your our best recommendations and answer all your wardrobe-related questions. 

If you still need help, our expert wardrobe design team is available to offer you a free design consultation. Take a look at our interior design project portfolio where you can see some of the custom-built wardrobes that our team have designed and installed. 

You can also visit our showroom to see some of our wardrobes up close.