What Is The Standard Size of a Built-in Wardrobe?

Many people looking to renovate their bedrooms ask the question, “What is the standard size of a built-in wardrobe?” There is no definite answer because all fitted wardrobes are made to measure and therefore depend on the dimensions of your available space.

In the UK, the average height from floor to ceiling is around 2400mm. Built-in wardrobes are often created to maximise all available space and if your home has standard dimensions, your wardrobe may fit into those parameters.

However, every home is different, so you should never commit to a fitted wardrobe without taking proper measurements. Commissioning a fitted wardrobe is one of the most effective ways of refurbishing a space and adds value and style to your home.

Our team of design experts have put together this guide to help you understand all the ins and outs of how they work before you take the plunge.

1. What is the standard size of a built-in wardrobe and why is it so popular

Every home should include a well-planned contemporary wardrobe that will offer plenty of storage space and allow you to keep your personal possessions in order and your bedrooms clutter-free.

Typically included in the design of any built-in wardrobe are hanging rails, shelving, shoe racks and a space for your bags, ties, jewellery and other accessories. All of these commodities can be customised to suit your exact needs, making them one of the most versatile storage solutions available.

You can also select the finishes of your choice from a wide range of handles, colours and materials, ensuring that the overall look and feel of your interior blends in with your existing style.

Built-in wardrobes are tailor-made to fit your exact space, so they do not come in standard sizes. If you want to find out about all your best options, our experienced designers will help you measure up so that we can create one specifically for your home, needs, preferences and budget.

We are fanatical about luxury fitted wardrobe design.

Take a look at our range of contemporary wardrobes.

View Sliding Door Wardrobes

View Built-In Wardrobes

View Large Wardrobes

View Corner Wardrobes

View Floor-to-Ceiling

View Walk-In Wardrobes

2. How can you determine if a built-in wardrobe is the right choice for your home?

Freestanding and built-in wardrobes are the two main categories you can choose from when considering suitable storage solutions for your home.

Standalone or shop-bought units come “as is” and may not be an exact fit for your space. You will also not be able to select your own colour or finishes, making them an inflexible choice. However, independent wardrobes provide the advantage of mobility, so you can take them with you wherever you go.

Built-in wardrobes are intended to fit your designated space from floor to ceiling with no gaps and can be as wide or as narrow as you wish, making them an integral part of your overall bedroom design. This means that, even if you have sloped ceilings, they will fill the area perfectly.

You can also modify them to meet your storage needs by choosing from a wide range of colours, finishes and materials including glass and hardwood. However, these units are fixed and cannot be moved should you ever sell your house. Despite this, they add value to your property, so you’re guaranteed to recuperate your investment in the long run.

3. What should you consider before making a purchase decision?

Before making a purchase decision on a built-in wardrobe, you should think about the design of both the interior and exterior and make sure that it is functional and versatile.

Knowing the exact measurements of your space can help you choose the ideal modern wardrobe design for your home and will make or break the overall appearance of your room.

You will also need to choose between wardrobes with sliding doors or hinged doors. If you have plenty of space to work with then a door that opens outwards is a good option. However, if your room is very cramped, sliding doors will save space and are both practical and fashionable.

Walk-in wardrobes are opulent, stylish and every homeowner’s dream. But they usually take up an enormous amount of space, so are not always ideal for smaller rooms. When selecting a custom-made wardrobe, you should also take the installation process into account.

Remember that it’s best to enlist the help of a professional team to ensure that everything goes seamlessly. At FCI, our in-house installation teams are highly trained and very experienced. 

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

Even though built-in wardrobes may be a bigger investment than freestanding ones, the long-term advantages are well worth it. Here are 4 noteworthy benefits.

• Built-in wardrobes make the most of your space and can accommodate difficult corners, low ceilings, awkward doors and tricky angles in your room.
• They give you the freedom to customise your storage, allowing you to have more hanging rails, accessory drawers, laundry baskets, shoe racks or shelving if you need it. You can also tailor each section to the needs of the individual user, making it easy to share the available space with a partner.
• Many people are unaware of the advantages of having integrated lighting in their fitted wardrobes. You can install a range of LEDs into your custom-built cabinetry and even include them in your drawers, ensuring that you can always see what you’re doing.
• Your built-in wardrobe’s finishes can be coordinated to suit the rest of your interiors, allowing you to choose wood for a classic look or something sleek and high gloss if you want a contemporary feel.

5. How can you make sure that it meets your specific needs and requirements?

Since you are customising your built-in wardrobe, you must be extremely accurate with your measurements, especially if you want to cram more storage space into a tight spot in your home.

Make sure that it exactly fits the space it is sized for. Your decisions should be based on how you like to keep your clothes and what makes you most comfortable. You may prefer a big hanging wardrobe with minimal shelves or something with more drawers and a bigger shoe and tie rack.

Ideally, all your possessions should be adequately accommodated, leaving your bedroom neat and clutter-free. You will also need to choose between open and closed cupboard concepts, so decide whether you want to keep your clothes ventilated, in which case they may gather dust, or hidden away behind doors.

Because there are so many variables when choosing a tailor-made wardrobe, it’s best to consult with experts right from the beginning so that all your needs and requirements are perfectly met.

6. Where can you find reputable installers who specialise in custom-made built-in wardrobes and what should you expect to pay for this type of service?

At FCI London, we have nearly 40 years of experience in the wardrobe and interiors industry and will be able to take you through the process of creating a built-in wardrobe from conceptualisation to final installation, answering all your questions along the way.

The cost of your wardrobe will vary depending on your requirements and the design and finishes you choose. If you’re working with a tight budget, we’ll be able to give you a range of options on finishes, colours and door handles that will help you meet your restrictions. Take a look at our cost calculator to get some initial ideas. 

In Conclusion

The standard size of a built-in wardrobe depends on the dimensions of the space you need to fill. Let us help you measure up and create a custom design just for you, ensuring that your newly refurbished bedroom oozes elegance and style.

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