Bespoke wardrobes are a type of luxury wardrobe that blends functionality with sophisticated aesthetics and functionality, making them a cornerstone of luxury living. These wardrobes are meticulously crafted for the space provided and match every aesthetic, functional and customisation requirement of an individual.
There are very few limits to what can be achieved with bespoke furniture, and they represent the highest level of personalisation and opulence. No luxury homeowner should forego the opportunity to make their mark on something that forms such an integral part of their day, but where does one start?
Firstly, it’s essential to know the size of your available space as well as what kind of atmosphere you’d like to project within the rooms you intend to decorate. Buying a bespoke wardrobe means that you’re free to add whatever customisation of doors, shelving, lighting, rack systems and more to get the exact result you want. Consider how you might use the space most often, your daily routines and what sort of items you’d like to be stored, and displayed.
No doubt, this opens up a whole world of possibilities to you, so we’ve made this guide on how to go about designing the perfect bespoke wardrobe for your needs, what you need to know and where to start.
If you’ve already decided on installing your choice of fitted wardrobes then you must be wondering where and how to start.
Bespoke fitted wardrobes are ideal for making the most of available space in your bedroom, and with full customisation, you can create more than just storage.
You can create your ideal personal space to preserve, display and store personal items. There is something to suit all tastes, from sliding door wardrobes to mirrored doors and more.
Planning the design of a luxury bespoke wardrobe requires a thorough understanding of your needs. Think about what you plan to store, and how often you’ll access these items:
Will you keep dress shoes and casual shoes separate?
Are you storing seasonal-specific clothing?
What items or collections do you want to be displayed?
Will you be storing equipment?
Do you prefer open shelving, drawers, or custom-made compartments for small items and accessories?
Do you have enough space for hinged doors or is it better to opt for sliding door wardrobes?
These questions will help you determine how much you need to fit into the space you have, and how that space should be prioritised, as well as which customisable options will best serve your lifestyle.
Would you like to measure the space available for your fitted wardrobe yourself? If so, remember that precision is crucial. Clear the area, so your measurements are not interrupted by furniture or anything else.
Next, use tape to measure the precise dimensions to the millimetre. Take multiple measurements at the extent and at regular intervals to account for any deviations in the surfaces.
When measuring depth, make sure to account for the outer limits of the wardrobe's walls and doors, and be aware of the extra space you may need for hinged doors.
Finally, note any obstructions, such as sockets, radiators or pipes. With this information, you’ll have a good idea of the space available and can begin a consultation with our team of expert designers and fitters who proudly serve London and beyond, bringing our unmatched expertise directly to your doorstep.
Some people believe that bespoke wardrobes can only be installed in bedrooms with extra available floor space. However, the beauty of these wardrobes is that they can be customised for any space.
Bespoke solutions like bookcases, TV and storage units can also be incorporated with these wardrobes to better optimise even the smallest corners of your home.
Fitted wardrobes are especially adaptable for both large and small bedrooms, or irregular-shaped spaces. With the right design, a wardrobe can even emphasise space and make smaller areas feel larger.
For instance, by incorporating mirrored doors, you can make the room appear larger and brighter.
Soft or textured finishes can add elegant and muted surfaces to make larger areas feel more cosy.
To begin, familiarise yourself with the various design styles to see where your affinity lies and from there you can start to select elements that best reflect your personal tastes. That’s not to say you can only choose from one style, but it’s good to have a basis from which to build.
Consider using real wood or high-quality finishes, or even explore metallic and textured ones. Craft a wardrobe that complements the master bedroom’s grandeur, seamlessly integrating with your home’s overarching design ethos.
Some considerable options are glass louvres, mirrored doors, or wooden details and frames in soft tones or with polished highlights, which will impart a subtle sense of calm to your space. For smaller areas, sliding door wardrobes, drawers and shelving, are ideal options. These wardrobes also offer customised surface finishes like lacquered glass, cushion-lined inserts and tinted mirrors. In smaller bedrooms, a louvred wardrobe with an attached study unit maximises both storage and study space.
To ensure your fitted wardrobe is not only exceptionally designed but also fully functional, bespoke wardrobes can be made to exactly fit irregular and asymmetrical spaces.
A luxurious and functional fitted wardrobe will make small areas feel useful and purposeful by creating new lines and decorative features.
When choosing between a traditional or modern luxury fitted wardrobe, consider the designs of your interior as a whole. Is your home a haven of dark tones and a warm atmosphere, or is it designed with an understated minimalist with open spaces?
Furniture made of dark wood suits a traditional style, while pieces made of lighter materials work better in contemporary modern design.
Regarding materials, glass is considered modern, but wood can provide both a traditional and modern look, depending on how it’s used and the finish applied.
Darker woods are ideal for a traditional style, while lighter woods create a bright, modern feel.
Finally, glass and mirror finishes are ultra-modern and fit well with contemporary and minimalist designs.
Matching the colours and finishes to the overarching style of your bedroom can create a seamless feel that makes your space feel structured and tidy, but matching doesn’t necessarily mean having the exact same colours everywhere. Matching accessories, fittings and furniture to a style rather than a single colour can still create a sense of continuity without the room becoming bland or one-dimensional.
For example, if you have white walls, consider a cupboard in the same tone, but with a variance in texture, or a colour that contrasts directly and makes the white stand out as a feature. Matching surrounding design elements like skirting boards and trims in the same colour can tie the room's design together cohesively. Adding textured elements like rattan or rough textured upholstery can help integrate natural elements that break the hard lines of highly architectural rooms without distracting from the whole. Combining these with other natural materials, such as dark wood or stone, can create a mesmerising contrast. Remember that details make all the difference.
Make the most of your vertical space by including extra storage at levels you wouldn’t access regularly.
Bespoke cupboards are designed to maximise every unused space without seeming tacked on as an afterthought.
Consider installing cupboards above the bed or integrating them into the base of the bed itself.
The internal elements of your wardrobe are equally as customisable as the exteriors and can be fully customised to accommodate all manner of belongings.
Unsure how your space can be optimised?
With 35 years of experience in designing and installation, FCI London’s team would be glad to show you our signature personalised service.
When choosing a wardrobe layout, it’s important to take into account the natural flow of the space and freedom of movement through it.
If you have ample room, options like L-shaped, straight runs, or corner units are excellent options for maintaining the feel of airiness. Utilise existing elements, such as large open walls or recessed alcoves for fitted furniture. L-shaped wardrobes work well in larger rooms, while corner units enhance room shape. Here are some more tips and ideas:
Your wardrobe preferences may change with time and you may acquire more accessories over time. Therefore, ensure you leave enough room to grow and adapt to new collections.
FCI London has more than 40 years in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name in London.
As the foremost lifestyle and furniture house in London, with almost four decades of experience in creating luxury interiors both large and small. Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress-free and convenient.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of wardrobe designs and features, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
Book your appointment today!
If you need advice on your layout, then take advantage of our free design consultation. Simply make an appointment to visit our award-winning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options, ensuring that you end up with the wardrobe of your dreams.
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