Do you ever wish your bedroom had more storage space? You are not the only person feeling that way. Clothes, shoes, everything we could possibly put in our wardrobes are breaking at the seams all over Britain. Freestanding wardrobes make things worse, by taking up space and restricting customisation options.
Built-in closets are an easy way to improve your bedroom storage. They add extra space fast--three times as much, to be exact--and they come in many sizes and finishes that can suit just about any setting.
Keep reading for all you need to know about installing fitted closets.
1. You'll have more room.
The gaps on top and sides of a stand-alone closet are screaming out to be filled with trinkets and dust. Fitted closets, by contrast, can be configured to accommodate all of a room's height. A fitted closet can make even a small space into a practical home, even when a bedroom is a strange-shaped one.
2. You're putting money into something.
You are investing your money in something. Then, the bad news comes in. You cannot take your bespoke wardrobes when moving, unlike a stand-alone. There is, says Neatsmiths Director, Matthew Nagle, a glimmer of hope. "Because of the premium buyers put on warehousing, particularly London properties," he continues, "your investment is always recovered when you sell the home". He suggests you choose between different levels of storage. Custom-built closets are available at various price points from a range of vendors.
3. Select from a variety of budget levels.
Homebase and B&Q are two examples of mass-market stores, and Neville Johnson is a specialist on fitted furniture.
A custom-built furniture company will devise and build wardrobes by hand, adapted to suit your space and your tastes, provided your budget allows. It is expensive, but the benefit is you do not have to modify your ideas to fit into the ready-made solution.
4. The best results are achieved through recommendations.
Always seek out recommendations from friends and family, no matter where you shop for bespoke wardrobe. You should also read online reviews, as well as go into a showroom to see and feel product quality. Visit at least three to narrow your options, and do not be afraid to ask about the services offered by each.
If you are hiring the best custom-made furniture firm or local carpenter, ask for their portfolio of past work. Ideally, visit the prior projects and speak with homeowners about the firm, its services, and how problems were solved.
5. Future-proofing is going to make the design feel fresh.
Choose a firm that will supervise the project from beginning to end, as well as help you with the design and installation, if you would like things to be simpler. This could help prevent expensive mistakes and stress.
Considering a well-fitting wardrobe is a long-term investment, you should choose future-proofing alternatives you know will still represent your style well into the future. Rachel Hutcheson from Sharp says: Before starting to add in more pieces of furniture, you would want to pick a colour palette for the room.
6. The importance of doors cannot be stressed enough.
When choosing cabinet doors, take into account your bedroom dimensions and shapes, and also consider your specific preferences. If you have limited space, go with sliding doors or double-folding doors, which take up less room to open.
Mirrored doors are particularly helpful in smaller bedrooms, as they give the appearance of more room, while also providing full-length mirrors without taking up precious floor space.
7. Preparation is essential.
You will want to do some measurements before starting the fitting closet project. To start, measure the ceiling height on either end as well as the center of the room. This will reveal if you will have to make adjustments in your closets to account for the falling ceiling.
Second, check that your floors are flat. This is another must-know piece of information, says Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval. "Fitted furniture can now be made to suit a particular size, or variation of floor height". . "When it comes to the material of your floor covering, you will want your wardrobe installed on a solid surface. . When installed on carpet, your closets can get submerged over time when the carpet settles, certainly ruining a once-perfect finish.
8. The phrase "made-to-measure" is just that.
Are there a few coves or skirts around the room? If you answered yes, make sure you include measurements for any fixed details that project out. These will alter how your closet is built on the back, so you need to make allowances for them in order to achieve the smooth, tailored look.
Are there any things you will have to move around before installing? If changing the outlets is not an option, custom-fitted furniture can hide the unsightly wiring, cables, or controllers of the incorporated lighting, yet still provide easy access. Just make sure you mention those requirements during the conceptual stage, advises Simon.
9. You'll need to get the room ready.
You are going to have to prepare a room. Rachel says, We generally recommend not decorating the room prior to setting up. "However, as our wardrobes are not supplied with a rear or sides like a regular one, you might wish to re-decorate your walls before installation as those walls will be visible when you open the doors. . In addition, we ask customers to remove all furniture in the bedroom prior to installation, and if a carpet is installed, it is folded back into the area in which the new wardrobe is going to be installed.
10. Choose interior design options appropriate to your lifestyle.
Your closet should look just as beautiful inside as it does outside. Make sure to select a supplier who offers an extensive array of innovative storage options that will suit your needs.
"Whether you have a wardrobe filled with tailored suits, or you have a sweet spot for an off-the-cuff Jimmy Choo," says Simon, "there are plenty of hidden or displayed alternatives that will suit you and your lifestyle".
To suit your needs, ask about hanging racks, shoe racks, and pants stands, as well as special roll-out shelves. Some companies even offer room for media devices, and incorporate lighting.