Custom built in wardrobes versus standard freestanding wardrobes

Let’s take a moment to look at the advantages of custom built in wardrobes versus the limitations of the standard freestanding ones that can be purchased in pretty much every furniture store the world over.

Although freestanding wardrobes might seem like a cheaper, more convenient option on the surface – as all you have to do is purchase the unit and have it delivered – this convenience rapidly loses its value once you start using the robe and its many weaknesses become apparent. Custom robes, on the other hand, might take a little longer to install and may cost a little more, but they have many advantages that you will be able to enjoy well into the future.

Some of these advantages include:

  1. Better Use of the Space
    Unlike freestanding wardrobes, custom built ones are made to fit the bedroom perfectly (ideal if you have awkward corners or nooks that you want to hide). This means that you can have shelves and hanging rails that utilise the entire space, from the floor to the ceiling. In contrast to this, freestanding robes leave unused space on the sides and/or at the very top. Sure you could place items either side or on top, but they won’t be protected from dust and can look untidy.
  2. Options for Customisation
    Built in wardrobes can be fully customised according to your preferences, unlike freestanding ones that come in specific sizes and designs. This means that you can design the robe to follow the same theme as the bedroom by choosing materials and finishes that match. You could have profile doors to match the period of your home , painted or timber, glass or laminate with handles to match others or even a sleek handle less look for that minimal contemporary feel. You could even include a large mirror to help you dress in the mornings, placed inside a door or rebated into a door to reflect the light in the room. You can also choose from many colour options for both the inside and outside of the unit.
  3. More Organised Storage
    Freestanding wardrobes generally come with a limited number of shelves and hanging rails – plus they’re not usually organised to match your storage needs. Custom robes, on the other hand, can be designed and built exactly the way you want. This means that you can have long or short hanging spaces, drawers or shelving for folded clothes, and shoe racks or shoe drawers, or angled shelves with a lip for your footwear. As well as pull out trouser racks and many options for belts, scarves, jewellery and ties, with pull out hook systems, or customised partitioned drawers which can be lined for that luxurious touch. All of this combines to make it easier for you to get what you need when you need it.
  4. Add Value to your home
    We all know that built in robes in a home are an extra selling point and good wardrobes can be the difference in making the choice over one home or another. You will always recover your costs when adding built ins to your property, but this is not always the case with a freestanding robe.

Take time to look into all your options. Although freestanding robes might look alright on the surface, they are heavy and cumbersome to move and get rid of and their weaknesses cannot be ignored when it actually comes time to store all your clothes and access them daily. When you delve into the reality a custom wardrobe really is the better option.

Still having trouble choosing between custom built in wardrobes and standard freestanding ones for your home? Contact one of Spaceworks’ expert consultants today and we will go through all of your options with you.

We’d love to discuss your next project.