Laurie’s choice: FITTED WARDROBES
Need to revamp your bedroom storage? Investing in fitted wardrobes will provide you with heaps of extra space
Many of our homes lack the bedroom storage we really need, but fitted wardrobes will max out every scrap of space, whether a made-to-measure or budget-friendly, off-the-peg solution.
Should fitted wardrobes go from floor to ceiling?
In general they do, although in a period property with high ceilings, coving and picture rails, it’s best if they didn’t cover over these architectural features.
How deep should they be?
According to Hammonds, the minimum internal depth for hanging clothes is 55cm, which seems to be the industry standard. A manufacturer that designs its own fitted furniture can create any depth of wardrobe to suit the customer’s needs.
Can you paint them?
Having fitted wardrobes installed is a big investment, so you may choose to play it safe and opt for a neutral. But if later down the line you want to add a splash of colour, you can, provided you use the correct materials. Use a specialist primer, such as Zinsser, to ensure the paint adheres to whatever the surface is. Once prepped, you can use furniture paint of your choice.
Can they cause damp?
This can be a problem if wardrobes are fitted to an outside wall, as the air inside can become trapped against the cold outside air. Many bespoke fitted wardrobes will be made without a back panel to avoid this possibility.
Can you remove fitted wardrobes?
Old fitted wardrobes can be removed if you want, or replaced by more modern designs. In theory, they can be dismantled and removed to relocate – say if you’re moving house and want to keep them – but it’s not ideal due to the bespoke nature of the designs. Walls will simply need to be repaired and redecorated to the same finish as the remaining walls.
FITTED WARDROBES ARE A GREAT WAY TO BRING IN DETAIL THROUGH CHOICE OF FINISH AND DOOR STYLES