How to plan and buy fitted wardrobes, according to builders, estate agents and owners

Fitted wardrobes can be a game-changer for making the most of the space in your bedroom.

They're especially effective if you have a small room or an awkward alcove, such as one with sloping ceilings.

We've spoken with fitted wardrobe owners, estate agents, and professional installers to find out everything you need to know. 

Find out the best fitted wardrobe brands according to reviews from over 2,000 real owners

How to plan your fitted wardrobes

Here are the key steps we recommend you follow when planning your fitted wardrobes. 

1. Budget

The first step of any renovation project is creating a budget. See our guide to fitted wardrobe costs to find out how much you can expect to spend. 

During this process, consider whether you will be designing and installing your wardrobes yourself or using a professional. 

Always add 10-15% to your budget as contingency costs, in case something goes wrong.

2. Measure your space

Next, create a detailed plan for the wall or walls where you hope to install your wardrobes. 

Measure the area carefully and note any features that can't be moved, such as windows and doors. 

3. Create your internal layout

Once you have your measurements, you can create your internal layout. 

Start by assessing your needs – do you need more space for shoes, drawers for woolly jumpers, or space for long-hanging items? 

Then look around for design ideas, including checking out the brands you're considering. 

4. Pick your style and brand

Once you've got your storage right, you can choose the external design of your wardrobe – including style, hardware, and colour. 

At this stage, you can also consider the best wardrobe brands. 

Are fitted wardrobes right for me?

To find out whether fitted wardrobes are the right choice, we've spoken to more than 2,000 owners. 

What wardrobe owners say 

Log in or join Which? to see how satisfied they are with their wardrobes, and the advice they shared. 

What estate agents say

We spoke with two estate agents to find out whether fitted wardrobes can improve your home. 

Aidan Coates, director of sales at Hamptons in Hyde Park and Bayswater, told us: 'While fitted wardrobes don’t necessarily add value to a home, simple upgrades can make it more appealing.'

'As a general rule, principal rooms should include some storage – while still leaving enough floor space to make the room feel spacious.'

If you're renovating to sell, it probably isn't worth adding fitted wardrobes. But adding fitted wardrobes could make your home more practical and enjoyable to use. 

Christopher Burton, head of sales at Knight Frank’s Wimbledon office, told us: 'Fitted wardrobes are often worth adding. Soft-closing wardrobes with internal lighting make the most of the vertical space and are popular in smaller rooms.'

Fitted wardrobes and damp

Fitted wardrobes themselves don't cause damp, but if they're poorly fitted or installed in a humid room, they can develop it. 

There are two main culprits: condensation and poor air circulation. 

You can prevent damp by choosing a suitable location (eg, against an internal wall) and possibly also by leaving space between the wall and the back of the wardrobe. 

You can also tackle humidity in the bedroom using a dehumidifier, and by both opening windows and leaving your wardrobe open to allow air to circulate. 

See our guide to fitted wardrobes costs for cost estimates for flat-pack wardrobes of different sizes, quality and brands

Should I DIY my fitted wardrobes?

Professional fitted wardrobe companies often offer an end-to-end service – they plan, design, and fit your furniture. 

This is best if you have detailed specifications, a uniquely shaped room, or you're not confident at DIY.

If you opt to DIY your wardrobes, you'll typically use modular furniture to create your fitted wardrobes, so it won't be as customisable or create as much storage space as a professional service. 

This is best if you want to save money, you are willing to compromise, you have a clear idea of what you want and are confident in your DIY skills.

What the professionals say

We spoke to professional wardrobe builders about whether it's advisable to DIY your own installation – and what you need to know. 

'If you are genuinely skilled at woodworking, have the right tools and realistic time expectations, DIY can work,' said Chris Binnersley, product category manager for Hammonds.  'But there are challenges that DIYers can underestimate.'

'The initial cost saving of DIY against a fitted furniture product soon narrows when you consider the material waste from mistakes, tool purchase and the value of your time.'

Grant, director of Elite Installations (South Yorkshire) concurred: 'Investing in professional installation often delivers a far better result and adds more long-term value to your home.'

Is it hard to design your own fitted wardrobes?

In our online survey, we asked 308 people who designed their wardrobes about how they found the process, and whether they had any top tips for other DIYers. 

Log in or join Which? to see how easy they found the process, and their regrets. 

Is it hard to install your own fitted wardrobes?

In total, 237 of our survey respondents reported that they fitted their own wardrobes. 

Log in or join Which? to see how easy they found the process, and their tips and tricks for other DIYers. 

How to measure for fitted wardrobes

Whether you are DIYing your design and installation, or considering your options before working with a professional, this is one of the most important parts of the wardrobe planning process. 

'Accuracy is everything,' said Grant, director of Elite Installations. 'Even a small mistake in measuring or levelling can lead to poor alignment, gaps, or doors that won’t close properly.'

When measuring the width and height of your space, ensure you take measurements in three different locations – this is because your walls may be uneven.

You should also note down any features you can't move, so you can plan your wardrobes around them. 'Details like plug sockets, light switches, or radiators are often overlooked, causing headaches during installation,' said James Ordsmith, director of Bluebell Fitted Furniture Ltd.

If you have carpet in the space, press it flat when measuring, to mimic the pressure of the wardrobes or consider removing it from the wardrobe space altogether.

'The most common mistake is having wardrobes fitted on top of old carpets and in rooms that haven't been decorated,' said Alexander Carraro, office manager at James for Carpets. 

'It is always better to have a professional carpet fitter roll the carpet back prior to the wardrobe being built, and then have it re-fitted up to the base edge with new gripper rods. It makes a tidier finish and future-proofs the fit.'

Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable trader to build and install your wardrobes

Internal storage options

The layout of your wardrobe will depend on your existing storage and what you need to store, so ensure you carefully assess your needs before you start. 

'Plan from the inside out,' suggests Grant. 'Think about what you need to store first — long dresses, shoes, bags, folded clothes — and design compartments around that.

'Think also about your future needs. Include some adaptable shelving or adjustable rails for flexibility over time.'

Most wardrobes will include full and half-height hanging rails and drawers. You could also consider open shelving, shoe racks, and drawers with plush inserts for jewellery. 

Fitted wardrobe design ideas and tips

Picking the design of your wardrobe might not be quite as important as getting the storage right, but it's still crucial for creating functional furniture. 

'Don't overlook the finishing touches,' said James Ordsmith, director of Bluebell Fitted Furniture Ltd. 'Trim, scribing, and plinth work are what make a wardrobe look truly "fitted".'

In addition, picking the right type of door is very important. 

'One common mistake is choosing sliding doors to save space then realising you can only access half of the wardrobe at a time,' said Chris Binnersley, product category manager for Hammonds.

'If you go for traditional doors, account for the swing, and where you'll stand to use them.'

Bi-fold doors can be great if you lack the floor space for traditional hinges. However, if your room is very small, ensure that your internal spaces are large enough to be useful. 

Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable trader to build and install your wardrobes – all of our traders have passed our expert vetting process, including checks of their work, qualifications, and warranties by Trading Standards professionals.

Ready to start planning? Find out the best fitted wardrobe brands according to reviews from over 2,000 real owners