If you are considering built in wardrobes, one of the first questions you are likely to have is how much they cost.
There is no single price for a built in wardrobe because every bedroom is different. The size and shape of the room, the number of doors, the materials and finishes, and the type of storage you choose can all affect the overall cost.
Unlike a freestanding wardrobe, built in furniture is designed to fit the space available. This means the final cost will depend on the design as well as the size of the wardrobe itself.
What affects the cost of built in wardrobes?
There are several things that can affect how much you pay for built in wardrobes.
The size of the wardrobe
The amount of furniture required will naturally affect the cost.
A single run of wardrobes along one wall will require less material than a full fitted bedroom with wardrobes across several walls, a dressing area and additional storage.
However, size is not the only consideration. The layout and shape of the room can also make a difference.
The type of wardrobe doors
The doors are one of the most noticeable parts of a built in wardrobe, and there are several options available.
Sliding wardrobe doors can be a practical choice where space in front of the wardrobe is limited. Hinged doors can offer a different look and allow the wardrobe to be opened fully.
You can also choose from a range of finishes, including mirrored, glass, woodgrain and different colours.
The choice of doors and finish can therefore affect the overall cost of the furniture.
Does the inside of the wardrobe affect the cost?
Yes. It is easy to concentrate on the wardrobe doors when planning a new bedroom, but the internal storage is just as important.
A basic wardrobe might contain shelves and hanging rails, while a more detailed design could include:
Internal drawers
Additional shelving
Double hanging rails
Shoe storage
Pull-out storage
Accessories storage
Dressing areas
Integrated lighting
The more features and storage options you include, the more involved the design can become.
It is worth thinking about what you actually need to store before making decisions about the internal layout. A well-planned wardrobe storage solution can make better use of the available space.
Are built in wardrobes more expensive than freestanding wardrobes?
Built in wardrobes can cost more than buying a standard freestanding wardrobe, but they are designed to do something that standard furniture cannot always achieve.
Freestanding furniture is generally made to standard dimensions. This can leave gaps between the furniture and the wall, or unused space above the wardrobe.
Built in furniture is made to fit the room. This can be particularly useful if you have an awkward corner, sloping ceiling, alcove or unusual wall.
The decision is therefore not simply about comparing the price of one wardrobe with another. It is also about considering how much usable storage you want and how effectively the furniture will use the available space.
Do sloping ceilings and awkward spaces cost more?
They can.
Rooms with sloping ceilings and awkward spaces can require a more detailed design than a straightforward bedroom.
For example, a wardrobe under a sloping ceiling may need to follow the angle of the room rather than simply being installed at standard height.
This can make the design and installation more involved.
However, awkward spaces are also one of the situations where built in wardrobes can be particularly useful. Instead of trying to find standard furniture that fits, the storage can be designed around the room.
Are fitted wardrobes made to measure?
Built in wardrobes are generally designed around the dimensions of the room rather than being a standard piece of furniture that is simply placed against a wall.
This is one of the main advantages of made-to-measure fitted furniture.
A bedroom might have a chimney breast in the centre of the wall, an alcove on either side or a sloping ceiling. A made to measure design can take these features into account.
This can help make use of areas that might otherwise be difficult to furnish.
How can you keep the cost of built in wardrobes under control?
There are several ways to make sure your wardrobe design works for both your room and your requirements.
Start by thinking about what you actually need.
You may not need drawers in every section of the wardrobe, for example. Likewise, if you have plenty of hanging space elsewhere, you may want to use more of the wardrobe for shelving or other storage.
It can also be useful to prioritise the features that will make the biggest difference to how you use the bedroom.
Rather than adding lots of different storage options, consider how you use your wardrobe every day and design the interior around that.
Are built in wardrobes worth the investment?
Whether built in wardrobes are worth the investment will depend on your home, your storage requirements and how long you expect to use them.
They can provide a more permanent storage solution than freestanding furniture and can make use of areas that standard wardrobes may not be able to reach.
They can also help create a more streamlined appearance in the bedroom, particularly when the furniture is designed to fit from floor to ceiling or wall to wall.
For rooms with awkward dimensions, the ability to design furniture around the space can be particularly valuable.
What should you ask before ordering built in wardrobes?
Before going ahead, it is worth asking a few questions about the design and installation.
Find out:
How will the wardrobe be designed around your room?
What internal storage options are available?
What materials and finishes can you choose from?
Are sliding or hinged doors available?
Is installation included?
Who will carry out the fitting?
How long will the installation take?
What happens if adjustments are needed after installation?
What guarantee is provided?
Taking the time to understand what is included can help you make a more informed decision.
So, how much do built in wardrobes cost?
The cost of built in wardrobes varies from one project to another. There is no standard price that applies to every bedroom because the final design depends on the size and shape of the room, the wardrobe doors, internal storage, materials, finishes and installation requirements.
The best way to understand what a built in wardrobe will cost for your bedroom is to have the space properly measured and discuss the design and storage you need.
At JWS Wardrobes, we design fitted furniture around the individual room, including bedrooms with awkward spaces, sloping ceilings and unusual layouts.
A well-designed built in wardrobe should not simply fill a wall. It should make the best possible use of the space available and give you storage that works for the way you live.
Ready to transform your space?
Every bedroom is different, so the best way to find out what could work in your space is to talk through your requirements with our team. Whether you are looking to make better use of an awkward space, add more storage or create a completely new fitted bedroom, we can help you explore the options available.
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