It’s the big question! When it comes to wardrobes should we go for built-in or free-standing units?
Bedrooms must be planned carefully. Don’t forget how much time we spend in bed! It’s very important to get the layout right. Next to the vitally important question of ensuring your bed is comfortable, is the thorny question of storage.
A walk-in wardrobe is the number one choice if possible. In an old or small house, where storage is at a premium, perhaps a spare bedroom could be converted?
A walk-in wardrobe normally consists of a mix of open rails, shelves and racks. If you don’t like the open look, doors – how about glass ones? – can be installed. When designing a walk-in wardrobe, I try to ensure that there is a low surface positioned to place a suitcase. Nothing is more annoying than falling over your case while trying to pack for that exotic holiday. Boxes and baskets can look very attractive on open shelving too.
When installing built-in wardrobes in your bedroom, floor to ceiling units provide the best solution, as they give you space overhead for extra storage. They can be custom-made to suit your own particular requirements.
You can continue the coving over the top of the units to make them look as though they are part of the room. Always ensure that your wardrobes are well lit. A lone centre light fitting is often inadequate when it comes to selecting items of clothing, so installing a couple of recessed downlighters, strategically positioned, is often a good idea.
Built-in wardrobes should have the rails high enough to allow for shoe racks underneath. Wire baskets or pull-out wire drawers are a great idea - you can see your socks and scarves at a glance. Install hanging space for ties and belts too. You can store far more clothing in a well-designed unit. They are good for awkwardly shaped rooms or rooms with sloping ceilings and they are made to measure.
Sliding doors are a good option. These are usually set into a frame with floor-to ceiling doors which run in tracks at the top and at the bottom. And the range is finishes is infinite: enamelled doors are very popular at the moment; wood veneers; sandblasted or frosted glass; mirrored or laminate doors. The choices seem endless!
If you want to design your own built-in wardrobes, try to estimate how long a run of hanging space you will need, make a note of how long your clothes are and plan it carefully.
However, many people prefer the look of free-standing wardrobes and chests of drawers. The obvious benefit is that you can take them with you when you move.
A window seat is a good idea too. You can store your winter woollies there during the summer and it’s the ideal place for spare bed-linen.