Fitted vs. Free standing Wardrobes

[LondonGirl83]

We are finally moving into our house and I always assumed we would install fitted wardrobes in the alcoves of our bedroom-- its a typical Victorian house with a chimney in the bedroom and space either side. We have a fireplace installed in the chimney breast and I am beginning to wonder of fitted wardrobes would look right. The ceilings are also extremely high (10ft / 3m).

If we went for fitted it would look something like this:

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-42937129.html

Any thoughts?

[Pandalaw]

I think they look great. Best use of space and, assuming they're in a design sympathetic to the age of the property, much nicer/slicker than freestanding. (Although in a property like that, who cares? House envy!)

[BrownSauceSandwich]

I agree with panda: good use of space, and can be done sympathetically. I'd take it right up to the ceiling... A couple of shelves above easy-reach height can take suitcases, or boxes for out-of-season clothes or whatever. Talk to your joiner about mounting the clothes rails high up (I'm only 5'4", but clothes rail can be 6' high). That allows more space at the bottom for shelves for shoes, or drawers.

It might cost a bit to get exactly what you want, but probably no more than equally good freestanding wardrobes, and I think it'll look slicker.

[wonkylegs]

We've got fitted wardrobes in the alcoves with cupboards above in the kids rooms but ours only go to the picture rail which tbh is high enough. Ours sit out from the alcove though as the depth of the alcove isn't enough for hangers & a rail.
Similar style though and very sympathetic.
We have a huge freestanding wardrobe with sliding doors in the spare room because as our room is dual aspect & has a fireplace we are lacking any wall space for a wardrobe in our room.

[Lambstales]

The alcoves may be too shallow for a hanger. Our ceilings are 10/11 ft so our fitted wardrobes only go to the picture rail (seems to look better). However, in each room that has a fire place, only one side is fitted. It gives greater flexibility. For example, in one room, the other alcove has a huge linen press, (sliding shelves and drawers below).

[ShoeWhore]

They look great in that picture. Fitted wardrobes make best use of all the space. Ours go up to the (high) ceiling and have a separate cupboard bit at the top (with its own door) where we store spare duvets pillows etc.