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Original poster

To keep these built in wardrobes or not?

80 replies

Loveflatwhite · 08/07/2023 23:29

Hello,

We recently purchased a very dated house and are in process of decorating the whole house and need to be sensible about how we spend our money. My husband wants to keep these ugly wardrobes as there is nothing wrong with them apart from I think they are ugly! and just paint them and replace the door knobs on them but I still think they will look ugly when painted . What would you do? Get rid or try and revamp them ? We would probably paint them in same colour as the walls so that they blend in. Colour will be in green.

To keep these built in wardrobes or not?
OP posts:
kwetu · 09/07/2023 00:37

New Fitted wardrobes can cost a fortune, I would just update either by replacing doors or making good the existing ones.

Furries · 09/07/2023 01:50

Definitely paint and new handles.

Clean the surfaces, use a good primer/undercoat before applying your chosen topcoat. As you’re going for a colour, I’d use a good quality oil-based topcoat. If you change your mind and want white, then use water-based (white oil-based takes on a yellow tinge too quickly).

Not sure what the overall style of your house will be. If it’s slick and modern then you won’t like these, but I’ve updated some drawers and cupboards with ceramic knobs from These Please - lots of colours and patterns.

sommerinthecity · 09/07/2023 02:03

Maybe ask him to get some quotes in for replacing them? That will change his mind pretty sharpish!

Furries · 09/07/2023 02:35

sommerinthecity · 09/07/2023 02:03

Maybe ask him to get some quotes in for replacing them? That will change his mind pretty sharpish!

Why does he need his mind changing with quotes? He’s happy to keep them rather than pay out money to replace them.

Original poster
Loveflatwhite · 09/08/2023 19:05

So I promised an update. Thanks so much mumsnetters for saving me thousands on fitted wardrobe . They look so much nicer than I ever imagined

To keep these built in wardrobes or not?
OP posts:
Original poster
Loveflatwhite · 09/08/2023 19:07

To think that they use to look like this. Can’t believe what a lock of paint can do 🙈

To keep these built in wardrobes or not?
OP posts:
FrequentNameChanger101 · 09/08/2023 19:08

Look great! And you can feel smug that you saved money and stuff from landfill.

Busubaba · 09/08/2023 19:08

They look lovely.

calmcoco · 09/08/2023 19:09

Oh very, very good! You have saved yourself a fortune Smile

continentallentil · 09/08/2023 19:10

Paint them - they’ll look fine

continentallentil · 09/08/2023 19:11

Ooh I didn’t see this was old - they look great

SwedishEdith · 09/08/2023 19:11

Glad you kept them. They are way less ugly than lots of fitted wardrobes.

SuperiorM · 09/08/2023 19:15

Loveflatwhite · 08/07/2023 23:29

Hello,

We recently purchased a very dated house and are in process of decorating the whole house and need to be sensible about how we spend our money. My husband wants to keep these ugly wardrobes as there is nothing wrong with them apart from I think they are ugly! and just paint them and replace the door knobs on them but I still think they will look ugly when painted . What would you do? Get rid or try and revamp them ? We would probably paint them in same colour as the walls so that they blend in. Colour will be in green.

Grey and neutral is going out, these look like wood. Would they strip and then you could just wax them.

HouseHelpPlease2 · 09/08/2023 19:17

They look fantastic, I'm pleased you kept them - the wood looks like it's excellent quality!

Crikeyalmighty · 09/08/2023 19:18

Personally I think they are lovely and I love good fitted wardrobes for storeage

SuperiorM · 09/08/2023 19:18

Oh right, now I see the revamp. Look good, but they were good quality to begin with. I would have kept the wooden handles wood coloured but do like the new look.

Crikeyalmighty · 09/08/2023 19:19

I liked them in pine too if I'm honest-

Olika · 09/08/2023 19:20

Massive change and so worth keeping

DisforDarkChocolate · 09/08/2023 19:21

They look smashing.

TheChosenTwo · 09/08/2023 19:22

They certainly do look much better and fresher. I think it’s the top panel shape which really wasn’t helping the first photo (along with the wood colour!) but it’s barely noticeable now, you’ve done a great job and it’s brilliant that you like them too, you’ve saved yourself a fortune.
we did our bedroom up a few years ago and got a quote for fitted wardrobes. It was nearly 7K, dh just did it himself. He’s a builder so had the skills and tools - granted it took a lot longer than if we’d got someone in to do it 😂 but it didn’t cost anything like 7K for the materials and his time combined!

Tryingtomoveisdrivingmecrazy · 09/08/2023 19:30

They look fantastic! Love the colour.

Neverseenbefore · 09/08/2023 19:35

Lovely. They look great.

SkipHopJumpSplatWallop · 09/08/2023 19:40

Keep. I have fitted wardrobes in my house. They are great for storage.

Original poster
Loveflatwhite · 09/08/2023 19:51

TheChosenTwo · 09/08/2023 19:22

They certainly do look much better and fresher. I think it’s the top panel shape which really wasn’t helping the first photo (along with the wood colour!) but it’s barely noticeable now, you’ve done a great job and it’s brilliant that you like them too, you’ve saved yourself a fortune.
we did our bedroom up a few years ago and got a quote for fitted wardrobes. It was nearly 7K, dh just did it himself. He’s a builder so had the skills and tools - granted it took a lot longer than if we’d got someone in to do it 😂 but it didn’t cost anything like 7K for the materials and his time combined!

Oh my 7k ! I’m glad we kept them. It only cost us £70 in paint and door knobs.

OP posts:
Merapi · 09/08/2023 20:10

Brilliant choice of colour, and they look absolutely great. I remember seeing the pics earlier, and the transformation is amazing.