Built-in wardrobes, also sometimes called fitted wardrobes, are wardrobes that are custom-built to fit a certain space in your bedroom. Built-in units can be installed in smaller spaces and if you have difficult areas like sloped ceilings in a loft conversion, they can be worked into the design.
Walk-in wardrobes on the other hand are small rooms providing a lot of space to display clothes, shoes, and accessories. Walk-in wardrobes require an existing closet space to work from or enough room to create one.
They are usually attached to the bedroom for convenient access. The main difference between the two is the amount of space each takes up. When running a house, storage solutions are usually top of the list of priorities, especially for those who prefer a minimalist look. Whichever wardrobe you choose is sure to help you organise your bedroom and avoid clothing or accessory clutter.
Advantages of Each Wardrobe Type
Built-In Wardrobes: Maximising Space and Versatility
Customisable and Space-Saving Design
Built-in wardrobes are made-to-measure, ensuring you can maximise your available space. They can include sliding doors, which save space compared to traditional opening doors, making them ideal for smaller rooms or tight spaces.
Adaptable Materials and Longevity
You can choose materials and design features to suit your aesthetic preferences. Over time, if you redecorate or if the wardrobe sustains damage, components can be replaced or updated, ensuring a built-in wardrobe remains functional and stylish for years.
Flexible Storage Options
Built-in wardrobes offer customisable setups to match your storage needs. Whether you need more drawers for accessories or extra hanging rails for longer clothes, the configuration can be tailored to suit your lifestyle.
Integrated Dressing Area Features
Adding mirrored doors or a mirror on the inside of a door can transform a built-in wardrobe into a functional dressing area, saving you the need for a separate dressing table or mirror elsewhere in the room.
Walk-In Wardrobes: Spacious and Multifunctional Storage
Flexible Size and Multi-Purpose Use
Walk-in wardrobes can be designed to take up as much space as you can allocate, making them highly customizable. Their larger size allows them to double as dressing rooms, streamlining your morning routine by consolidating all your clothing and grooming needs in one area.
Convenient Laundry and Organisation Space
With the additional room, a walk-in wardrobe can accommodate an ironing board, enabling you to iron, fold, and store clean laundry in one place. This prevents clothes from piling up elsewhere in your home.
Display and Storage for Large Collections
Walk-in wardrobes are ideal if you have an extensive wardrobe or many accessories. The space allows for organised and easy display of your items, ensuring everything is accessible without feeling cluttered.
Accommodating Special Garments
For items such as large dresses or delicate fabrics, a walk-in wardrobe provides ample space to hang these garments freely. This eliminates the risk of crumpling or needing to compromise on storage for other clothing.
Other Considerations for Your Decision
As we’ve shown here, both wardrobe options have great upsides, and your choice largely comes down to how much space you have to dedicate to your wardrobe storage. Another factor is your budget as walk-in wardrobes tend to be more expensive, although they will likely add to your property’s value as they’re seen as a luxury item.
If you’re leaning towards the walk-in, as it’s an extra room then you will need to add lighting and ventilation to make sure it’s a comfortable space. Whoever is constructing your new storage solution will be able to help with this though. Extra lighting could be added to built-in wardrobes too with things such as LED light strips if your room isn’t bright.
As a final consideration, you choose your own setup with a built-in wardrobe so it’s easy to keep it organised, whereas you’ll have to be stricter in avoiding clutter in a walk-in.
Whichever option you decide on, at Lifestyle Wardrobes we’d be happy to supply top-quality custom builds that we’re sure you’ll love. Start browsing our range here.
