How to Build a Fitted Wardrobe on a Budget?

A fitted wardrobe can transform your bedroom by maximising space and being highly functional. The perceived cost of a fitted wardrobe can be off putting. However, at Consumer Advisory we believe that building your dream fitted wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. In this blog post, we will look at how to build a fitted wardrobe on a budget and its benefits.

Benefits of a Fitted Wardrobe

Having a fitted wardrobe is beneficial for the following reasons: 

• It maximises space – A fitted wardrobe uses every inch of your space, from floor to ceiling, including awkward corners.
• Personalised design – You can fully customise your fitted wardrobe, such as compartments, shelves, rails and drawers. All to suit your storage needs. 
• Adds value – A fitted wardrobe can increase the value of your home, as they are an appealing feature to potential buyers. 
• Look – The look of a fitted wardrobe can be made to blend in with the design of your room. 

Guide to Building a Fitted Wardrobe on a Budget 

This is how to build a fitted wardrobe while keeping the costs low:

1. Plan your space carefully 

It’s important to be accurate on your measurements and plan a design from the beginning. By doing this you’re less likely to waste materials or make costly mistakes. Measuring twice is ideal to double check the height, width and depth of the area. Make sure to account for obstacles such as plug sockets, radiators, uneven flooring and sloped ceilings. A laser tape is a good tool to get more precision and less errors. By sketching your ideal fitted wardrobe, you can get a rough plan of what you want to achieve. 

2. Choose Budget Friendly Materials 

Different materials will come at various prices. Here are some budget friendly material options:

• MDF stands for medium density fibreboard – This is affordable and great for painting. 
• Plywood – This material is stronger than MDF and is resistant to warping. 
• MFC stands for melamine faced chipboard – pre-finished panels that come in various textures and colours. This is ideal for a modern flat pack look. 

3. Hiring a Contractor vs DIY Method 

You can save money by installing your own fitted wardrobe, but you need a lot of confidence in your skills. We recommend hiring a professional to install your fitted wardrobe, as they have experience and can ensure it is installed to the highest standards. At Consumer Advisory we will put you directly in touch with reliable and vetted accredited contractors. Click on the link to get up to 3 free quotes Fitted Wardrobe Contractors London | Consumer Advisory . 

4. Use Flat Pack Units as Your Base 

You can use flat pack furniture as a cost-effective base for your fitted wardrobe. You can make it look custom built with a bit of tweaking. 

Buy the main cabinet shell, remove the legs and attach directly to the floor. Trim the top panels so units reach the ceiling or use filler boards to bridge gaps. Next add side and top panels using MDF, then finish with custom doors, handles and paint. 

5. Go for Open Storage 

If you have a tight budget, you could consider leaving the fitted wardrobe open, so it doesn’t have any doors, just shelves, rails and organisation. This saves money on doors, hinges and handles while giving a modern look. Alternatives to full doors include curtains, reclaimed doors or sliding doors. 

6. Materials Reuse or Recycled 

A good way of keeping the cost of your fitted wardrobe lower, is to use second hand or leftover materials. Ideas for this include:

• Refitting your old wardrobe internals into a new frame.
• Check online marketplaces for second hand wardrobe doors, panels or drawer units. 
• Visit builder’s merchant’s yards for offcuts or any discounted stock. 

7. Internal Layout Efficiency 

Your fitted wardrobe should be made to suit your storage habits. Try to not over complicate the build a fitted wardrobe. Budget friendly internal options include:

• Open shelving for shoes and folded clothes. 
• Double hanging rails for jackets, shirts and trousers. 
• Plastic baskets for stackable boxes instead of pricey drawers. 

8. Budget Lighting Options 

Adding lighting to your fitted wardrobe adds in practicality and makes a big difference. Affordable lighting options include:

• Rechargeable LED strip lights.
• USB powered closest lights. 
• Stick on LED puck lights or motion sensor lights.  

Creating a fitted wardrobe on a budget is achievable with the correct planning and resources. However, if you need help at Consumer Advisory, we can put you directly in touch with our qualified accredited contractors. Click on the link to get up to 3 free quotes Fitted Wardrobe Contractors London | Consumer Advisory . 

Budget Breakdown Example

This is an example breakdown of a budget friendly DIY fitted wardrobe for a 2.5m wide wall space. 

By having a professional install your fitted wardrobe, you might add another £350 to £550 depending on complexity. 

Tips on How to Save Even More 

Here are a few tips to help save more money while budgeting for your fitted wardrobe: 

• Ask local joiners or carpenters for any offcuts. 
• Join online groups where people give aways unused materials. 
• Shop out of season to take advantage of sales. 

Conclusion – Installing a Fitted Wardrobe on a Budget 

A fitted wardrobe is a smart investment as it comes with plenty of benefits, such as maximising space and having a personalised design that suits your own needs. It is entirely achievable to build a fitted wardrobe on a budget if you plan effectively.  We recommend hiring professional accredited contractors to install your fitted wardrobe. They offer experience and knowledge and will complete your fitted wardrobe efficiently and to the highest standards. Consumer Advisory will put you directly in contact with approved and accredited contractors to install your fitted wardrobe.

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