There often comes a time when your current wardrobe setup stops being storage and starts being a problem. It's often at this point that the built-in versus freestanding wardrobe question shows up.
We’re a NZ-owned custom wardrobe company. We plan and design wardrobes, make them, and install them all ourselves.
In this article, we run you through the differences between built-in and freestanding wardrobes so you can see which might be the best option for you.
What is a Built-In Wardrobe?
A built-in wardrobe is a fixed storage system made to the precise dimensions of a room. It can be a standard wall-to-wall setup or a walk-in wardrobe, depending on how much space is available. Once it's installed, it's part of the room rather than a standalone piece of furniture.
Most built-in wardrobes have sliding doors or hinged doors. Generally, the inside of them is customised, with a range of hanging spaces, shelves, and drawers for accessories.
Built-in Wardrobe Pros
-
No wasted space above or beside the wardrobe
-
The can be designed around your clothes and day to day use
-
Works well in rooms with corners, alcoves, or sloping ceilings
-
A flush finish helps the bedroom feel cleaner
Built-In Wardrobe Cons
-
More upfront expense compared to 'off-the-shelf' wardrobes
-
You can't move it if you change rooms or move house
-
Needs time for planning, design, measurements, and installation
What is a Freestanding Wardrobe?
A freestanding wardrobe is a movable piece of bedroom furniture. It usually comes as a complete unit that you can put wherever it fits.
A free standing wardrobe is commonly made of timber or modular materials. There are various styles available. Inside, you’ll usually get a fixed layout with a mix of shelves, drawers, and rails.
Freestanding Wardrobe Pros
-
Costs less upfront than built-in options
-
You can take it with you if you change rooms or houses
-
Easy to replace or update down the track
Freestanding Wardrobe Cons
-
Wastes space above and around it
-
The setup on the inside might not be ideal for your clothes
-
Can take up floor space in small bedrooms
Which One is Right for You?
If you start by asking yourself these simple questions, you'll usually get to an answer pretty quickly.
First: What’s the room like?
Is the bedroom small, narrow, or got odd corners? Then a built-in wardrobe would probably make better use of its space. Is the room a straightforward rectangle with a decent amount of floor space? Then either option can work.
Next: What’s annoying you right now?
Live in dresses but your hanging space is too short? Got more folded clothes than the shelves can deal with? The level of customisation that comes with a built-in wardrobe can sort that out!
If your issue is just not having enough storage, a free standing wardrobe can be a quick fix.
Then think about budget and timing.
If you need an extra storage unit fast and you're working with a tighter budget, a freestanding wardrobe can be the way to go. If you’re planning for the long-term and don’t want to compromise, a built-in might be the better option for you.
Finally: How do you want the room to feel?
If a room that feels calm and uncluttered is your priority, built-ins do that best. If you want your wardrobe to feel like a piece of furniture that you can see and style around, freestanding makes more sense.
Custom Wardrobes NZ
Still not sure? That’s exactly where we come in! We'll take proper measurements and talk through what will work best for your space and storage needs.
At NZ Wardrobes, we design and install custom built-in wardrobes across New Zealand, including sliding or hinged door wardrobes, using materials that suit daily use. If you’re after a quicker, cheaper DIY option, we also stock wardrobe flatpacks that you can assemble yourself.
Take a look through our gallery for inspo or get in touch with us for a chat about the perfect solution for you.