Over the past few years many homeowners started to use AC systems without an external condenser unit for their houses. It’s especially popular for modern apartments and renovated homes in London. These systems are often installed inside cupboards or wardrobes, which creates a design challenge. As a result, the amount of bespoke furniture projects built inside the wardrobes increased dramatically.
When you consider a new wardrobe for your bedroom, many homeowners face the same question: Should I go with a fully fitted wardrobe or choose a modular solution like IKEA?
Both options have their place. IKEA wardrobes are popular for a reason, and fitted wardrobes aren’t always the right answer either. We decided to write this article in order to discuss the real differences in quality, price, flexibility, and overall experience, so you can decide what works best for your home and expectations.
The understairs area is rarely simple. It always has its own unique geometry, slopes and limitations, which make standard solutions either look random or use only part of the available space. That is why fitted understairs wardrobes is increasingly seen not as an add-on, but as an integral part of home design.
The space under the stairs in most homes is used chaotically or not used at all. Its non-standard shape, limited access and varying depth make this area difficult for typical furniture, so it often turns into a random place to store things without a clear system.
A niche in a room is always a convenient place for storage, but it’s often where problems arise when it comes to installing a wardrobe. In old London houses, walls and ceilings are rarely straight, so even a slight skew can affect the result. This is where the main mistakes in design begin.
For fitted alcove wardrobes to work properly, it’s important not only to choose the style and contents, but also to assess the space itself correctly. Many problems can be avoided at the planning stage if you understand what usually “goes wrong”.
An alcove in a bedroom often seems like an awkward space that is difficult to use effectively. But in fact, it can be the best place for fitted alcove wardrobes if you think through the design taking into account the actual dimensions and features of the room. In London homes, such niches can be found in almost every room, which is why a well-designed wardrobe can provide significantly more storage space than a standard solution.
Many British homes have small recesses near the fireplace or along the walls — a legacy of the architecture of past centuries. It is these niches that are most often converted into practical storage systems, as they allow you to use space that would otherwise remain empty. Hence the interest in fitted alcove wardrobes, which are made to specific sizes and look natural in the interior.
Actually, the difference between factory-made furniture and bespoke carpentry is obvious at first glance. While standard solutions are designed for “average typical interiors”, custom manufacturing works differently. It’s tailored to the actual space: its features and proportions, lighting, flaws, and even the habits of the people who live there.
Every house has its own story, and furniture and décor can often convey it without saying a word. In London, where spaces are very compact and every inch counts, more and more people are turning to bespoke carpentry. And it’s not just for the sake of a pretty picture, but to create truly unique pieces that reflect the character of the home and its owners.
In modern London, there are many old houses with history and their own special charm, which are so important to preserve. That is why many homeowners do not want to order standard furniture ‘like everyone else’ for such houses — they are looking for more unique, customised solutions, furniture that will be made specifically for their space and needs.
However, there are quite a few bespoke carpentry companies on the market, and they all have their own specialities and great offers. So how do you choose from such an abundance of truly good specialists who will not only do the job well but also take responsibility for it?
The experts at Urban Wardrobes have prepared a comprehensive guide for you, covering all the nuances of working with craftsmen who do custom carpentry in London. Take a little time to read the article and you will gain a thorough understanding of the specifics of such work and be able to find reliable contractors for yourself.
Rosie
Repeat customer would use again
Second time I have used Urban Wardrobes and this time they exceeded my expectations again. My new wardobe and built-in desk are gorgeous and I've recommended them to several friends now.
J. Norman
Stylish, luxury wardrobes
I am delighted with my finished wardrobes. A well finished, real luxury product. The company were very patient with my design tweaks and the whole installation was completed smoothly and professionally in a day as promised. Would recommend and use again.
Sarah Lansdell
Manager
Excellent quality and service!
We chose urban wardrobes after a recommendation from a friend who had fitted wardrobes in their new build flat. We had two alcove wardrobes in our bedroom in December - we live in a Victorian terrace where none of the walls are straight and we were amazed with the quality of the finish! The service from start to finish was excellent and I would definitely recommend.
Rebecca K
Excellent service by Urban Wardrobes
Excellent service by Urban Wardrobes
Excellent service by Urban Wardrobes in the design and installation of bespoke fitted wardrobes in a tricky space in our loft room. They gave us three options with a clear recommendation for the best solution for our space. The installation was done brilliantly and everything left clean and tidy. Thanks so much!
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