How to Design a Perfect Fitted Wardrobe in an Alcove: Dimensions, Layout, Storage
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.
An approach with precise measurements, well-thought-out interior fittings and correctly selected materials allows turning a complex space into a highly functional one. The Urban Wardrobes team works with such tasks every day, so they understand well how to combine individual design with practicality without overloading the room with unnecessary details.
How to Assess Space Before Designing
Before choosing facades or planning the interior, it’s important to understand what kind of space we’re dealing with. Alcoves in British homes vary not only in size — they often have uneven walls, height differences, or hidden utilities. If these issues are not taken into account, even a good idea can prove inconvenient in everyday use.
Dimensions and Design Features of Alcoves
Alcoves in old and new houses have different proportions, but most often they are 28 to 40 cm deep and 90 to 130 cm wide. Victorian-style rooms can have significant vertical differences: a gap of several centimetres between the floor and the top of the alcove isn’t unusual. That’s why designing built-in wardrobes in alcoves starts with detailed measurements.
The Federation of Master Builders even conducted research and found that in more than 60% of British houses, the walls deviate from a straight line. This is not a critical flaw, but this feature affects how the internal frame will be installed, whether it will fit tightly to the walls, and how accurately the facades will fit together.
This is what measurements should always include:
- Changes in depth across the entire height of the niche;
- Floor level and possible differences in height;
- Distance to adjacent structures (radiators, fireplace mantels, window sills);
- Presence of boxes, wiring or protrusions.
These parameters help to avoid situations where the finished wardrobe looks bulky or doesn’t fully use the available space. The more accurately the features of the alcove are taken into account, the easier it will be to plan the interior layout and doors.
Layouts and Zoning
After taking measurements, it becomes clear which type of alcove built-in wardrobes is more suitable: fully installed or partially integrated. In the first case, the wardrobe fits snugly into the niche from wall to wall, in the second — the frame is made with a small indentation if the space has significant distortions or protrusions. Both options work well, the main thing is to correctly determine which scheme will ensure a smooth fit and stability of the construction.
The layout of the interior depends on what exactly you need to store on a daily basis. For longer items of clothing, it’s more convenient to have full-height rails, and for folded items, shelves with different spacing. It’s better to place drawers at waist level: this makes them easier to use and they don’t take up extra space at the bottom.
For convenience, three things are usually taken into account:
- Accessibility of all areas without unnecessary bending or stretching;
- Weight distribution so that heavy items don’t overload one area;
- Daily habits that determine what should be “at hand” and what can be placed higher up.
A well-thought-out plan helps to avoid clutter, even when space seems limited. At this stage, it becomes clear how to make the most of the available space.
So, what is the main things to note when planning a wardrobe:
| Parameter | Why it matters |
| Depth of alcove | Determines whether the railing will fit and how convenient it will be to use the shelves. |
| Equality of walls | It affects how tightly the frame will fit and whether there will be gaps around the edges. |
| Niche height | Allows to choose the right type of filling and number of sections. |
| Location of utilities | May limit filling options or require additional cutouts. |
| Distance to neighbouring elements | It’s essential that the door opens without obstruction. |
Even such a brief assessment helps to avoid mistakes in subsequent stages. The more accurately the parameters of the space are understood, the easier it’s to find a balanced solution for everyday use.
Choosing an Internal Layout
To make sure your alcove wardrobe is really handy, it’s important to think not only about the fronts, but also how the inside will work. It’s what you put inside that decides whether it’ll be practical for daily use, so at this stage, it’s a good idea to look at a few options and pick the one that suits your stuff and how you store it.
First, it’s worth figuring out if you even need a hanging rail for long clothes. That’s because it’s usually about 160-170 cm high, while 90-100 cm is enough for shirts and short items. Such a separation helps to avoid overloading the space and makes rational use of the middle part of the wardrobe. This is especially true for bedroom fitted wardrobes in alcoves, where every centimetre counts.
The depth of the shelves is usually between 28 and 35 cm, which is sufficient for folded clothes and boxes. The distance between them can be adjusted if flexibility is required. Drawers or trays are used when you need to quickly access small items without rummaging through everything on the shelf.
Practical Solutions for Different Types of Items
In wardrobes located in alcoves, it’s best to figure out ahead of time which items you use most often. This helps you choose a clear and convenient layout without unnecessary details.
| Type of items | The optimal solution |
| Long clothing | A separate section with high rails to prevent the fabric from touching the bottom. |
| Everyday things | Medium-height shelves with a pitch of 28–32 cm for easy access. |
| Footwear | Low shelves or mesh trays so that shoes have enough air. |
| Accessories | Shallow pull-out drawers where small items won’t get lost. |
| Rarely used items | The top shelf under the ceiling is the best way to free up the main space. |
This layout helps to see how the interior space will work and whether there will be enough storage space for everyday items without unnecessary clutter.
Materials and Finishes: How They Affect the Appearance and Durability of a Wardrobe
The material determines the nature of the future structure: from how easy it will be to maintain to how it will look after installation. In the case of fitted wardrobes in alcoves, choosing the right base also helps to avoid unnecessary costs during installation in cramped or uneven alcoves.
MDF, Plywood or Solid Wood: What Should Be Known Before Choosing
Different materials give different results, so when designing wardrobes built into alcoves, three options are usually highlighted:
- MDF. Suitable for smooth facades and painting. It holds the shape well and doesn’t react as sharply to humidity changes as solid wood. It’s the choice when you need a neat, even outline and the option to pick any colour. This is the most commonly used material.
- Plywood. It’s sturdier than MDF but looks more natural. Well suited for shelves that can withstand heavy loads. A compromise between budget and durability.
- Wood. The most characteristic and ‘lively’ material. But it requires more careful finishing and care. In narrow niches, solid wood is sometimes more difficult to combine with walls that have slight deviations.
The material affects not only the appearance but also the cost of fitted alcove wardrobes. For example, complex facades or a combination of several types of bases can increase the final price, while simple MDF designs remain more predictable in terms of budget.
But even a basic model in two alcoves will have a starting price range, which can be refined after measurements and agreement on the contents.
Painting and Finishing: How to Choose a Practical and Durable Option
The finish determines how easy it will be to care for the furniture and how it will look in a few years. In narrow alcoves, the finish is especially important because the fronts are more often exposed to light, dust and moisture.
The main options are as follows:
- Glossy paint on MDF. Provides an even texture and allows you to choose a shade to match your interior. Durability depends on the number of coats and type of paint. Usually, 2-3 coats are applied to facades to keep the surface stable during daily use.
- Matte or satin finishes. Less demanding to care for: marks and scratches are much less noticeable. In bedrooms and corridors, this option is often more practical than gloss.
- Lacquer coating. Enhances protection in areas where the fronts are subject to more wear and tear. This finish is sometimes chosen for interior shelves to make cleaning easier.
Everything related to the finish affects not only the appearance of bespoke alcove wardrobes, but also their service life. A high-quality finish retains its shape and colour even in rooms where the temperature difference between seasons can reach 10–12°C. That is why the finishing stage should not be simplified — it determines how long the original condition of the structure will be preserved.
Facades and Doors: What Works Best in Alcoves
When it comes to wardrobes built into alcoves, the fronts are just as important as the interior. Narrow passageways, radiators or uneven walls often determine which type of door is best suited.
Hinged or Sliding: Which Is More Practical
Hinged doors open wider and provide full access to the shelves. For comfortable use, 55–60 cm of space in front of the wardrobe is usually sufficient. In classic bedrooms, this works almost always.
Sliding systems come in handy when space is limited. They don’t need extra space to open, but part of the interior access is blocked by the door. If alcoves are very narrow or there is a bed nearby, a sliding mechanism is often the only real option.
Facade-Free Solutions
Open designs are appropriate in small rooms or where it’s necessary to quickly access items. However, this option isn’t suitable for everyone in the bedroom: items will need to be tidied more often, and fabrics will accumulate dust more quickly.
These solutions work best in niches with stable humidity and moderate lighting.
Facade Details That Affect the Budget
Even with the same size, the cost may vary due to minor details. Most often, the price is influenced by:
- Frame facades with additional profiles;
- Glass inserts and decorative panels;
- Handles: from simple models to special built-in solutions.
To sum up, choosing a facade is a balance between space, convenience, and how you want to interact with your everyday storage.
Lighting: A Small Detail That Changes Everyday Comfort
Properly selected lighting has a significant impact on how convenient it’s to use fitted alcove wardrobes. Narrow alcoves always have less light, so even simple lighting makes the interior space clearer and more organised. Several options are most often used, from strips to neat spotlights.
| Lighting type | What it offers in use |
| LED strip | Uniform soft light across the entire height of the shelves, convenient in deep alcoves. |
| Spotlights | Focus on specific areas, such as the section with hangers or the top shelves. |
| Motion sensors | Automatic switch-on when the door is opened; convenient at night and economical. |
Lighting doesn’t physically make the space bigger, but it really changes how the wardrobe feels. Well-thought-out lighting makes it easier to find stuff, makes tidiness more obvious, and ultimately enhances the overall look of the design. That’s why it’s worth planning it at the sketch stage, rather than after installation.
What Determines the Cost of Fitted Alcove Wardrobes
The price of built-in wardrobes can vary significantly even in niches of similar sizes. The reason is simple: each space has its own subtle nuances that affect the approach to the project and the amount of work involved.
Key factors forming the price:
- The depth and height of the alcove, which determine the design.
- The quality of materials and type of finish.
- The complexity of the doors: sliding, framed, smooth or milled.
- Internal filling: number of drawers, sections for hangers, shelves.
- Installation: accessibility of the room, condition of the walls, need for adjustments.
For two basic modules in alcoves, the price usually starts at £2,000, including installation. The cost then varies depending on the choice of materials, facade details, complexity of the design and the amount of interior filling. Any additional work, such as preparing walls or manufacturing non-standard elements, can also affect the final price.
Why Custom Projects Are More Expensive
Unlike ready-made solutions, bespoke alcove wardrobes are created for a specific space. This includes precise measurements, a separate design plan, manual fitting of parts and professional installation. The time spent here is significantly greater, but the result looks neater, lasts longer and fully meets the needs of the room.
Final Thoughts on Successful Design
Well-designed built-in wardrobes in alcoves solve several problems at once: they tidy up the space, remove visual clutter and add logic to the room. The best results are usually achieved when not only the dimensions of the niche are taken into account, but also the person’s lifestyle, storage habits and even small everyday nuances.
Workshops that have been working on similar projects for many years take a different approach: they view the alcove not as an empty space, but as a challenge with character. This is exactly how the Urban Wardrobes team works — quickly assessing the client’s needs, suggesting where to choose simpler solutions and where to add details that increase everyday convenience.
As a result, a well-designed structure works flawlessly, looks neat, and remains relevant for years, even when the style or contents of the room change.
FAQ
Is it possible to make a built-in wardrobe if the walls or ceiling in my alcove are uneven?
Yes, this is a fairly common situation, especially in older buildings. The craftsman will accurately measure the niche and then simply adjust the dimensions of the panels and frame to the specific deviations so that the structure is even and tight. Once completed, such irregularities are not noticeable.
What materials are best for built-in niches?
MDF is most often used because it’s stable, holds the shape well, and is good for painting. If you need something stronger or with a more pronounced texture, add wood elements. For the body, they usually take dense boards that don’t deform under significant weight.
Can I change the internal contents after work has already begun?
Of course, any adjustments are possible at an early stage, when the drawings haven’t been sent to production yet. If some of the parts have already been cut out, changes may affect the deadlines or require a redesign. Therefore, it’s better to clarify your wishes immediately during the consultation or at the sketch development stage.
How long does it take to manufacture and install fitted wardrobes in alcoves?
On average, the work takes three to six weeks. The duration depends on the complexity of the design, the number of modules and the selected finish. Installation usually takes one to two days, provided that access to the room isn’t complicated.
Do custom designs really last longer than standard models?
In most cases, yes. When the design takes into account the exact dimensions of the niche and how it will be used, the load on the parts is distributed more evenly, and the materials are selected for specific conditions. As a result, the furniture retains its shape longer and requires less repair.
