Should Fitted Wardrobes Have Backs?
Should Fitted Wardrobes Have Backs?
When designing a fitted wardrobe, one of the key choices is whether to include a back panel. While this may seem like a minor detail, it significantly impacts both the wardrobe’s practicality and its visual appeal. A full cabinet system with back panels not only protects your belongings from dust and damp but also creates a much neater and more cohesive look when you open the doors.
Our Head of Design Megan Barker explains why we opt for a full cabinet system wherever possible
A More Polished and Tidy Interior
One of the first things you notice when opening a wardrobe is how the interior looks. A fully lined wardrobe with back panels offers a sleek and uniform appearance, making the inside of your storage space feel like an extension of quality furniture rather than an unfinished part of the room. Without backs, the exposed wall can look inconsistent, especially if it is not perfectly smooth or has been previously decorated in a different colour.
Imagine a row of shelves in a wardrobe without backs—each shelf appears to be a separate piece attached to the wall, rather than part of a complete, built-in unit. By contrast, wardrobes with backs create a seamless, furniture-like effect, where shelving and hanging sections feel fully integrated. This difference is especially noticeable in premium or custom-fitted wardrobes, where the goal is often to create a high-end, elegant aesthetic.
Cleaner and Easier to Maintain
A full cabinet system is not just about looks—it also makes maintenance much easier. With an open-back wardrobe, dust and debris can accumulate on the exposed wall, requiring periodic cleaning. Walls behind wardrobes can also become marked over time, meaning occasional repainting or touch-ups might be necessary. In contrast, a lined wardrobe with back panels keeps everything enclosed and dust-free, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
Megan Continues, additionally, with open-back wardrobes, there is always the risk of damp affecting the rear wall, which could transfer onto clothes or shelving. Having a full back panel acts as a protective layer, helping to prevent exposure to moisture or condensation, particularly in older properties where walls may not be perfectly dry all year round.
A More Cohesive Storage Solution
Another key benefit of fitted wardrobes with backs is how they make shelves, drawers, and compartments look like part of a single, well-constructed unit. Without backs, shelving systems can appear makeshift, as if they have been added piecemeal rather than designed as part of the overall space. This can detract from the sense of luxury and quality that many homeowners look for in a fitted wardrobe.
For example, in a bedroom where a walk-in wardrobe has been installed, having fully lined units with back panels can create a boutique-style dressing space. The smooth, continuous surfaces make the area feel curated and intentional, rather than resembling simple storage bolted to the walls.
Structural Strength and Durability
From a practical standpoint, the presence of a back panel also improves the structural strength of the wardrobe. A full cabinet system distributes weight more evenly, providing extra stability. In contrast, frame-only systems rely heavily on wall fixings, which may not always be secure, particularly if the wardrobe is installed on an uneven or older plaster surface.
When dealing with heavier items like winter coats, thick jumpers, or even storage boxes on higher shelves, a fully enclosed wardrobe ensures the load is evenly supported. Over time, this can help prevent issues like sagging shelves or weakened wall fixings.
Megan’s final thoughts…
Having lived in a home with both types of wardrobes, the difference is clear. In one room, I installed a frame-only wardrobe, which initially seemed like a cost-effective solution. However, I quickly realised that the exposed wall behind the shelves collected dust, and the overall look felt unfinished. In contrast, when I later invested in a fully lined fitted wardrobe, the interior looked polished, and maintaining cleanliness became much easier. Clothes stayed fresher, and the entire space felt more like a well-designed piece of furniture than just a storage area.
A fully backed fitted wardrobe offers both aesthetic and practical advantages. It creates a neater, more polished interior, protects clothing from dust and damp, and enhances structural integrity. Shelving systems within a fully lined wardrobe look like individual, high-quality furniture pieces rather than simple attachments to a wall. While open-back wardrobes may initially seem like a budget-friendly option, the long-term benefits of a full cabinet system make it a worthwhile investment for any homeowner looking for a stylish, functional storage solution.