We asked our head of design Megan Baker what questions she would advise people ask when researching Fitted Wardrobes

I have designed many bedrooms over the years, and the most frequently asked question is  “What wardrobe layout works best for my space and lifestyle?”  A good designer should always assess the bedroom’s dimensions, natural light, utilities, and any little quirks there may be with the internal architecture. They’ll suggest a layout that maximises space – whether that’s a full wall of wardrobes, a corner layout, or around-the-bed storage, then tailoring it to how you use your bedroom.  If there are tall ceilings I prefer to use one of our many super height door designs, I often go super height and then add ceiling cupboards above the robes to get the best return on space available.

Can you customise the internal storage to suit my needs? Absolutely. You should be able to choose from options like double hanging rails, shelving, pull-out shoe racks, internal drawers, jewellery trays, or even a wardrobe linen bin. An experienced designer will guide you through these options based on what you own and how you like to organise your clothing, shoes and accessories. Occasionally some customers request a hidden wardrobe safe or internal cabinet to store or hide particular items, it’s our job as designers to facilitate a clients needs.

People usually start to consider door styles, colours and finishes before we meet them, however we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t give an expert opinion.  A designer should walk you through a range of styles – such as shaker, slab, mirrored, or glass-fronted as well as materials, including gloss, matt, or woodgrain. They’ll also help you match the finish to your home’s décor for a cohesive look, or if you are looking to change your internal décor as part of the project we would take your proposed colour scheme into consideration.

As house prices continue to increase and the UK still experiences a housing stock shortage people want to put every inch of space to use so we are regularly asked  “How do I make the most of awkward spaces or sloping ceilings?”  And this really is where fitted furniture excels. A skilled designer will take precise measurements and propose bespoke solutions that use every inch of space, whether it’s under eaves, around chimney breasts, or across angled walls.  As a designer I can dream up lots of solutions to solve complicated storage solutions, however our fitters still amaze me with how they use their skill and years of experience to turn our designs in to reality.

“Do I need to clear the room or move electrical sockets beforehand?”  Clearing a room will always be the best solution as when a craftsmen is installing truly bespoke fitted furniture they will need to scribe panels to ensure a perfect connection to the walls, ceiling and floor. This means using the room as a workshop for the day so our craftsmen can concentrate on exercising their skills safely. We will always talk a client through what needs to be done before installation rather than hiding certain information until arriving on site! In many cases, designers and installers will work around existing socket, however if sockets do need moving our detailed floor plans ensure the relocation is straight forward.

“How long does the whole process take from design to installation?”  Most companies offer an initial design visit, then manufacture, followed by installation. Timelines vary, but a typical project might take 4–8 weeks from first consultation to finished wardrobes. Your designer should give you a clear schedule.

“What guarantees or warranties come with the wardrobes?” Always ask this. Reputable fitted furniture companies will offer guarantees on the product– often 10 years or more. It shows confidence in their craftsmanship and customer service.  It is important to understand exactly what is covered, certain companies have a headline of 10 years guarantee but the small print then will show shorter terms on elements such as door or hinges!

“Will I get a visual of the design before I commit?”  Yes – many designers now use 3D design software or even VR previews to show you exactly how your wardrobes will look in your room. This helps avoid surprises and allows you to tweak details before placing an order.

“What kind of handles and finishing touches can I choose?”  From sleek finger pulls to ornate handles or brushed brass knobs, there’s usually a wide choice. Designers can advise on what works best with your chosen door style and finish – and what will hold up well over time. We always offer a minimum of 30 handle choices, but sometimes having too many to choose from can make things difficult for a client.

“Can the wardrobes be removed in future if I move house?”  Fitted wardrobes are designed to be a long-term, fixed solution. While they can technically be removed, it may damage walls or plasterwork. Your designer should be honest about this – but also highlight how fitted wardrobes can increase house pricing and why they may help sell a home in the future.

I always try to ensure a client enjoys the process, it gives people the opportunity to work with a professional designer in creating the perfect living space designed and built just for them so it should be a fun experience.