earthy design

Types of Fitted Wardrobes ...

We can divide Fitted Wardrobes into three main areas:

Front Frame Wardrobes ... Full Carcase Wardrobes ... Sliding Door Wardrobes

Front Frame Construction

Front Frame Wardrobe systems utilise a simple framework that is built from the floor to the ceiling away from a wall, and is not generally provided with backs or sides (The existing wall is the "back" of the wardrobe).

This allows for total use of the storage space behind as there are no infill panels that "void" the space behind.

Front Frame systems have no set depth, and are easy to intall across potential obstructions like chimney breasts etc.

They are also particulary suited to dealing with sloping ceilings

Full Carcase Construction

Full Carcase Wardrobes are like big freestanding wardrobes - fitted into place using infill panels (at either end) and a top filler panel (to the ceiling)

This type of construction will not allow access behind the infill panels, so some potential storage space is lost.

Full Carcase Wardrobes are generaly a set depth (check they are a minimum of 610mm), and the placing of carcases around potential obstacles such as chimney breast is not so easy (the whole back of the carcase needs to be cut away and re-supported on site)

Although able to be fitted under sloping ceilings, a lot of the carcase has to be cut away and re-supported on site.

Sliding Door Wardrobes

These are best considered as "wall to wall" runs of furniture, and are a mix of frame and carcase. Generally the door system is built as a frame and then carcase interior units are placed behind the doors.

If possible choose "made to measure" door systems as "standard" door sizes are likely to produce large door overlaps which will make accessing the interior difficult.

As door systems improve (soft close doors are now available) sliding doors are no longer the "cheaper" wardrobe system some people percieve them to be, and the variety of door styles now include Multi Panel Glass Systems, Sloping Doors, and Wood/Glass/Mirror mixes.

Often a very cost effect method of producing storage where a long run of potential wardrobe space is viable, or as a room divider (to create a walk in wardobe) in a long narrow room.