TL;DR: Choose a fitted wardrobe if you want maximum storage and a seamless look tailored to awkward rooms. Choose a freestanding wardrobe if you want flexibility, lower upfront cost, and the option to take furniture with you when you move.
What each option means
Fitted wardrobes
Built to the exact size of your room. Installed wall to wall and floor to ceiling, using scribe or filler panels to eliminate gaps. Interiors are customised with rails, shelves, drawers, lighting, and power as required.
Freestanding wardrobes
Prefabricated or modular units that stand independently. Available flat-pack or fully assembled in standard widths and heights. You can reposition, swap, or resell them.
Fitted vs Freestanding Wardrobe
Pros and cons at a glance
Fitted wardrobes
Pros
Uses every centimetre, including eaves, alcoves, and high ceilings
Clean, built-in look that can match skirting, cornice, and door styles
Custom interiors, lighting, mirrors, and charging built in
Can reduce visual clutter in small rooms
Cons
Higher upfront cost and lead time
Requires professional templating and installation
Not portable if you move home
Future room layouts are less flexible
Freestanding wardrobes
Pros
Lower initial outlay, discounts and quick delivery common
Flexible, easy to reposition, replace, or resell
No permanent alteration to walls or floors
Good choice for renters and short-term living
Cons
Wasted space above, behind, or beside units
Harder to fit into awkward rooms or sloped ceilings
Dust traps on top, less built-in lighting and power
May feel visually bulky in compact spaces
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Fitted | Freestanding |
|---|---|---|
| Space efficiency | Excellent, wall-to-wall | Moderate, fixed sizes leave gaps |
| Room shape | Tailored to alcoves, eaves, sloping ceilings | Works best in regular rooms |
| Cost profile | Higher upfront, long-term | Lower upfront, replace over time |
| Installation | Professional survey and fit | DIY or simple assembly |
| Portability | Fixed in place | Moveable, resellable |
| Design control | Full choice of doors, internals, finishes | Limited to catalogue options |
| Maintenance | Minimal dust, integrated lighting | Dust on top, add lights separately |
| Property type | Best for owners or long-term homes | Ideal for renters or short-term |
| Lead time | Made to measure, longer | In-stock or fast ship |
When a fitted wardrobe is the better choice
You have awkward geometry: chimney breasts, alcoves, dormers, or loft eaves.
You need maximum capacity in a small bedroom.
You want a cohesive, built-in aesthetic that matches panelling, skirting, or cornice.
You plan to stay in the property for several years.
Design tips:
Consider full-height hinged doors for a classic look, or sliding doors for narrow clearances. Add drawers at waist height, double-height hanging for shirts, and a tall section for long dresses or coats. Integrate warm LED strip lighting with door sensors. Use end panels and a scribed plinth for a truly fitted finish.
When a freestanding wardrobe is the better choice
You value flexibility or move home frequently.
You rent and want no permanent alterations.
You like to refresh interiors without commitment.
Your room is regular in shape and storage needs are modest.
Selection tips:
Measure ceiling height and skirting depth. Choose modular carcasses you can add to later. Use top boxes to reduce wasted space above. Add internal organisers, pull-out trays, and lighting kits. Fit anti-tip brackets for safety.
See more: How to prevent mould in a wardrobe?
Planning and measuring checklist
Clear opening width, ceiling height, skirting and coving depths
Socket positions, radiator clearance, and door swing paths
Preferred door style: hinged, sliding, or mirrored
Internal mix by percentage: hanging, shelving, drawers, shoe storage
Ventilation plan: leave rear gap for freestanding, or specify vented backs in fitted
Future needs: luggage, seasonal rotation, or shared wardrobe zones
Verdict
Choose fitted wardrobes for permanence, capacity, and a tailored finish that solves tricky spaces. Choose freestanding wardrobes for flexibility, speed, and budget control. If you still cannot decide, opt for a hybrid: a fitted run on the primary wall for capacity, plus a small freestanding armoire for seasonal or guest storage.
