Frequently Asked Questions about a Custom Freestanding Wardrobe or Armoire

If your closets are ‘filled to the gills’ AND you’ve ALREADY decluttered, you might be thinking of adding a custom wardrobe or armoire into your bedroom to get more organized.

Or if your cat had ‘cat scratch fever’ on your favorite dress the idea of adding a wardrobe to keep their claws off your other nice things, might have cropped up again.

Or maybe you’d love to create a focal point in your bedroom for your TV AND MAGICALLY create more space for clothes WITHOUT the expense of a room addition, the concept of a wardrobe once again sounded spot-on.

However, although you can see the benefits of a wardrobe, you may still have questions and don’t have a clue who(m) to call for answers. And if this describes you, you’ve landed on the right article.

As a custom closet and wardrobe designer who also leads a company which installs these organization systems, I’ve seen people struggle to understand how to design, build, and install a wardrobe. In addition, they also don’t have a clue about costs or (space permitting) if it’d be better to redo their existing closet and include a wardrobe within it.

In this article I’ll give you the straight scoop on 10 frequently asked questions about custom wardrobe closet or custom armoire. At the end let me know not only if this article has helped you – but also additional questions you may have.

Question #1 – What is a custom freestanding wardrobe or armoire and how is it different from a closet?

A wardrobe is an enclosed storage system with doors and drawers used in master bedrooms, guest rooms, walk in closets, hallways, spare rooms, children’s nurseries, and hotel rooms.

Wardrobes are different from closets because they’re enclosed vs. closets which have mostly open storage. Although it is possible to build a wardrobe inside a walk in closet.

Question #2 – What are the benefits of building (or buying) a custom fitted wardrobe or armoire?

The main reasons to add a wardrobe (whether it’s custom-made or a pre-built piece of furniture) include:

• You can reduce clutter with added storage.
• You can build a wardrobe ‘into a room’ and eliminate the costs of framed walls and/or a major remodeling project for a walk in closet.
• Since your storage is behind doors and drawers, it looks neat when entering the room (even if your storage is STILL a disaster when you open those doors and drawers – ha! ha!).
• Wardrobes keep garments or jewelry safe from dust, pets, or fading from too much sun.

• Some wardrobes are moveable, which is a nice benefit if you’re renting, yet still need more storage.

As Wendy Scott, President and Designer of Timeless Closets and Cabinetry (in the New Jersey/New York market) told me, “Mike, before doing a custom fitted armoire an owner should ask what is your ‘why.’ Are they looking to create space in a bedroom because the closets are too small? Are they looking to protect clothes, or create fashionable display spaces? And are they more interested in form, or in function.”

In the video below learn why one Columbus couple is really enjoying the benefits of their custom freestanding wardrobe.

Question #3 – What’s better – a built in wardrobe or a walk in closet?

While people ask if a wardrobe is better than a walk in closet – it’s actually not an ‘either or’ situation. The reason I say this is many custom closet designs include wardrobes built into a walk in closet.

However, you do want to keep in mind – wherever you do use a wardrobe, is there enough room (especially depth) to comfortably open the doors of the closet and be able to stand behind it in the process.

Question #4 – What does a built in wardrobe or armoire cost? Where can they be purchased and/or who can custom design one? What makes custom wardrobes more expensive?

It’s possible to buy a ‘standard sized’ wardrobe from a furniture store. And while in most cases they will be less expensive than a custom freestanding wardrobe, it’s difficult to find a furniture store piece which are the right style, right size with the right features (mix of doors, drawers, hanging etc.) designed for your storage and which can work around obstructions (like light switches, outlets, soffits) in your space.

And it’s for this reason wardrobes are often custom designed and purchased from professional closet designers, trim carpenters, or cabinet makers. However, I’d argue (even though I’ll admit I run a custom closet company in Columbus Ohio) the closet designers not only have the most wardrobe design expertise (since they specialize in storage systems vs. being a ‘wood generalist’ like a trim carpenter or cabinet maker), but they often have the best prices as well since their systems are factory-made vs. site built.

To get a quote (and – hopefully- a 3D custom wardrobe design so you can picture what it’ll look like) contact a custom closet company, trim carpenter, or cabinet maker. And if you want a tip to keep the cost down, use less drawers, and/or choose a minimalist flat door or drawer fronts.

Question #5 – What are the biggest mistakes to avoid with a wardrobe?

A custom fitted wardrobe IS NOT something you buy every day. And it’s for this reason you don’t want to rush into purchasing one (or having one designed for you) until you read this list of the biggest wardrobe mistakes YOU DO NOT want to make.

• Mistake #1 – Making (or buying) a wardrobe which isn’t sized to fit your things – For example, if you want a wardrobe to house long dresses and 8 drawers, ask if it will be tall enough to accomplish this objective.

• Mistake #2 – The wardrobe isn’t deep enough for hanging clothes – The reason most reach in closets are 24” deep is to allow room for the doors to shut and NOT bang into clothes on a hanger. And one frustration with ‘furniture store’ wardrobes is some people don’t realize (until after the fact) the one they bought isn’t deep enough for hanging clothes.

• Mistake #3 – The space in the back of deeper shelves in a wardrobe are hard to use – Since wardrobes for hanging clothes are often 24” deep, if you have shelves below hanging sections which don’t pull out, it’ll be hard to see/effectively use the space in the back.

Image Credits: Wendy Scott Timeless Closets

• Mistake #4 – The prebuilt wardrobe won’t fit in the door, or up the staircase! Yes, this problem of not being able to fit the wardrobe in the door and up the stairs DOES happen, especially if you’re adding a large or tall wardrobe! It’s for this reason custom wardrobes from custom closet companies will have wardrobe parts pre-cut, then the system is assembled on the site.

• Mistake #5 – You hire a ‘Murphy-Brown-Esque’ cabinet builder you SWEAR will never finish the job! – While it can be ‘fun’ to watch a custom cabinet maker fabricate your wardrobe from scratch in your garage or watch them ‘sprinkling’ your lawn with sawdust while cutting outside, the reality is contractors are an intrusion to your daily routine. Their sawdust won’t be ‘your little Fre’ (as Tony Montana from the movie Scarface might have said) for your new carpets either. So, it’s best to ask your custom wardrobe designer how long your project will take so you won’t be stuck with the contractor who never leaves (a la Eldin from Murphy Brown fame). And if you aren’t familiar with this 1980’s sitcom I’ve included a scene below for a chuckle.

• Mistake #6 – The wardrobe shelves and rods aren’t adjustable – Let’s face facts, what you store can (and will) change over time. In addition, not everyone is the same height (and you V.C. – ‘er Vertically Challenged’ – people know exactly what I mean). So, ask if your wardrobe will have ‘increment holes’ on the sides so you can adjust shelves and rods to the height you need.
• Mistake #7 – You get a ‘store-bought’ wardrobe made of the cheapest particle board known to man (or woman) – The devil – and qualities- are in the details. Pay attention to the materials used so you get a good bang for your buck.
• Mistake #8 – It’s dark inside the wardrobe – While I’ll admit, custom lighting is expensive, it can be a god-send to illuminate clothes in a 24” deep wardrobe. Although you should know, it does take proper pre-planning.

Image Credits: Pattie Miller

• Mistake #9 – Pay attention to the ‘walk flow’ in the room – As Wendy Scott told me, “Mike, it’s also important to make sure with a custom wardrobe there’s enough room to walk around the room when the wardrobe doors are open. Also make sure the doors can clear lighting obstacles like chandeliers.”
• Mistake #10 – Don’t make the doors so big they go ‘bananas’ on you! – While large doors can be the rage, they also can be a baaaad idea! As Wendy told me, “When doors are designed to be ultra-large – especially if they’re made of wood – there’s a chance they’ll banana (or warp) as years go on. Don’t get too aggressive with door heights.”

Question #6 – What size wardrobes are available? Can they be custom fit to my space, storage, or entertainment needs? How can I get the inside of the cabinets to do ‘more’ for me?

Custom freestanding wardrobes can be made any width, depth, and height. In addition, you can also have a wall of cabinets with different heights, widths, and depths to fit in larger spaces (see an example below).

However, with this being said the key is to begin with the end in mind. Determine what you want to store. Identify what you have, and what you want to display or have visible inside the system like a TV, artwork, or family pictures.

To get more value from the inside of a custom wardrobe closet consider these tips:

• Put more clothes in stacks inside drawers or shelves vs. hanging.
• Add pull out shelves so you can see in the back of deep sections with hanging above them.
• Add compartments inside drawers for organized jewelry, socks, eyeglass, or tie storage.
• Add lighting.

Question #7 – Can I take the custom armoire or wardrobe with me if I move?

The answer is yes AND no!

With a standard sized wardrobe bought from a furniture store, the answer is yes.

With a custom built wardrobe designed for you, and anchored to the wall, the answer is no.

Question #8 – What materials are wardrobes made from? Which is the easiest to maintain?

The most common materials used to build custom wardrobes are wood, MDF (which stands for Multi-Density Fiberboard), particle board (which is often used on the cheaper furniture store units), or laminate covered wardrobes.

And while wood may sound best, it’s the most expensive and will eventually need to be repainted or stained. The simplest to maintain systems are laminate wardrobes, and you won’t have to worry about parts warping with them (unlike with wood).

Question #9 – How – and where – can I add lighting into a custom fitted wardrobe or armoire design?

Lighting can be a HUGE bonus for a wardrobe.

Wardrobe lighting can be added into a top, LED’s can be installed inside the sides of the cabinet or into closet rods. You can also use motion activated rechargeable light or add spotlights or canned lights in front of the wardrobe.

Lighting is something to think about BEFORE the installation because with a built in wardrobe it may be impossible to add after the cabinet is anchored to the wall.

Question #10 – What do I need to do to prepare for a custom built in wardrobe installation?

The preparation for a custom wardrobe is driven by where it’ll be located, and what you’re looking to do in the design and with the space.

For example, if you want custom lighting you’ll want an outlet which is accessible (yet hidden, as much as possible). Or if you want a TV in the middle of your design make sure there’s an outlet in close proximity.

You may also need to remove soffits or reposition outlets or light switches which interfere with your design.

So, are you now more confident about custom wardrobes or armoires and if it’s the right storage solution for you? Do you have additional questions, or would like a 3D wardrobe design?

After reading this article have you ‘gotten your monies worth’ (and yes, I AM going to be sending you a bill – ha! ha!) with new insights about wardrobes or a custom armoire? I hope so – and would love your feedback and/or questions below.

And if you’d like a free 3D wardrobe design for a project in Columbus or Cleveland Ohio – or a referral to a wardrobe designer in your area call 614-545-6888 or request a Free 3D design consultation.

And if you’re in the New Jersey/New York market – and looking for a special wardrobe or armoire contact (who I like to call The Queen of Closets) Wendy Scott of Timeless Closets and Cabinets at 908-975-9381.

I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about this project – and putting up with my humor along the way.

Mike

If you’d like more information on home organization, Murphy beds, or interior design follow me on LinkedIn @MikeFotiLinkedIn.