Built-in vs freestanding wardrobes – the pros and cons

Built-in or freestanding? Here’s how to choose the right wardrobes for your bedroom and your life...

Wardrobes do far more than store clothes — done well, they set the tone for the space and can have a suprising influence on how you feel in your bedroom, and in your everyday home life. There's something deeply satisfying, even uplifting, about having furniture that just feels right.

So should you choose built-in wardrobes or freestanding furniture? There’s no single right answer — it depends on your space, your lifestyle, and how you want your bedroom to feel. Here’s a clear, honest look at the pros and cons of both.

What’s the difference between built-in and freestanding wardrobes?

Built-in wardrobes are custom made to fit the exact dimensions of your room. They maximise storage, deal neatly with awkward angles, and create a seamless, architectural look.

Freestanding wardrobes, by contrast, behave more like pieces of furniture. They bring character and flexibility, can be moved or replaced, and allow you to layer a bedroom more gradually over time.

Both have their place — the key is choosing the one that suits how you live now, and how you expect to live in the space in future.

Which type of bedroom wardrobe should I choose? 

Before getting into pros and cons, it’s worth asking a few practical questions:

• Is this a long-term home, or somewhere you may move from in a few years?
• Do you want your bedroom to feel calm and minimal, or layered and characterful?
• Are you dealing with awkward architecture, such as sloping ceilings, alcoves or chimney breasts?
• Do you enjoy curating your belongings and putting them on show or do you prefer them discreetly hidden away?
  
  

With those answers in mind, the differences become much clearer.

Built-in wardrobes: the pros 

Built-in wardrobes are about control, calm and efficiency. They’re designed as part of the room itself, rather than added afterwards.

Custom-built to fit the space (including those awkward angles)

One of the main advantages of built-in wardrobes is they’re designed to fit the exact dimensions of your bedroom. They can run from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, and they can accommodate any awkward areas including sloping ceilings, chimney breasts and wonky walls. This means they make the most of every available inch, with no gaps or wasted space.

Storage designed around your life

With built-in wardrobes, the inside matters just as much as the outside. Hanging rails where you need them, drawers sized for knitwear, shelves for shoes and bags, trays for jewellery – everything can be planned around how you actually use your wardrobe, not a generic layout.

An integrated look

Because built-in wardrobes sit flush with the walls, they create a clean, uncluttered feel. Whether finished in classic Shaker doors or contemporary slab fronts, they integrate seamlessly with the bedroom and help the space feel considered and grown-up.

Tip: In smaller bedrooms, painted built-in wardrobes in the same colour as the walls can visually recede, making the room feel larger.

Built-in wardrobes: the cons

A long-term commitment

Built-in wardrobes typically involve a higher upfront cost and are designed to stay put. If you enjoy frequent rearranging or anticipate moving soon, that permanence may feel restrictive.

Less flexibility over time

Once installed, built-in wardrobes are not so easily altered or removed. While they age well when thoughtfully designed, they don’t offer the same freedom to change things up on a whim.

The Anmer double wardrobe creates a timeless, elegant feel

Freestanding wardrobes: the pros

Freestanding wardrobes bring a different kind of appeal: warmth and individual character, plus greater flexibility.

Instant character

A standalone wardrobe can add personality to a bedroom straight away. It allows you to mix and match different styles, colours and finishes to express your own unique style, and it behaves like a piece of furniture rather than part of the architecture, giving the room a more layered, lived-in feel. 

Easier on budget and timing

Freestanding wardrobes are generally more affordable than built-ins and quicker to install. They’re a great way to refresh a bedroom without committing to a full redesign.

Flexible and moveable

One of the biggest advantages is freedom. Freestanding wardrobes can be repositioned, replaced, or taken with you if you move. That makes them particularly appealing for renters or anyone who prefers flexibility.

Tip: A pair of matching freestanding wardrobes can work beautifully either side of a bed, creating balance without committing to a full fitted wall.

Freestanding wardrobes: the cons

Underutilised space

Because freestanding wardrobes come in set sizes, they often leave unused gaps above or around them. In smaller rooms, this can make the space feel more crowded and less efficient.

Fewer bespoke options

While finishes and layouts can be varied, freestanding wardrobes usually offer fewer internal customisation options than built-ins. Integrating them perfectly with the rest of the room can take more thought.

So… which is right for you?

If you want maximum storage, a seamless look and a long-term solution, built-in wardrobes are hard to beat. If you value flexibility, furniture-like character and the freedom to evolve your space over time, freestanding wardrobes may suit you better.

At Naked, we make both: always with the same principles: thoughtful design, proper materials and furniture built to last. 

Whether you have a large dressing room, or an awkward space with sloping ceilings, we can help you discover the perfect bedroom storage for your space and your life. Book a discovery call today.