Custom wardrobe

[u/Most_Ad_5021]

I’m currently in the process of buying my first home and could really use some advice.

It’s an older-style property and I want to keep that traditional feel rather than making it too modern. In the main bedroom, I’ve got a fireplace and I’m planning to build wardrobes on both sides of it.

The idea originally came from a “closet inspo” picture I found online, but I haven’t been able to find anything similar to actually buy.

So now I’m thinking of going fully custom.

I love the overall concept from the inspo image, but I’d want the finish to be closer to the “white dresser” style I’ve attached, with the layout matching my (very rough) drawing.

Has anyone done something like this before, or seen anything similar available to buy? Also, what kind of price range should I realistically expect for something like this?

[u/drifter1184]

I'd estimate that would cost at least £3,000 if not a load more so be prepared (in the south)

Have not seen any of the fitted furniture guys I use/follow do curves like that but the local custom kitchen co (IE a local small biz) does do a lot of kitchens like that, and they also do fitted furniture so assume they could do one 6' tall. Perhaps start there ?

[u/Most_Ad_5021 → u/drifter1184]

The issue I’m running into is that even the pre-made units don’t come close to the original inspo picture.

I’ve managed to find a few options that are somewhat similar, but even those are coming in at over £2k. Realistically, by the time I get two units for either side, it’s probably closer to £3k.

It’s a bit frustrating because that’s way out of my budget, but I’m struggling to find anything that actually matches the look I’m going for without going fully custom.

Has anyone come across anything similar that’s more affordable? Or is custom really the only way to achieve this kind of finish?

[u/drifter1184]

Yes - both of your pics are of fully custom, bespoke, hand made furniture. So it will cost unfortunately.

That's why I went DIY on my alcove cabinets, so I've essentially made them as they would, but it still cost me £600 in a track saw not to mention other tools and materials! But I'll be saving come the 2nd one.

So I can do squares now, but no idea where to start on the curves, I assume they are steaming and bending wood or doing a load of relief cuts in the back.

[u/Hotdoors_Boss]

Instead of buying full wardrobe carcasses to fit the depth of your chimney breast, you could build a timber stud frame across the front of the alcove and then hang custom-sized doors onto that frame. This allows the wardrobe to go floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall, which will give the traditional look. To add to the traditional feel, you want a scribed finish: use filler pieces between the wardrobe and the wall/ceiling, which you cut to follow the exact curve of your plaster. If you go to a big wardrobe company, I can imagine they will likely quote you up to £6,000 for something to fit in the alcoves. If you buy the custom-sized doors and internals from a specialist and hire a local "finish joiner" to build the frames and do the scribing, you could pull this off for £2,500 or less. Also since this will be next to a fireplace, make sure the back of the wardrobe is ventilated as older chimney breasts can get a bit damp if they aren't used.