Installing fitted furniture transforms a bedroom into a tailored retreat. Urban Wardrobes has carried out over 200 bespoke projects in the last year alone, and we continually see the same mishaps derail even well-funded installations. Adding fitted wardrobes elevates a room’s comfort, but avoid these seven pitfalls to secure a flawless finish.
1. Cutting Corners on Hardware Quality
Sliding-door tracks and hinges endure thousands of cycles. Opt for ball-bearing runners rated for at least 30,000 operations and soft-close dampers that cushion every movement. Although branded fittings (for example, Blum or Hettich) can add about 8 percent to the total cost, they assure smooth, whisper-quiet performance over the years. Urban Wardrobes standard-issue uses ball-bearing tracks rated for these processes, ensuring the quality.
2. Ignoring Door-Swing and Traffic Flow
In Brixton, a client installed hinged wardrobes opposite a bathroom door. Every morning, the two doors clashed in midair. On our next visit, we replaced the hinged panels with a pair of bi-fold doors, freeing up 60 cm of clearance. If you plan hinged fronts, tape out the full swing arc on your floor and confirm that no structural elements or pathways interfere.
3. Misreading the Ceiling Pitch for a Sloping Ceiling Fitted Wardrobe
A sloping ceiling fitted wardrobe demands precise profiling. Begin by tracing the slope at three heights — floor level, mid-wall, and ridge — using a laser or spirit level. Transfer that outline to your design plan, whether in CAD or on graph paper. Failing to capture subtle variations can leave gaps or cause doors to catch on things.
4. Trusting Only On-Screen Colour Samples
When you select a “mid-grey matt” finish via his tablet, it arrives with a subtle blue undertone that clashes with his oak flooring. UW now sends three 10×10 cm samples to every client. Place swatches near a south-facing window and then under the bedroom’s warm LED bulbs, spotting the mismatch immediately.
| Sample Location | Observation |
| Under daylight | True mid-grey |
| Next to the bedside lamp | Slight blue tint |
| Hallway corridor | Appeared flatter, almost chalk-like |
5. Designing Without a Wear-and-Tear Plan
Someone fits full-height hanging rails in the winter, then piles his winter coats on the floor when spring arrives. Urban Wardrobes now asks every customer, “Which items see daily use, and which stay folded until autumn?” By combining three shallow drawers (for T-shirts), two deep drawers (for jumpers), and a trio of pull-out shoe trays, you regain floor space and keep garments wrinkle-free.
6. Underestimating Installation Duration
A rushed half-day fit can encounter hidden surprises — warped floorboards, concealed wiring, or uneven walls. Schedule Day 1 for site preparation: remove skirting, confirm wall plumb, and identify any intrusions behind plaster. Reserve Day 2 for assembly, alignment, and final adjustments. This buffer ensures meticulous workmanship rather than a hurried finish.
7. Locking in a Single, Fixed Layout
Fixed shelving and rails may suit today’s layout but falter if priorities change. Select modular fittings — adjustable shelves, sliding brackets, and removable dividers — that can be repositioned without ordering bespoke parts. Future-fit systems allow you to introduce extra drawers or shoe racks in under 20 minutes. Our “Future-Fit” option lets you swap in extra shoe racks or drawer units in under 20 minutes.
Compact Pre-Install Scorecard
Use this brief table on installation day to confirm each aspect is covered:
| Checklist Item | Verification Method |
| Ceiling Angle Mapping | Compare the on-site trace with the design drawing |
| Physical Swatch Approval | Review under both daylight and room lighting |
| Storage Mix Confirmed | Walk through the daily routine with the installer |
| Hardware Grade Specified | Inspect brand labels (e.g., Blum, Hettich) |
| Door Movement Clearances | Tape swing arcs or simulate sliding track |
| Two-Day Site Schedule | Ensure both slots are booked |
| Modular Component Selection | Confirm adjustability options in the spec sheet |
By avoiding these seven oversights — verifying your sloping ceiling fitted wardrobe template, testing real-world material samples, planning wear-patterns, investing in premium fittings, mapping door arcs, allowing two days for fitting, and choosing flexible internals — you guarantee a smooth, showroom-quality finish. Urban Wardrobes’ field experience shows that attention to these details turns a fitted wardrobe from a potential hassle into a seamless addition that adapts as your needs change.
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