Fans of Sex and The City will likely have devoured both the HBO series and blockbuster films starring Carrie Bradshaw and her three best friends on multiple occasions. However, there’s another character we think stands out above the rest. It’s not Mr Big, but rather the drop-dead gorgeous walk-in wardrobe he created for Miss Bradshaw in the 2008 hit film.
Revealed to the famed shopaholic alongside a dazzling pair of royal blue Manolo Blahnik heels which sit patiently on the built-in shoe racks, many of us have been unable to get the Princess-like closet out of our minds in the 16 years that have passed since the movie was released. Shopping addict or not, the best of us can appreciate an expertly maximised wardrobe space in a city like New York.
If you’re looking to take a page out of Mr Big’s book and build your very own fitted, made-to-measure wardrobe, you’re in the right place. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a NYC-dwelling billionaire with the bedrooms to spare to achieve the effect of seamless closet fittings. There are plenty of expert-led companies and DIY stores which specialise in the craft right here on our humble island.
What to consider before adding a fitted wardrobe to your space
Fitted wardrobes are a fantastic addition to any room whether you’re creating a walk-in wardrobe or not. However, they are no small feat and may take up far more room in your space than you expect. We’d always recommend having a consultation with an expert in the business before committing, as you might find that your current storage solutions work better for certain rooms in the house.
However, if you do decide to go for a brilliant bespoke closet, here are the key factors to consider.
- Materials: depending on your aesthetic, you might prefer solid wood or veneer – with the former usually being more expensive than the latter. You can also go for vinyl-covered plywood for a seamless flush with the adjoining walls. On the other hand, you may simply go for a sliding mirror door on a smaller fitted wardrobe.
- Lighting: consider whether you’ll need the sections in your fitted wardrobe backlit with spotlights. After all, what use is having a freshly built walk-in if you can’t see what you’re working with?
- Special features: shoe racks, jewellery islands, revolving hanging spaces and more can all be included in your bespoke wardrobe – just make sure to ask.
We’ve rounded up the best UK-based companies which specialise in bespoke, fitted wardrobes below. Keep scrolling for premium storage and space-saving brilliance.
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B&Q Fitted Wardrobes
For exposed rails and pre-built fitted wardrobe storage, look no further than B&Q. While you won’t get a bespoke service, fitted storage starts from as little as £160.
However, for a truly customisable service, we’d go for the GoodHome Atomia modular wardrobe range. Mix and matchable and offered with a 15-year guarantee, the selection of cabinets on offer is extensive with a variety of doors and finishes to choose from. Plus, you can even design your own storage with the handy Atomia configurator tool. Who needs an architect?
Buy now, B&Q
Homebase
Homebase offers custom, made-to-measure sliding wardrobes with delivery in as little as 14 days. Made in Britain with environmentally friendly wood materials, each fitted wardrobe also comes with a 10-year guarantee. Simply book a free design consultation online to get started and choose between four ranges in six colours and finishes with single and triple-panel door designs which can be mixed and matched.
The ’made to measure’ offering allows for custom-sized doors to fit your space, endless configurations and colours, a free design tool and even professional installation.
Buy now, Homebase
Argos
Got the wardrobe, but lacking the components? Argos has got you covered. While they can’t offer bespoke services and fully-fledged wardrobe designs, Argos stocks all the accoutrements necessary for finishing your newly built fitted wardrobe – from internal sliding drawers to clever shoe racks.
Buy now, Argos
Ikea
While Ikea isn’t exactly going to send a Swedish expert over to your home to build the perfect walk-in wardrobe, the iconic modular Billy series is perfect for DIY-ers of all levels. Here at ES Best, we’re particularly big fans of the iconic corner bookshelves which can be used for so much more than aesthetically pleasing photo frames and copies of your favourite novels. Simply head to TikTok for advice on how to customise the Billy series to suit your needs.
Buy now, Ikea
Wickes
Made-to-measure sliding doors from Wickes can be made to fit any opening between 1200-2480 mm high and from 1200-4555 mm wide. They come complete with a colour-matched trackset, depending on which of the many designs on offer you choose.
Buy now, Wickes
Sharps
Sharps are specialists in classically styled fitted wardrobes. With an ethos to maximise storage without ever compromising on style, you can trust Sharps to take care of your space if you’re going through a particularly stressful home remodel. In-home design consultations are free, and you don’t need to make any commitments to get expert advice.
From bedrooms and living spaces to home offices, Sharps will create a seamless design which offers up to 40 per cent more space than other fitted wardrobe brands.
Buy now, Sharps
Neatsmith
If it’s Princess Diaries-level bespoke wardrobes you want, it’s what you’ll get with a premium fitted wardrobe brand such as Neatsmith. Known for its highly modern designs and brilliant built-in lighting, Neatsmith has a variety of showrooms across London to help spark inspiration if you’re not sure where to start. The team can help bring your vision to life with specialist 3D renderings so that you can find your perfect fit.
Buy now, Neatsmith
The Heritage Wardrobe Company
We’re big fans of the fact that The Heritage Wardrobe Company focuses on a series of design classics in their bespoke wardrobe selection to prevent first-time buyers from becoming overwhelmed. From Windsor and Tilford to Classic or Parisian, each option is sure to bring oodles of sophistication to your home. In-house design consultations are free and all bespoke wardrobes are made in the UK.
Buy now, The Heritage Wardrobe Company
