Below we have listed some of the most popular questions we are asked:
In a lot of cases the chimney breast is situated towards the centre of one of the larger walls usually creating two unequal recesses at either side. Wardrobes can be made to fit across the full wall making the wardrobes in the recess full depth but reducing the wardrobes fitted in front of the chimney breast, these can be fitted with shallow shelves to maximise storage. Even though the chimney is not normally central it is still possible to make the doors of equal size to give a balanced look.
Always with a back is the correct answer. This type of wardrobe is described as 'full carcase'. It is stronger and neater. Don't be fooled by people telling you that this will create a build up of 'damp', 'condensation' etc. This is a scare mongering tactic made up by companies that only offer a front frame system. The fact is that if a wall is damp, it is damp and needs checking by a reputable damp specialist before any type of wardrobe can be fitted. Full carcase wardrobes always have air flow all the way around them anyway - so don't comprimise the quality of your wardrobes on the basis of 'an old wives tale'.
The only way that this can be achieved correctly is to have your bedroom furniture made to suit your bedroom. There will always be a top scribe and a side scribe - to allow for any variance in walls and ceilings. Scribe is another term for matching filler panel.
In a lot of cases the gap between the side of the window and the corner wall isn't sufficiently deep enough to accomodate the full depth of a wardrobe - don't worry - with careful planning and a carefully positioned side scribe/filler this can be overcome.
Most people now have a television in their bedroom, the most popular solution is to have it concealed in one of the wardrobes with a door that opens 180 degress while in use. Other possibilites include wall brackets, or even a custom built TV video/DVD unit. Flat panel televisions are easier to accomodate and are now becoming more affordable.
Radiators are usually underneath the window. Although in some cases they can be moved, usually with careful planning it is less disruptive to work around them than it is to move them.
Most quality wardrobe doors are now made from a material called M.D.F (Medium Density Fibreboard). This is a wood and resin based compound which is particularly good for routing and shaping. It is a very stable material and is ideal for making wardrobe doors and drawer fronts unlike solid wood which has a tendancy to warp and twist in a centrally heated house.
Each door is cut to size from a sheet of M.D.F., a pattern is then routed into the material. A variety of different shaped cutting tools can be used to vary the style and overall feel of each door. A hard wearing foil finish is then applied to the surface which is available in a wide range of colours and wood finishes. Avoid 'sprayed' door finishes as they tend to chip and discolour.
Drawers need to be fitted on quality metal drawer runners with solid drawer box bottoms, not flimsy hardboard bottoms that will very easily fall out. Drawers are great for underwear and socks but garments like jeans, t-shirts, sweat shirts and wollens can usually be better accomodated within a stacker unit inside a wardrobe, making access easier and giving you the opportunity to see at a glance where things are.
A dressing table usually comprises of a 'kneehole' and one or two three drawer chests either side. A stool and an adjustable mirror on the surface make them ideal for sitting at to put on make-up or blow dry hair. In some cases where there isn't the requirement for a kneehole space, this can be used to gain another st of drawers or a cupboard. Check the durability of the Dressing Table worktop, nail varnish remover, perfumes etc. can mark and damage a lesser quality finish. A wall-mounted cabinet creates useful storage for cosmetics.
There is an abundance of 'cheap and cheerful' plastic and 'flash gold' type handles on the market - check the quality. Some handles may look okay on day one but will deteriorate very rapidly with constant use and there may be a problem trying to match them up at a later date.
A matching headboard can be wall mounted to allow the bed to push up to it - these can be plain or upholstered, with your choice of fabric.
Not everyone wants mirrors on the front of their wardrobes so an internal mirror on the inside of one of the doors is a good alternative. When the door is open you can check your overall 'look.
Doors can be 'fretted' and fitted with glass so that a pleated fabric curtain can be fitted on the inside of the door. The idea is to break up the plainness of a run of wardrobe doors and to introduce other colours with fabric.
Porthole doors add a contemporary feel with three opaque glass squares cut centrally in each door.