Karen Callard, Author at Starlight Bedrooms

21st June 202021st June 2020

What are the top 5 things to consider when buying Fitted Wardrobes?

Are you thinking of buying new fitted furniture or particularly fitted wardrobes or a complete fitted bedroom? Perhaps you are replacing some fitted furniture that has seen better days. This article sets out some of the key things you should consider before you make a purchase.

Starlight Bedrooms and Interiors have fitted literally 1000’s of bedrooms and we want to help you ensure that you get something that you are going to be happy with for many years to come!

So what are those all important top 5 things?

1.Investment v. Budget

Installing fitted wardrobes or a complete fitted bedroom will be a major purchase for your home. The majority of rooms will cost somewhere between £1000 – £3000.

It is important to set a budget that is affordable and comfortable but, balance this with the fact that whatever you choose you are likely to be looking at it for the next 20 years or even longer! – so make sure it is a view you love.

Whilst fitted bedroom furniture will add to the value of your home the main motivation for choosing a bespoke bedroom should always be about functionality and design.

2. Consider the wardrobe interior as well as the wardrobe’s exterior

It goes without saying that you’ll want a fitted bedroom that suits your style whether that be contemporary gloss doors, traditional shaker doors or shiny glass and mirrored sliding doors but, that fitted bedroom has to also meet your storage ideals as well.

So consider, what you are going to be storing in there? Have you got a hoe collection to match Imelda Marcos? Is this where the Christmas tree needs to live January to November each year? Perhaps those suitcases need a home?……..and what about that collection of designer handbags? If the wardrobe is shared what does he need v what does she need?

wardrobe interior — Internals – Loft room

Talk to the person designing your fitted bedroom, explain how it is going to be used and they can design in those little extras that will make all the difference.

One of the key things to ensure the longevity of the fitted furniture is to ensure it meets the practical needs of the family – so it doesn’t just look good it actually makes your life that little bit easier.

3. Future-proof the fitted furniture

This built in furniture will last for years and years – so don’t just make do- pick something you really love, something that is going to make you smile every time you look at it – for the next 20 years!

Determine your colour palette for the room and pick something that blends well – and something that would look equally good if you changed the key colours in the room. Remember, it is an awful lot easier to buy a new set of bedding or change the colour on a feature wall than it is to change the furniture.

4. Check Out that CAD Design!

Most fitted bedroom companies who are worth their salt will provide a visual representation of how your new bedroom will look. Beware though, some charge extra for this service or will only provide it if you have paid a deposit. The quality of these pictures these days is so good.

Lots of people find it difficult to visualise how different colours, finishes and units will work together in a complete fitted bedroom. Computer Aided Design allows the bedroom designer to bring your new fitted bedroom to life. You are able to see the room from different angles, with the wardrobe doors open and shut, ( check out those interiors), you can peruse the floor space and check it is sufficient and of course, is the whole look of the bedroom aesthetically pleasing? Finally, check if there is anything you want to amend or change.

5. Recommendations

Finally, check out the company that is manufacturing and installing your furniture – make sure they come highly recommended. Look at pictures of their previous work (make sure those pictures they show you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc are “their” work and not catalogue images. Check out their reviews on a variety of social media platforms and google reviews.

Ok! so those are our five top tips before you buy a fitted bedroom – of course – we hope you choose us at Starlight Bedrooms and Interiors but, most importantly we hope you get the Fitted Bedroom of your dreams!

19th May 202023rd June 2020

New Bedroom? Sliding or Standard Doors?

Bedrooms have never been so important, particularly since the advent of Covid-19. Most of us have been spending much more time at home with the family. This has meant the bedroom has become a place for working, respite, family togetherness and for binge watching the latest TV series on Netflix from between the sheets.

When considering what fitments to include in your bedroom renovation it is really important to carefully evaluate the space available. Many modern and new build homes are very well planned but, much more compact than older homes so space can be at a premium. One of the key considerations for your new room is whether to opt for normal hinged doors or a more contemporary sliding door.

Sliding wardrobes with recessed lighting

One of the great advantages of sliding doors is the significant space saving opportunity they offer. With no outward opening mechanisms they can be placed closer to the bed or other furniture without obstructing walkways.

Another feature of sliding doors is that you can select a combination of materials to structure your doors. So you can create a really beautiful and unique combination that suits your style and decor. Textured surfaces can be combined with stunning glass or mirrors to provide a chic stylish combination. Again the reflective surfaces work really well in smaller rooms.

Generally sliding doors have a more contemporary feel about them. Probably all that sparkly glass and shiny metal runners. However, we are now seeing a trend towards more traditional doors such as Shaker style being incorporated. Whilst they sound like they shouldn’t work they actually do, giving a more characterful feel but with a contemporary twist.