How to measure a space for a wardrobe
A wardrobe that is exactly as wide as the gap almost never goes in. Walls are not straight, floors are not level and the skirting board takes space where nobody looks. Measuring properly takes ten minutes and saves a return.
Measure the width at three heights
Take the width at floor level, halfway up and at the top. Write down the smallest figure: that is the one that counts. In older flats the widest and narrowest points can differ by two centimetres.
The skirting board counts
If the wardrobe stands against the wall, the skirting board keeps it away from it. Measure depth from the skirting board, not from the wall, or look for a model with a skirting cut-out at the back.
Height, on both sides
Measure floor to ceiling on the left and on the right of the gap. A wardrobe that is assembled lying down and then stood up also needs its diagonal to be shorter than the ceiling height.
Leave clearance
- 1 cm on each side if the walls are straight.
- 2 cm if there is skirting, tiling or uneven walls.
- Room in front to open the doors: the width of one door plus 5 cm.
The search subtracts that clearance for you: switch on “Fitting clearance” and enter the real size of the gap.