Making the Most of Your Space by Building Cupboards

The key to a designer home is a clutter-free space. The only way to achieve that space, apart from throwing everything away, is to have plenty of storage.

Freestanding Storage

Don't automatically build fitted cupboards. Think about buying a beautiful wardrobe to fit into a space in the bedroom or even in the living room. While building cupboards is the most economic use of a space, spanning the distance wall to wall, I prefer freestanding cupboards if the room is big enough. An antique wardrobe can make a good feature in a room.

Built-In Storage

If your space is limited, built-in cupboards are the best solution. Those in regular use should be easily accessible and positioned roughly between hip and eye level. You don't want to have to drag out a ladder each time you need a pair of socks or be continuously bending or reaching for things you often use in the kitchen.

If you want a cupboard to house heavy things, put it low down so that you don't break your back getting things out or putting them away. If you're building a wardrobe, it's worth having part of it fitted with two hanging rails for shirts and trousers. You don't need full height for either.

Planning

Think about putting cupboards in places you wouldn't normally expect to find them. I have seen drawers built into the risers of a staircase; I have also seen a cupboard built into the studwork on some stairs. It was only about 75mm deep but it was perfect for kitchen things like spices.

If you have internal folding wooden shutters, there is sometimes room in the recess for a cupboard big enough to hold tapes, CDs and DVDs. What about over the top of a door or over a fitted wardrobe? That high-up dead space is ideal for storing things you rarely use.

Materials

Don't scrimp and save on hinges or on wood for the doors. The carcass can be cheaply built but the door should clunk shut solidly. Many cupboards are made of MDF but cut it in a well ventilated room and use breathing apparatus, the dust is bad for your health. The great thing about MDF is that it comes in different widths and takes paint well so you're assured of a good finish.

Decorating A Room