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If you’ve got a chimney breast in your bedroom, you’ll know it can be a bit of a puzzle when it comes to layout. Those little recesses on either side can make the space tricky to furnish. Freestanding wardrobes never seem to sit quite right, and you’re often left with awkward gaps or wasted corners.
That’s exactly the kind of challenge fitted wardrobes are designed to solve.
The short answer: yes, they absolutely can.
In fact, fitted wardrobes are one of the best ways to make use of the space around a chimney breast. Because everything is made to measure, your wardrobes can be built to fit neatly into those alcoves - or even wrap around the breast itself - creating a seamless, built-in look that feels part of the room rather than a furniture placed in it.
Making the Most of Awkward Spaces
Older houses in East Anglia often have original chimney breasts, even if the fireplaces have long been closed off. They add charm, but they’re not exactly storage-friendly.
That’s where a bespoke design really shines. A skilled designer will measure each recess precisely and plan the wardrobe layout so you can make the most of every inch - whether that’s full height hanging space, shelving, or even drawers tucked into the lower section.
You can also use the chimney breast itself as a feature. Some people choose to have fitted wardrobes either side, leaving the breast exposed to mount a mirror or TV. Others prefer a “bridge” design, where storage units run across the top, connecting both sides together for a completely built-in finish.
Tailored to How You Use the Room
Every home (and every person) uses their space differently. Maybe you want symmetrical wardrobes either side with matching doors, or perhaps one side is a hanging wardrobe and the other houses shelving or drawers.
Our designers will usually start by asking what you need the storage for - long dresses, shoes, bags, spare bedding - and then plan the layout around your lifestyle. Because everything’s built to fit, even the smallest alcove can become surprisingly useful storage.
A Seamless Finish
One of the nicest things about fitted wardrobes around a chimney breast is how polished they look once installed. With made-to-measure doors running flush to the wall, there are no awkward gaps or overhangs. The result is clean, tidy and feels completely integrated with the rest of the room.
You can go for a modern look with sleek sliding doors, or something more traditional like shaker-style panels - whatever suits your space best. Finishes can be matched to other furniture, or you can make the wardrobes a feature with a contrasting colour.
Built-In, Not Boxed In
Some people worry that adding wardrobes around a chimney breast might make the room feel smaller. In reality, the opposite usually happens. Because everything is built in, the space feels more balanced and streamlined. Instead of odd alcoves that catch dust or end up cluttered, you’ve got practical, stylish storage that makes the most of your room’s shape.
Thinking About It for Your Home?
If you’ve been putting off wardrobes because of a chimney breast, don’t let it hold you back. With a tailored design, it’s one of the easiest ways to turn wasted space into something beautiful and useful.
At Mirror Image, we’ve fitted wardrobes around hundreds of chimney breasts in homes across East Anglia, each one custom-made in our Norwich factory and installed by our own team.
If you’d like to see what’s possible, pop into one of our showrooms in Norwich or Bury St Edmunds - or even book a free design consultation and we’ll come to you. No pressure, just friendly advice and plenty of ideas.
