Maximizing Awkward Loft Spaces with Bespoke Shaker Wardrobes in Colchester
Project Overview: The Colchester Loft Transformation
Design, Manufacture, and Install
The shaker look is really on trend at the moment, so let’s dive in.
When dealing with residential architecture in historic areas like Colchester, Essex, standard off-the-shelf furniture options consistently fall short. This case study looks at a recently completed master bedroom installation where a client required maximum clothing storage within a room defined by two distinct architectural constraints: a steeply sloping eave ceiling on one side, and a standard flat wall broken up by a prominent radiator system on the other.
Made2Measure Interiors was commissioned to design, manufacture, and install a seamless, full-height storage solution that would look like an integral part of the building’s original structure rather than an afterthought. The result is a dual-zone, Shaker-style wardrobe suite finished in a deep, sophisticated classic blue.
Consistent Style
Zone 1: Splicing Precision Into a Sloping Loft Eave
The primary challenge of this Colchester property was the dramatic architectural rake of the ceiling on the right-hand side of the room. Standard square wardrobes would leave an unusable, dust-gathering triangular void, drastically reducing the room’s square footage efficiency.
Architectural Framing & Scribe Profiling
To overcome this, our installation team utilized an on-site precision scribing technique. The end carcass was not merely cut to an angle; it was meticulously profiled to match the natural settlement and slight imperfections of the loft’s plasterwork.
Top-Box Integration: To utilize the vertical space where the ceiling remains flat, we integrated high-level top boxes with independent doors—perfect for storing out-of-season bedding and luggage.
The Carcass Engineering: Built from high-density, moisture-resistant board to ensure structural longevity beneath a roofline exposed to seasonal temperature fluctuations.
The Door Configuration: A five-door layout where the two rightmost doors are precision-engineered with a descending rake. This allows the doors to swing open completely without catching the angled ceiling plaster.
Sensitive Design
Zone 2: The Flat-Wall Run & Radiator Clearance
Directly opposite the bed frame, the second run of wardrobes required a completely different spatial strategy. While the ceiling here remained flat, the positioning of the bedroom door frame and the wall-mounted radiator required strict clearance boundaries.
Seamless Alignment
This six-door run features symmetrical, traditional four-panel Shaker doors. By extending the cabinetry exactly to the ceiling line and completing it with an elegant, traditional crown moulding cornice, we eliminated the classic “wardrobe gap.” This visual trick elevates the ceiling height, making the bedroom feel significantly more spacious. The satin-chrome knob hardware provides a crisp, timeless contrast to the deep blue timber finish.
True luxury joinery isn’t just about a beautiful exterior; it is defined by how the internal layout caters to the client’s daily routine. During our initial 3D design consultation, we mapped out the client’s inventory to create a highly optimized interior configuration across both zones:
- Double-Height Hanging Rails: Solid polished chrome rails optimized specifically for shirts, blouses, and jackets to maximize vertical efficiency.
- Full-Length Hanging Suite: A dedicated high-clearance section designed specifically for long dresses and winter coats, preventing hems from bunching at the base.
- Internal Drawer Closures: Four soft-close, handleless internal drawers with heavy-duty runners, perfect for seamless accessory and knitwear storage without disrupting the external Shaker aesthetic.
- Adjustable Shelving Towers: Heavy-load shelves that can be reconfigured over time as storage needs evolve.
The Made2Measure Installation Standard
Care and Attention
Every project we undertake across Essex and Suffolk adheres to a strict clean-site policy. Because this Colchester installation required precision trimming to match the sloped ceiling, all heavy cutting was performed using localized extraction systems to minimize airborne dust within the client’s home. The entire structure was levelled using heavy-duty adjustable concealed feet, ensuring that even if the bedroom floor has natural historic variances, the doors remain perfectly plumb with sub-millimetre gaps.
Project Summary
Location: Colchester, Essex
Design Style: Traditional Four-Panel Shaker with Classic Cornice
Color Palette: Custom Deep Classic Blue Satin
Hardware: Satin Chrome Spherical Knobs
If your home features complex architectural angles, low eaves, or awkward alcoves, off-the-shelf solutions will always compromise your space. Contact Made2Measure Interiors today to book your free local 3D design consultation and unlock the true potential of your home.
Our mirror door storage options make the most of every inch with tailored storage solutions.
Quality craftsmanship backed by a 15-year guarantee for peace of mind.
Tried and tested, built with the best materials for durability and style.
Completely customised unit built to suit your needs and match your décor.
Practical solutions designed to fit your budget without compromising on quality.
Key benefits of a bespoke wardrobe install by Made2Measure Interiors
Ready to declutter?
With Made2Measure Interiors as your partner in design, you can be sure that you will receive a product that not only meets but exceeds industry standards. So why wait? Get in touch today for more information on how we can help transform your home with our bespoke storage solutions!
