Built-Ins Vs Loose Furniture: Which Should You Go For?

To build or not to build… that is the question.

One of the most important parts of your home renovation is fitting it with furniture. For most, it boils down to two options: built-ins or store-bought (AKA loose furniture). But which is best for your home?

If you are in a dilemma about choosing between these two options, fret not! To help you figure it all out, here’s our verdict on built-ins vs. loose furniture in terms of cost, quality, functionality, personal design preference, and more.

1. Cost

Often, the first and most important thing to consider in the carpentry vs. standalone debate is the cost aspect. So which will hurt your pocket less? In general, custom built-ins tend to cost more when compared to purchasing loose furniture because they are made to your specifications and involve personalised services from the carpenter. You also get to decide on the materials and finishing for your custom built-ins.

The cost of store-bought furniture is generally lower as it is often produced on a large scale, which is particularly important if you’re on a tighter (initial) renovation budget. And because they can be bought at any time, you can always start with a few staple pieces and gradually expand your collection over the years.

Verdict: On average, loose furniture is cheaper, but built-ins can be tailored to various budgets.

2. Quality and durability

Much like the cost factor, the quality and sturdiness of either built-ins or standalone furnishings can be tailored to one’s budget. It can be of high quality when made of durable materials like maple and oak, but there are also less expensive options such as laminate or melamine. With built-ins, however, certain carpentry or interior design firms provide guarantees, free maintenance, and upkeep services.

Verdict: A tie, as it’s more dependent on the materials used.

3. Design and functionality

Built-ins are generally more functional because they can be customised and tailored to your specific needs. If you have a dead space under the stairs, for example, made-to-measure carpentry has the best chance of fitting into the unusual angles or dead areas in your home.

Furthermore, built-in units allow you to take advantage of vertical height and increase your storage space. You can custom design your cabinet or wardrobe to fit precisely all the way up to the ceiling, which may not be possible with loose furnishing.

Since most loose furniture is mass produced, it usually comes in standard sizes that may appear either too small or too large for your home. For example, a store-bought cabinet may sit within a recess, leaving a gap on each side. You may also need to go from store to store to find pieces that fit the layout and size of your home’s interior.

Verdict: Built-in furniture is a better option because it can be customised to any home size, saving you time researching.

4. Your long-term plan

Built-ins are a permanent feature in your home. They require careful planning and professional installation, and changes or modifications after they are installed can be costly. Given the high cost of built-ins, it makes little sense to invest in them if you intend to sell your home or relocate within a year or two. You won’t be able to move your built-ins when you move out, and even if you wanted to dismantle those bookshelves or that window seat, they were designed to fit your existing space, not your new space, so they’ll serve no purpose at all.

If you plan to relocate within the next several years, you can have your loose furniture transported to your new home or resell it on the second-hand market.

Verdict: Unless you have long-term plans to stay in your current home, save money and skip the built-ins.

5. Lifestyle

Loose furniture allows you to adjust to your changing lifestyle or needs. A young couple starting a family, for example, will require a baby room that can subsequently be converted into a toddler's playroom and ‘grow’ with the child.

This is when the use of loose pieces comes in handy. You can remove or rearrange your furniture to adapt it to different uses or stages of life. Having loose furniture also gives you the freedom to reorganise your living space if you prefer to change the look of your home on a regular basis. This is something that cannot be achieved with built-ins.

Verdict: If you like to constantly change up your home décor, loose furniture is the best option.

6. Your design preferences

Built-in furniture can help create a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic throughout your home. It can be seamlessly integrated into the design, matching your existing decor's style, colour, and materials to create a unified and polished look. This integration improves your home's overall aesthetic appeal and can potentially increase its value if you plan to resell it in the future.

Store-bought furniture often comes in limited colour and style options, which can be an issue if you want to colour coordinate your furniture with your home design or create a visually coherent effect. On the flipside, the mixing and matching of loose pieces can be a fun way to create a home that’s uniquely yours, especially if you’re one to value self-expression.

Verdict: Built-ins are a great way to give your home a unified and cohesive look. But if you prefer a more unique and eclectic look, loose furniture is a better alternative.

7. Safety

Safety is a major consideration in any home where small children live (or visit frequently). Loose furniture that can be easily toppled over poses a hazard if a curious toddler attempts to climb on it or tug on it. This is especially true for tall items like cabinets or bookshelves.

Whereas built-in furniture is securely attached to walls and floors, and with their sturdy construction and proper anchoring, built-in pieces provide a stable and reliable environment for children to play and explore without the worry of furniture toppling over, as shown below.

Verdict: Fixed furniture is a better option for families with small children.

So, which should you get for your home? Loose furniture or built-ins?

Ultimately, the choice between loose furnishing and built-ins depends on your specific requirements, lifestyle, and priorities. Built-ins maximise space, create more storage, provide a clean and neat appearance, lend cohesion to a home, and are a safer option for families with young children. Loose furniture can be easily removed, rearranged, adapted, and made more budget-friendly.

For these reasons, most homeowners use a combination of the two. Many, for instance, employ built-in furniture for essential elements like storage for kitchens, bathrooms, or the entryway, and introduce loose furnishings for spaces that need to be refreshed periodically, such as the living room or bedroom.

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