Built-In Cabinetry: Adding Value or Stealing Liveable Space?

Built-in cabinetry has never been more popular. Whether it’s sleek wardrobes, seamless bookshelves or clever under-stairs storage, integrated solutions promise to declutter our homes and create a sense of calm.

But there’s a valid question: do built-ins truly add value, or can they eat away at liveable floor space to the point of feeling restrictive?

Personally, I’m a fan of generous built-in storage. When done well, it can transform daily life — keeping things tidy, making spaces flow better, and giving a more considered, high-quality feel to a home.

My own built-in media wall, for example, has saved me from balancing the TV on a wobbly sideboard and hiding tangled cables behind a plastic plant. It’s an entire wall that works hard for its place, which suits me perfectly.

My custom media wall with built-in storage

In the Netherlands, integrated cabinetry is counted as part of the usable floor area for valuation purposes, so you won’t lose property value simply because built-ins take up space.

Freestanding furniture, of course, does not affect the measured square metres, but can make a room feel crowded if you get carried away with a few too many “occasional” chairs. As always, check local rules if you live elsewhere, since valuation standards vary.

So what should you weigh up before deciding to go built-in?

The Case for Built-Ins

There’s plenty to love about integrated cabinetry. It looks intentional and harmonious, especially in period properties or homes with awkward nooks where freestanding furniture never quite fits.

Floor-to-ceiling units can make the most of every centimetre, replacing dead corners with valuable storage.

Buyers often see well-executed built-ins as a mark of quality and care, helping your property stand out in a competitive market.

They can be designed to match the architecture of the house, whether you prefer something traditional with panelled joinery or a contemporary minimalist look.

Built-ins also help avoid the “furniture shuffle” — those irritating gaps behind wardrobes or dust traps under sideboards.

There’s nothing quite like discovering a small army of dust bunnies lurking behind a freestanding unit you haven’t moved since last Easter. Built-ins neatly eliminate the need for that particular adventure.

The Downsides of Built-Ins

There are trade-offs to consider. The most obvious is permanence: built-ins are, by definition, fixed. If you later want to reconfigure a room, you can’t simply drag a cabinet to another corner.

Poorly planned built-ins can become a frustrating obstacle if your lifestyle changes or you want to rethink your furniture layout.

They can also feel visually heavy in smaller spaces, especially if they’re deep or dark in colour. Built-ins that block natural light or dominate a wall may make a room feel more cramped rather than more elegant.

And of course, not every future buyer shares your taste — a highly specific style might put someone off if it feels too tailored.

Liveable Floor Space Considerations

One key question is how built-ins affect day-to-day use of space. Even if they count towards your measured floor area, a very deep cabinet or wall of units could intrude on circulation and limit how freely you move around the room.

There’s also the psychological element: visible floor area contributes to the sense of spaciousness, even if the valuation says the square metres are there.

If your storage ends up feeling like a series of wardrobes closing in on you, it rather defeats the purpose of “more liveable” space.

Common culprits include oversized wardrobes blocking pathways, or a built-in media unit that grows so large it leaves barely enough space for a sofa.

Striking the Right Balance

For me, well-planned storage is essential, but it needs careful consideration. I always recommend:

• Keeping built-ins in proportion with the room

• Choosing lighter colours or mirrors to avoid a boxed-in feeling

• Incorporating flexible shelves or modular elements if you think your needs may change

• Sticking to high-quality, neutral finishes with wide appeal

These choices can make built-ins feel like a valuable part of the house, rather than an unmovable burden.

In many cases, a skilled joiner or interior designer can help future-proof your cabinetry so it remains practical and beautiful for years to come.

Conclusion

Built-in cabinetry can absolutely add value and function if designed with care. In the Netherlands, there’s no penalty for built-ins taking up floor space in terms of valuation, which is good news if you, like me, prefer storage that actually works.

As with most things in interiors, balance is key. Aim for built-ins that serve your lifestyle, respect the proportions of your rooms, and leave enough breathing space for comfortable living.

When you get it right, you end up with a home that feels streamlined, functional and ready for everyday life — dust bunnies no longer invited.