Furniture Fitting to Alcove in Warsaw — Precise Built-In Look Without Gaps

Bought a wardrobe that is 2 cm too wide for the alcove? Or it fits but there are finger-wide gaps on both sides? In older Warsaw buildings in Praga and Mokotow, walls are rarely straight and alcoves are seldom perfectly rectangular. Off-the-shelf furniture is not made for your exact dimensions. We fit furniture to alcoves: trim, extend, add filler panels, close gaps — so the wardrobe looks built-in, even if it came from IKEA.

How much does alcove fitting cost

The cost depends on gap size, wall curvature and scope of work. Trimming a side panel by 15 mm is one task. Building a filler strip with edge banding, fitting a fascia panel and covering the ceiling gap is another. Current rates in the table below.

How the fitting works

1. We measure the alcove at several points — top, bottom, depth. In old buildings the difference can reach 3-4 cm.
2. We measure the furniture. We determine: trimming, filler strip, fascia panel or a combination.
3. If the furniture is wider — we trim the side panel with a guided circular saw and apply edge banding.
4. If narrower — we make filler strips from matching chipboard or fit a universal fascia panel.
5. We place the furniture in the alcove and level it (shims, adjustable feet).
6. We close gaps: side fillers, top strip, plinth at the bottom.
7. We adjust doors and drawers — often needed after alcove installation.

Common mistakes

• Measuring the alcove at one point only — walls diverge by 2 cm top to bottom.
• Forgetting skirting boards and ceiling cornices.
• Trimming the front-facing side instead of the wall side.
• Filling gaps with expanding foam — it pushes against furniture and looks messy.
• Blocking sockets or ventilation ducts with the furniture.
• Not levelling — on an uneven floor the furniture rocks and doors misalign.
• Using filler strips in the wrong colour.

What to prepare

• Measure the alcove: width top and bottom, height left and right, depth.
• Measure the furniture including protruding parts.
• Decide: minimal gaps or no trimming.
• Tell us the furniture colour/decor.
• Clear the alcove.
• Check for sockets, switches, vents in the alcove.
• Provide working space.
• Let us know if the floor is uneven.
• Provide the intercom code.

A real case from Warsaw

Clients in the Wola district bought an IKEA PAX wardrobe 150 cm wide for a bedroom alcove. The alcove turned out to be 147 cm at the bottom and 149 cm at the top — the walls diverged. The wardrobe was 1-3 cm too wide. Returning it was not an option — already assembled. The technician arrived, disassembled it, trimmed both side panels: left by 2 cm, right by 1 cm. Applied white PVC edge banding. Reassembled, placed in the alcove, levelled with shims. Fitted a decorative strip at the top to cover the ceiling gap. The job took four hours. The wardrobe looked fully built-in — no visible gaps.

Frequently asked questions

What furniture can be fitted?

Any cabinet furniture: wardrobes, shelving, chests, units, kitchen modules.

What if the walls are very uneven?

We work with uneven walls. We trim to a template and add fillers.

Can you just cover gaps without cutting?

Yes, up to 3-4 cm — we use filler strips or fascia panels.

How long does it take?

With fillers only — 1-2 hours. With trimming and reassembly — 3-5 hours.

Do you work weekends?

Yes, Saturdays and Sundays are regular working days.

Who does the work

Fitting is done by carpenters experienced with built-in furniture. We cover all of Warsaw. Call or message us — we reply within an hour.