People usually don’t think about what’s behind the doors, underneath the panels, or hidden around the back. When furniture is done properly, you don’t have to think about it at all. That’s the point.
Let’s look at the hidden safety features behind a well-made, professionally installed sliding wardrobe — and why they matter more than you might realise.
Materials Matter More Than You Think
It’s easy to focus on finishes. Gloss or matte, black or oak, soft-close or push-to-open. But the materials underneath are just as important — especially when it comes to safety.
Regarding fire safety in Irish homes, upholstered furniture is covered by S.I. No. 316 of 1995, which enforces fire resistance standards for sofas, cushions, and mattresses. Fitted wardrobes don’t fall under this regulation, as they’re made from solid materials like wood or MDF. However, fire safety still matters — especially when wardrobes are installed near plug sockets, heat sources, or in escape routes. That’s why we apply building best practices, referencing national guidance such as Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) when planning and installing our units.
At Slide Systems, we only use materials that meet strict quality and safety standards. That includes fire performance. Fire-rated materials aren’t always required by law for domestic projects, but they’re still something we consider carefully, particularly in built-in furniture near bedrooms or heat sources.
We don’t use low-grade imported panels. Every board, frame, and fitting comes from trusted suppliers with clear specifications. If you’ve ever had a flat-pack item that smells strongly or chips easily, you’ll know the difference in quality.
Safety starts at the source.
The Hidden Fixes That Make Homes Safer
What makes a piece of furniture safe? Often, it’s the stuff you can’t see — the small decisions that happen long before the first panel is screwed in.
This section covers five practical examples we build into almost every project:
Wall Fixing That Holds Up
Wardrobes must be secure. A tall unit with sliding doors holds weight, and when not fixed properly, it can become unstable. We anchor all large wardrobes to the wall using appropriate fixings for the surface — whether it’s plasterboard, block, or stud. Not only does this prevent tipping, it reduces movement over time.
Socket Management and Electrical Safety
If a socket is inside the wardrobe space, it needs to be planned for. Blocking it off or pressing panels directly against plug tops is a fire risk. We either reroute power, create proper cut-outs, or install cable access routes with ventilation.
Ventilation for Built-in Areas
In enclosed wardrobes — especially around external walls — moisture build-up can lead to mould or material damage. We allow passive airflow at the rear or top of the unit to avoid this, keeping clothes dry and panels intact.
Fire-Retardant Materials (When Needed)
In high-risk zones (e.g. wardrobes installed near boilers or integrated around heating elements), we offer fire-retardant panels. These meet relevant standards for fire spread and ignition. It’s not always legally required — but we do it when it’s the right choice.
Edge Finishing and Child Safety
Where wardrobes are installed in family rooms or kids’ bedrooms, we take extra care to round off exposed edges and ensure that doors have soft-close systems. Safety includes preventing bumps and trapped fingers, not just structural risks.
None of this is obvious once the wardrobe is finished. That’s exactly how it should be.
Why DIY and Flat-Pack Often Miss the Mark
There’s nothing wrong with a good off-the-shelf product — if it fits and is installed properly. But often, they’re not.
We’ve seen wardrobes placed in rooms with plug sockets hidden behind panels. We’ve seen tracks laid directly on carpet, causing the whole unit to rock. We’ve seen gaps wide enough to be fire traps and doors that fall off after six months.
It’s not about criticising DIY. It’s about showing that when you invest in a professional solution, you’re getting more than storage. You’re getting peace of mind.
What You Don’t See Is What You Get
There’s a reason we take our time with planning and installation. It’s because most of what makes our work solid, safe, and lasting isn’t visible at all. It’s in the fixings, the alignment, the airflow, and the finish quality.
A good wardrobe works without you having to think about it. And it does that for years.
If you’re thinking about adding storage to your home — especially a fitted, full-height unit — make sure safety is part of the conversation. You don’t have to compromise on looks to get it right underneath.
We build every piece to fit your space, your needs, and your standards — including the ones you might not know to ask about.
