Project Overview
The project formed part of a wider hotel refurbishment at Staycity in London, with our team working for the fit-out contractor responsible for the scheme.
The main scope covered 100 fitted wardrobes, comprising 200 wardrobe doors plus the surrounding architraves. These had already been wrapped previously, but the material used was closer to a sign vinyl than a specialist architectural film and had not performed well in a high-use hotel environment.
The existing finish was lifting in places and had become easily damaged, so simply applying another layer over the top was not an option. The failed material needed to be completely removed before the wardrobes could be properly refurbished.
Once the wardrobe programme was complete, the scope also included a reception desk and storage unit, finished to match CGI visuals provided by the project team.
Goals and Site Constraints
The priority was not just to change the appearance of the wardrobes, but to correct an existing failed finish and provide something far better suited to the demands of a hotel environment.
All 100 wardrobes needed to be stripped back, prepared and rewrapped in architectural film within a relatively short programme while the wider refurbishment continued around us. Although the property was closed during the works, coordination with other trades remained important to keep the overall programme moving.
The previous vinyl created an additional stage that would not normally be required. As well as removing the film itself, installers had to deal with adhesive residue left behind on the surfaces before normal preparation could begin.
Scope of Refurbishment
The main refurbishment included:
- 100 fitted wardrobes
- 200 wardrobe doors
- surrounding wardrobe architraves
- one reception desk
- one reception storage unit
The wardrobes were refinished in Cover Styl’ RM29 Anthracite Grey, providing a much more suitable architectural finish for the high-use bedroom environment.
The reception desk and storage unit were treated separately to match the designer’s CGI scheme, using:
- Cover Styl’ Brio Cream Velvet M7
- Cover Styl’ Light Golden Oak AZ07
This combination created a warmer, more design-led finish within the reception area while remaining consistent with the wider refurbishment concept.
Delivery Process
The works were completed by 2 installers over 12 days.
Before any new material could be installed, the existing vinyl had to be completely stripped from all 100 wardrobes. Adhesive residue was then removed before each surface underwent the usual filling, sanding and preparation required for architectural film installation.
The underlying wardrobe surfaces were generally sound, so once the failed material had been removed there were no major substrate repairs required.
Working alongside other trades added another layer of coordination, particularly given the short turnaround for the wider refurbishment programme. The team worked systematically through the wardrobes before moving on to the reception area.
The reception desk and storage unit presented a slightly different preparation requirement because they were constructed from MDF. These surfaces were properly prepared before the cream velvet and light golden oak finishes were applied to replicate the designer’s CGI as closely as possible.
Despite the additional work caused by stripping the previous vinyl, the complete programme was delivered on time.
Results and Measurable Outcomes
The finished project replaced an unsuitable, failing surface treatment with a properly prepared architectural film finish designed for commercial interior use.
Across the bedroom areas, the new anthracite grey created a consistent appearance across all 100 wardrobes, while the refurbished reception desk and storage unit brought the designer’s CGI concept into the finished space.
The project delivered:
- 100 wardrobes completely stripped and rewrapped
- 200 wardrobe doors plus architraves refurbished
- failed and damaged previous vinyl removed
- residual adhesive removed and substrates correctly prepared
- specialist architectural film installed in place of unsuitable vinyl
- reception desk and storage unit finished to match the design visual
- refurbishment completed by 2 installers over 12 days
- full programme delivered on time
- existing furniture retained rather than unnecessarily replaced
This project also demonstrates why correct material specification matters. Architectural film is designed for refurbishment applications such as fitted furniture, where the finish needs to withstand repeated everyday use. Using a product that is not intended for that purpose can result in premature lifting, damage and ultimately the need to carry out the work again.
Before and After Gallery
The project photographs show the transformation from damaged and lifting vinyl to a clean, consistent anthracite grey finish across the fitted wardrobes. The before and after images highlight the difference that hotel wardrobe wrapping can make when the correct architectural film is specified, installed and properly prepared for a demanding hospitality environment.
Start Your Hotel Wardrobe Wrapping Project
If your hotel wardrobes and fitted furniture are structurally sound but the finish is damaged, dated or no longer suitable for the space, hotel wardrobe wrapping can provide a practical alternative to full replacement.
Fusion Surfaces delivers hotel wardrobe wrapping in London and across the UK using architectural films selected specifically for commercial refurbishment environments.
To discuss a hotel furniture refurbishment programme, contact Fusion Surfaces to arrange a survey and quotation.
