Wardrobe - structure, models, internal contents and selection rules

To keep dresses, suits, skirts, trousers and other wardrobe items in order, there must be a spacious wardrobe in the house. Today, storage systems are not just the same type of bulky wardrobes; modern models combine stylish design, practicality and functionality. A varied assortment allows you to choose a clothing module that fits perfectly with other interior items.

Wardrobe - features

Wardrobes can be a free-standing single piece of furniture or a modular system that consists of several elements.

Based on the design features, the following types of wardrobes are distinguished:

• case;
• semi-built-in;
• built-in

Case modules are a complete structure, consisting of a frame on supports and a facade. The main advantages of cabinet models include mobility - the cabinet can be freely moved to any place in the room, modeling the space at your discretion, and an affordable price.

The disadvantage of cabinet wardrobes is the irrational use of the space between the frame of the product and the structural elements of the room. In addition, ready-made standard models do not always fit into a room with atypical architecture; sloping ceilings and ledges can become an obstacle to installing a module.

Partially and fully built-in wardrobes do not have the disadvantages of cabinet structures. Semi-built-in models are a storage system whose design lacks one or two elements. The role of the bottom and top cover is performed by the floor and ceiling of the room.

Not only the floor and ceiling, but also the walls of the room act as structural parts of the built-in wardrobe. Built-in modules for storing clothes are installed in niches, openings, and corners of the room.

The main advantages of embedded storage systems:

• maximum use of the vertical and linear space of niches and corners;
• large selection of design solutions;
• versatility.

Based on the number of doors, clothing storage modules are divided into one-, two- and three-leaf models.

Build steps

It is necessary that the fittings for sliding wardrobes be in plain sight so that it is convenient to work. Although cabinets come in different models and types, the assembly principle is not very different in the main thing. There are differences in particular regarding working with a specific model.

The basic principle of assembly is not difficult to remember. It must be performed carefully and preferably skillfully. The side walls of the cabinet, top and bottom are assembled. Everything is secured using fitting squares and bolts. When assembling, do not tighten the bolts completely at first.

So that there is a slight backlash. Once the back wall of the cabinet is made of second-rate material with nails, you can secure the bolts in the corners thoroughly. The cabinet will no longer warp anywhere. It will stand straight.

Internal filling of a wardrobe and planning rules

If the strength and stability of the cabinet depends on the design features of the cabinet, then its internal equipment is responsible for functionality and ease of use. The main elements of furniture equipment for storing clothes are:

• shelves;
• mezzanine;
• rods.

Shelves for clothes are a surface made of MDF boards, solid wood or chipboard. The thickness of the shelves must be sufficient to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the equipment element. When choosing a module, you should pay attention to the way the storage systems are attached to the frame. In high-quality products, the shelves should be tied to the sidewalls with special fittings.

The mezzanine is a long shelf located under the top lid of the cabinet. The mezzanine shelf is used to store seasonal clothing, hats, blankets and other bedding.

A rod is an element of internal equipment designed for hanging items of clothing on hangers. Crossbars are used for storing outerwear, dresses, shirts and suits. The rods are made of wood or steel. In the designs of tall cabinets, pantographs can be used for hanging wardrobe items - rods equipped with a mechanism for lowering and raising.

A typical layout of a double-leaf model consists of a wardrobe compartment, a mezzanine and a section with shelves. The internal space of the module can be supplemented with drawers, trouser racks, devices for hanging ties, and mesh shoe baskets.

Types of components

The quality of components for sliding wardrobes must be high. Each part performs its functions and is selected in accordance with the content and dimensions of this type of furniture. Homemade elements will lead to a reduction in the service life of products.

Sliding systems

Parts of sliding systems can be purchased separately, and sets are also available. They can be supported or suspended. The first version of sliding systems includes rollers with two guides and a profile for the frame. It is easy to install and has a high level of reliability. This type of sliding system is used if the doors are heavy. Hanging fittings consist of an upper guide, rollers, and stoppers. The profile is fixed on the top cover of the housing or attached directly to the ceiling.

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The wardrobe includes connecting elements and plugs. As for the materials for making profiles for door panels, it can be aluminum, plastic, steel. Each material has its own characteristics.

Aluminum profiles for door leaves are used even in large-sized structures. When choosing any component, you should not resort to the cheapest option, otherwise the cabinet will quickly stop functioning.

Aluminum

Plastic

Steel

Rollers

Rollers are a structural element that ensures the movement of wardrobe doors. They do not allow the canvas to slide along the guide without permission, and also facilitate the process of opening and closing. The movements are smooth and almost silent. Roller rims are made of plastic, rubber, Teflon or steel.

When used correctly, these elements can last for many years, since they are designed in such a way that dust does not get inside the mechanism. One way or another, in the event of a breakdown, installing new rollers for the wardrobe with your own hands will not be difficult at all. Thanks to this component, it is possible to adjust the position and height of the door leaves. The number of wheels is determined by the weight of the doors.

Rollers can be asymmetrical or symmetrical. The first option is used to move the door leaf along the lower guide profile. The second is characterized by fastening wheels on the lower and upper sides. It is intended for glass, mirror or plastic panels.

Asymmetrical

Symmetrical

Sealant

The seal is necessary to hide the gaps between the door leaf and the frame. It is attached to the side of the doors, ensuring a tight fit to the body. There are several types of products:

1. Universal. Used when installing heavy doors.
2. Silicone. This seal is not hazardous to health and ensures reliable fixation of the sashes in the profile frame.
3. Brush. It consists of pile attached to adhesive tape.

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The width of the seal depends on the type of canvas and varies between 4–8 mm. The element comes with or without a self-adhesive base.

Universal

Silicone

Brush

Stopper and separator

The separator is more often used in designer models. It is made of glass, chipboard. The thickness of this fragment varies. A stopper is a component that secures the wardrobe door leaf in the right place, usually made of steel. The product has the shape of antennae and has high springy properties. The part must be installed in the lower guide profile.

Stopper

Delimiter

Retractable structures

The internal content of the wardrobe depends on how functional the furniture should be. Most often it is represented by retractable elements, for the use of which the following guides are installed:

1. Roller. This type is the most common, but has a serious drawback - the elements are pulled out partially or completely. The maximum permissible load is 25 kg.
2. Ball. There are small balls inside the profile, which ensure easy sliding of shelves or drawers.
3. Tandems. The guides in this case are hidden inside the drawer. This system allows you to effectively use the entire internal space of the cabinet. It is expensive, but operates smoothly and silently.
4. Metaboxes. In addition to guides, they include sidewalls made of plastic or metal. There are options that are put forward partially or completely. The height of the walls and the depth of the box may vary.

What accessories will be used depends on the financial capabilities of the people. Among the wide variety of elements, you can always find exactly what is suitable for a specific product model.

Roller

Ball

Tandem

Metabox

Additional items

It will be useful to supplement the furniture set with some practical details. A mezzanine for storing things that do not require constant access would not be superfluous. In addition, the cabinet may contain the following additional components:

1. Shelves. There are retractable or fixed ones. The distance between them is about 30 cm. The first type is more convenient to use, but costs more.
2. Drawers. A popular option is the full extension system, which provides easy access to everything. The height of the drawers is usually 20–30 cm. They are intended for laying out clothes that do not wrinkle.
3. Barbells. They are used to store things on hangers or hangers.
4. Pantograph. This is a device that extends the bar with clothes to a convenient level at a large height of the structure. The product can be mechanical or electrical.
5. Shoe racks. They are mobile and mounted at the bottom of the wardrobe at a certain angle.
6. Baskets. Most often they are retractable.

An additional element can be considered a crossbar to which hangers cling. It can also be fixed or retractable. In addition, the closet has a structure for storing ties, belts, and small items.

Shelves

Drawers

Barbell

Pantograph

Shoe rack

Baskets

Facades - structures and finishing materials

The fronts of wardrobes vary in material, construction and design. Based on the type of construction, facades are divided into two main types:

• solid - made from one piece;
• frame - consist of several structural elements.

Frame facades are panels made of chipboard, MDF or wood, framed with a frame. The frame can be made of the same materials as the paneled part, or be made of a steel profile.

When choosing a module for clothing, you should pay attention not only to the design features of the front part, but also to the covering material of the base of the facade. A wide range of materials are used for finishing sashes, the most widely used are:

• enamels. Painted facades are characterized by high wear resistance; a layer of enamel protects the base from moisture. The painted canvas is easy to clean;
• veneer. The coating not only improves the wear-resistant qualities of the furniture, but also gives the facade a noble appearance. The advantages of veneered bases include repairability; in case of mechanical damage, the material can be restored;
• PVC film. Film cladding is an affordable option for facade finishing. A layer of PVC film protects the facade from the negative effects of external factors - moisture, ultraviolet radiation. PVC film minimizes the possibility of mechanical damage to the front side of the cabinet;
• plastic. A thin layer of plastic provides protection from mechanical damage, sunlight and moisture. Depending on the type of plastic used, a wide variety of textures can be achieved. Smooth polystyrene films form a matte or glossy surface. Structural plastics, which are thermally formed during the production process, convey the original texture of simulated materials - leather, relief plaster, wood, etc.;
• bamboo cloth. Bamboo is an environmentally friendly natural material. The advantages of facades finished with bamboo fabric are their unique texture, durability, and resistance to temperature changes and moisture.

Door opening mechanisms - types and features

According to the method of opening the doors, wardrobes are:

• swing;
• sliding;
• folding.

The swing opening mechanism is a traditional door with hinges. The main advantage of swing-out facades is their long service life; high-quality fittings ensure uninterrupted operation of the mechanism for 50 years.

The design of sliding systems consists of two guides and a roller mechanism that ensures the movement of the sashes. When opened, the front part does not extend beyond the boundaries of the frame; the sashes overlap one after another, opening access to 50% of the internal space.

The folding mechanism is a symbiosis of a swing and sliding system. Folding door leaves consist of several equal-width elements that are connected to each other using special fasteners. The upper part of the doors is equipped with a roller mechanism. The facade moves along the upper guide (in the designs of folding mechanisms there is no lower rail). To open the facade, pull the handles; when swung open, the door leaf folds like a “book.”

Assortment for furniture assembly

Any furniture purchased in a store is accompanied by the necessary parts for assembly. The same goes for buying a cabinet. The component included in the furniture set - furniture fittings for the cabinet - must be checked to ensure that all parts are included. The kit may include:

• screws;
• bolts;
• locks;
• veneers;
• corners for connection;
• guides for drawers and doors;
• door handles;
• socket wrenches for bolts.

A wall-mounted cabinet must have corner fittings to mount the cabinet on the wall. The base cabinet has the entire set of necessary fittings. Usually it is supplied as a kit with a reserve of several parts.

Photos of wardrobes in the interior

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A wardrobe is an integral part of the furnishings of any living space. A wide selection of cabinet and built-in models allows you to create a comfortable storage area for wardrobe items, and a well-chosen design can satisfy aesthetic needs.