Sliding wardrobes, which came to us from California in the mid-twentieth century, have taken their rightful place in the interiors of many apartments. First of all, its popularity is explained by the fact that such furniture can significantly save space due to its special design. For Americans, a closet with sliding doors has become a must-have piece of furniture. The mechanisms were gradually improved, new design solutions were implemented and, in the end, the sliding wardrobe became almost irreplaceable furniture and the best solution for many rooms.
Types of wardrobes
Today, not a single modern apartment or house can do without a wardrobe. It is roomy, comfortable, allows you to use a minimum of space, has a reliable design and can harmonize with any interior. It is ideal for all spaces. It will not only accommodate a lot of things and clothes, but will also blend harmoniously into the surrounding environment. Things are put away, they do not clutter up the furniture, the room looks neat and tidy. A properly selected and designed wardrobe has almost everything.
Usually we encounter:
- corner cabinets,
- diagonal-angle,
- Built-in shelves,
- free-standing cabinets.
Built-in
This type of design only has sides, shelves and doors. As for the ceiling and floor surfaces, they are absent in this version. This structure cannot be moved, as it becomes an integral part of the internal space.
Built-in wardrobes are convenient for any person who wants to save space and does not plan to change the arrangement. Built-in wardrobes provide convenient storage space and are a wonderful interior feature.
Most of these structures are made to order, but ready-made structures are also sold that you can buy and assemble yourself.
Angular
Almost every small apartment has a corner that can be effectively used as storage. The best way to do this is through your wardrobe. At first glance, it doesn't seem like much, but when you look inside, you'll find that there's a lot of space that can be put to good use. And if you don’t skimp on shelves and drawers, your entire wardrobe will fit there. Corner wardrobes are well suited for square hallways and small rectangular rooms, as well as for rooms that require a lot of space along the wall. See other examples of corner wardrobes here.
Hull
Consists of a four-wall body and a door with a roller drive. They can be placed against a wall or, less commonly, in the center of a spacious room divided into several zones.
A sliding wardrobe with sliding doors is an excellent alternative to standard two-door wardrobes. Recommended for people who are thinking about moving or like to change the furniture in their room. All you need to do is assemble and install it yourself. May cost more than other types due to more parts.
Combined
If the bedroom or living room is combined with an office, you can install a sliding wardrobe with a built-in desk in the room. The combined model looks very fashionable and compact. The work area contains several shelves and drawers, and the rest of the structure is a sliding system.
Spacious cabinets are complemented by a bookcase, dressing table or open niche for a TV.
Radial
Radius versions take up extra corners so that the column and standing posts are installed in the center. Rounded fronts increase capacity. The filling of a cabinet of this shape often includes cabinets, shelves, and racks for household appliances. The number of shelves and drawers depends on their parameters and purpose. Therefore, a concave and curved facade reduces the available space. But they can still be used usefully.
Beveled
A product resembling a corner version. The difference is that the sidewalls (or one of them) are made in the form of chamfered facades. This design solution allows you to leave more freedom in the passage, which is important in narrow spaces. Sometimes a beveled corner is complemented by a bedside table or mezzanine. If the wardrobe is located in the hallway, a clothes hanger can be placed near the modified facade.
Designer's advice
You shouldn't skimp on mirrors. They are able to visually enlarge the space, turning a tiny hallway into a nice hall. Tinted mirrors (matte, bronze, etc.) are very beautiful. However, they are not at all suitable for dark rooms. By the way, modern mirrors for wardrobes are safe. You don't have to worry about your child hitting this mirror with a ball. For it to break, the blow must be very strong. Even if this happens, the mirror will not shatter into sharp, dangerous fragments: the protective film on the back of the mirror will hold them in place. It would be useful to equip the doors of your wardrobe with special brushes, which not only protect the contents of the cabinet from dust, but also take care of the surface of the doors. They usually cost mere pennies, but their benefits are enormous. But various lights, on the contrary, do not serve any other function except for decorative ones. Of course, a cabinet with lighting looks much more impressive. However, weak light bulbs will not help you better see what is inside the cabinet. The maximum that they can illuminate is the contents of the upper shelves. To be honest, the depressing thing is that most laminated wardrobes look like twins. However, this shortcoming is easy to correct. Currently, many companies work with so-called elite models designed to please the customer's eye. If you can’t stand wood laminate and only accept wooden furniture, you can order paneled doors finished with natural veneer of oak, cherry, walnut, beech, etc. However, you will have to pay a tidy sum for this: veneered doors can increase the cost the entire cabinet twice or even three times. But beauty requires sacrifice. A simple laminated cabinet is unlikely to be a suitable neighbor to expensive paneled doors and good wooden furniture made of oak or walnut. A less expensive option is a wardrobe with doors made of colored frosted glass. Glass doors are somewhat more expensive than mirror doors, but much cheaper than veneer doors. Companies that produce such cabinets can offer you countless options for inserts and decors. The color range is also rich. Therefore, sliding wardrobes with glass inserts fit into any interior. Can glass break? Modern technologies eliminate this possibility by 95%. In any self-respecting company, to prove this, you must demonstrate the strength of the glass by hitting it with something not very heavy. If glass does not suit you for some reason, but you like cheerful colored inserts, you can use translucent matte plastic. This usually reduces the price somewhat. Recently, wicker inserts have become popular, which look especially good in rustic-style interiors.
Wardrobe and your interior
Sliding wardrobes are ideal furniture for children's rooms, hallways and bedrooms. And sliding wardrobes, especially models with mirrors, look worst in living rooms. Never try to combine a wardrobe with fancy furniture made of natural wood with or without inlays, heavy velvet curtains, any antique items, crystal chandeliers and bronze floor lamps. The exception, perhaps, are models with veneered doors. Recently, sliding bookcases made of natural oak have appeared on sale. They look like a regular paneled cabinet, but have a more convenient door system. This is truly a great purchase!
Material of manufacture
MDF sliding wardrobes
MDF is also made from fiberboard, only thinner than chipboard. They are held together using wax and brown coal. This is a more environmentally friendly material than chipboard. It is soft and pliable, which is why it is so widely used by modern craftsmen. With the help of MDF you can realize almost any creative idea. All original, stylish items are made of MDF. It can be matte or glossy, any shape and color.
Sliding wardrobes made of chipboard
Chipboard is a particle board. It is made from wood chips, which are glued together with formaldehyde resins. This is one of the most popular furniture materials. It is inexpensive, durable and lasts for many years.
Chipboard cabinets are sold ready-made or made to order. Now new technologies are used to work with this material. Chipboard panels are covered with laminated film in various colors. This means that the surface can be of any color and imitate the texture of natural wood. Today, chipboard is used to make sliding wardrobes and sliding wardrobes.
The disadvantage of this material is that it cannot be refined. There are no beautiful, elegant details on laminated chipboard furniture. These are simple and conservative models, but worthy of attention due to their affordable price and good quality.
Natural wood
Wood is the most expensive material used to make luxury furniture.
Wood is valued for its natural appearance, safety for health, durability and natural texture. Wooden facades can be decorated with beautiful carvings, reconstructed if necessary and fit into any interior style.
Disadvantages of wooden doors: high price, low moisture resistance, the need for impregnation with anti-mold and antifungal agents.
Plastic (acrylic)
Plastic facades are an alternative to expensive types.
MDF and chipboard panels are covered with plastic. This material has the same properties as PVC film, but is more resistant to mechanical damage and is more expensive. It comes in different colors and textures, matte or glossy. Plastic is used only for flat surfaces; it is not used to decorate carved facades.
Glass and mirror
Such cabinets are most often found in corridors and small rooms.
The cabinet doors are made of tempered glass or mirror. Glass is a practical, durable and easy-to-clean material that can withstand heavy loads. However, it has a tensile strength threshold - it can crumble if hit by a hard object.
PVC film
Facades made of MDF and chipboard are lined with PVC
After PVC coating, the base material becomes waterproof, stable and heat resistant. The PVC surface does not fade or wear out. The disadvantages of PVC are low mechanical strength and lack of maintainability. If handled carelessly, scratches and chips appear on the surface.
This material comes in different colors and can imitate the texture of wood, stone, leather and other natural materials. For a relatively low price you can purchase a cabinet with an original facade.
Veneer
Veneer helps achieve an unusual and unique appearance for the cabinet.
This is a thin layer of natural wood that accurately reproduces its texture. Veneer is used in chipboard, MDF or cheap wood and is varnished. Veneered furniture does not differ in appearance from wooden furniture, but is much cheaper.
Chipboard and MDF
The most common cabinet doors are made of chipboard and MDF. These materials can have different finishes: chipboard is usually laminated or veneered, MDF can also be used in painted form. Drawings and relief images are sometimes applied to its surface.
DPS and MDF facades are distinguished by their attractive appearance and ease of operation. Chipboard has high mechanical strength, is well preserved in conditions of variable humidity, does not fade, does not crack, and does not change its parameters due to temperature changes. This façade is easy to care for; just wipe off dust with a damp cloth. By combining chipboards of different thicknesses and different colors in one cabinet, you can create unique design projects. Facades made of chipboard and MDF are best suited to interiors in a classic style.
Stylistics
Depending on the size, general appearance and design of the facades, the cabinet can fit into a particular interior style.
Classic
Classic. The shiforob is made from valuable wood, looks massive and bulky and is expensive. It has stable legs and protrusions on top. Hinged doors decorated with patina, carvings and forged handles with a rich pattern.
Minimalism
Minimalism. Such cabinets are also suitable for bedrooms in high-tech or loft style. They have strict forms and discreet design. Facades are made of plastic, glass, aluminum or chipboard.
Scandinavian
White solid fronts or panels with inserts are ideal for Scandinavian style. The structures can be made of wood with lacquered glass and varnish or trimmed with light leather.
Models in shades of light brown, gray or coffee will give your interior a special character. Choose models of maximum simplicity that will harmonize with the rest of the furniture.
Loft
Loft furniture is made in muted grey, brown and black colors that match the industrial character of the room.
A cabinet with a raw front made of raw wood planks, decorated with stamps, rivets, metal trim or wrought iron elements, will fit perfectly into an industrial style. An interesting idea would be to use aged elements from different materials.
French Provence
French Provence. This cabinet can be decorated with a themed pattern. Color can range from white, blue to gray. The door can be glazed or replaced with a rustic curtain. The surfaces are artificially aged, and the fittings look shabby.
Ethnic style
Ethnic. The patterns differ from each other. Made from untreated wood, rattan or imitation natural materials.
Dimensions
Kitchen fronts made of different materials differ in thickness, weight and other parameters. This data should be studied in advance in order to take into account the size and weight when choosing fittings and closers. The following width options are available for hinged kitchen furniture facades:
- 396 mm;
- 570 mm;
- 713 mm;
- 900 mm.
The length will be 296, 396, 446, 496 or 596 mm. Retractable modules are equipped with facades with a width of 140 or 283 mm, the height is the same as for wall-hung ones. This applies to the standard size range; For structures made according to individual drawings, the dimensions can be almost any.
Thickness is also important. It is she who determines what fittings will be installed on the facade. For example, panel materials are usually standard. The thickness of MDF facades reaches 16-25 mm, but for chipboard it will be 16 or 18 mm; mortise handles cannot be mounted into this type of facade.
Designs of sliding wardrobe facades based on materials
The choice of wardrobe fronts determines the style of the entire room. Today there are dozens of ways to express what you want to achieve. So, what are the options for façade design and what to choose?
Photo facade
Any image can be applied to the surface of the door. It could be a landscape, still life, panorama or family photo. The rise can be glossy or matte.
Which look you choose depends on the purpose of the room, its size and your taste.
Private photos in the bedroom, but the panorama would be ideal in a small room. Large fruits and berries will look awkward in a small hallway or cramped bedroom.
When considering these options, remember that the wardrobe is one of the fundamental elements of the interior. Will it match your new furniture if you renovate or replace it?
Wooden facade
Currently, the world is experiencing a wave of naturalness and the fight for an eco-friendly lifestyle, which is intelligently reflected in the latest interior design trends. For this reason, facades with large wooden doors are at the peak of fashion and popularity.
They can be made not only from veneer, but also from simple high-quality plywood or, if finances allow, from natural solid wood.
However, you need to approach planning your wardrobe responsibly.
Combined wardrobe with opening and sliding doors.
Very smooth, veneered facades with a small number of patterns are no longer as popular as they used to be. They gradually gave way to the characteristic texture of natural wood.
- The abundance of knots on cabinet doors is in the latest fashion. This piece of furniture can be placed in any room, but if you manage to support the presence of a sliding wardrobe with other pieces of furniture similar in decor, then you can safely assume that you have managed to keep up with the changing fashion in the field of interior design.
Practical people choose this wardrobe design.
Wenge has always been distinguished by his nobility.
Advice! When choosing a type of wood for door facades, pay attention to a light, milky shade.
A beautiful cabinet that contrasts beautifully with the rest of the room.
This color helps bring elegance and coziness to the room. It will refresh and optically expand your surroundings, and the wood texture suits many interior styles.
Glossy facade - the trend of the season
Cabinets with bright, shiny fronts are still in fashion this year. However, the requirements for them have changed somewhat. Until recently, designers advised diluting a plain glossy panel with an even brighter edge, but now this is not recommended.
Restraint and laconicism are today's trends, so snow-white glossy cabinet fronts do not have to be decorated with any significant decor, nor do they have to be brighter than silver. However, a small pattern is perfectly acceptable.
Bright flowers or prints with overseas landscapes are no longer in fashion, but any natural texture, such as marble, looks truly modern and stylish.
If you still want to make a drawing on the cabinet, it should not be bright, but blurred, reminiscent of a shadow or fog rather than a picture.
Stylish wardrobe with natural wood trim.
Beautiful minimalist wardrobe design.
Fashionable interior with built-in wardrobe
Smooth facade
If we talk about the popularity of certain models, then today the trend is an absolutely smooth, matte facade. However, if this option seems too boring and restrained to you, you can complement it with beautiful decor. These can be parallel lines in a horizontal direction, they will divide the cabinet in the middle, you can divide the door into equal rectangles, or create a small geometric pattern.
Tip: a wardrobe with a simple and smooth facade can be placed in any room, not only in the hallway or bedroom, but also in the living room, office, dining room.
Interesting cabinet model with laminate fronts
Refined and elegant white cabinet with wooden accents.
The inconspicuous (hidden) wardrobe is in a certain trend. Currently this is the most fashionable option. The invisible appearance of the model is created by a façade that imitates wall cladding.
A sliding wardrobe can be finished with a mirror, wooden or plastic panels or even wallpaper, but a minimal number of seams will in any case make these surfaces look like a wall. The decor depends only on the style of the room as a whole.
Warning. Thanks to the sliding door design, you can store personal items even in the front living room, saving space. In this case, the interior design will not suffer at all. Only your family and closest friends will know about the availability of cabinets in your home.
Concealed wall unit
Mirror facade
The main reason for the popularity of mirrored cabinets is not only their versatility, but also their high aesthetics. They have been around for many years.
A wardrobe with mirrored doors will not only optically enlarge the room, but also make it much brighter. In this case, the mirror surface will become the main decoration in the bedroom and living room, since the facade will help visually expand the space, and the very presence of the closet will help get rid of unnecessary things that clutter the house.
Important! The mirror looks harmonious and appropriate in any living room: no matter how it is decorated - in the style of minimalism, loft or art deco.
The right combination for a corner wardrobe in a small bedroom
The role of mirrored facades in low-light conditions in our rooms deserves special attention. The light reflected in the mirrors spreads softly and comfortably throughout the room, making it much lighter. However, the best effect is achieved in rooms whose windows face north or west.
Pleasant shades of beige are popular this year.
Until recently, mirrored cabinet doors were richly and brightly decorated with stained glass or glass fusing. Now that naturalness is in fashion, it is better to choose sandblasting.
Tip: If you really want your 2021 wardrobe to be fashionable and unique, you can order a painting. A small decoration that matches the overall style of the room is best. The only exception may be an apartment in the pop art style, where the decor can be very bright.
A mirror can soften your interior.
Mirrors built into wooden facades also look very stylish. At first it appears that the mirror is in a very large band.
It is ideal for a classic living room style. This is an emerging trend, it is not cloying and will become more popular every year.
Wide sliding wardrobe doors are best suited for spacious rooms
Mirrored wardrobe for a small bedroom
That's a good idea too. Cabinet fronts will look great with a regular mirror or frosted glass. The most important thing is that they fit into the overall style of the interior.
Curly inserts
A technique that is not as popular as others. However, it can help emphasize the originality of the apartment owners. So, a sign with a certain symbol can be placed in the center of the cabinet. It will look good in a study or office.
Geometric pattern
One of the main trends in all areas of design is geometric patterns. When it comes to cabinets, designers advise not to be superficial and choose fronts that look like they are made from different colored and textured materials.
These can be inconspicuous rectangular inserts or engraved stripes. But the most elegant option is large geometric shapes made of straight lines. To add sophistication, combine different textures within the same color scheme.
You can also turn to classic motifs: intertwined lines reminiscent of a complex cipher will look very unusual. The most important thing to remember is that in this case the rest of the room’s decor should be quite restrained.
Decorative facade
Cabinets with decorative facades, which use a variety of figured inserts or stained glass windows, do not lose their significance in 2022.
Their advantage is not only a bright design, but also the ability to visually increase the volume of space. Facades with stained glass windows of varying degrees of saturation look especially stylish. However, it should be remembered that this type of furniture is suitable for bright rooms.
"Dividing" strip
If you like a simple design but want to add at least one decorative element, pay attention to the so-called dividing lines. Usually they are placed in the center of the furniture, but this is not important. It all depends on the task that needs to be solved and the furniture around it.
The tape itself can be made of metal profiles or other decorative materials, for example, imitation wood or stones. Ideally, they should be consistent with the rest of the interior.
And who said groups have to be straight? A 3D effect or wavy curves can decorate a minimalist interior, which, by the way, is well suited for bedrooms and hallways.
By the way, the decorative strip can have a door opening mechanism so as not to leave fingerprints on the facades. The design of this device is an excellent choice that you will not regret.
And in general, the stripe does not have to be horizontal. Decorative vertical stripes will help to visually “raise” the ceiling. And it looks much more unconventional.
Rattan and bamboo
The original solution is rattan or bamboo. It is ideal for interiors in eco, country, Scandinavian and Provencal styles. Both materials are resistant to moisture, retain their shape well, are easy to clean and have good strength. These materials are often used in combination with wood and glass.
Leather
Artificial or natural leather is used to cover the base material. It is practical, does not fade in the sun, does not crack or deform, but is easy to scratch.
Cabinet fronts can be made entirely of wood, glass or mirror. Some models combine these materials in their design.
Lakobil, lakomat, sandblasting pattern
Here are three ways to decorate durable glass. Lacobilus is glass with a colored back. Lacomat is a matte glass surface coated with a special varnish.
Glass fronts of Lacobel cabinets Glass fronts of Lacobel cabinets Cabinet with frosted lacquered glass
The front part is decorated with a sandblasted pattern.
Sandblasting is a process in which sand or powder is sprayed and adheres to the surface of the glass. As a result, a pattern with a rough and matte surface is formed on the glass.
Color and pattern
There are many ways to make drawings on the door leaf:
- the most common is a pattern on a film that is used to laminate a wooden base and cover glass;
- photo printing can be applied to both glass and wooden doors;
- engraving is a method of applying a monochrome image to glass or a mirror. Using a stencil and special technologies, micro-scratches are created that create a pattern. There are diamond, laser and sandblasting engraving;
- Drawings on the mirror can be laid out with rhinestones or crystals.
There are several interior trends that can help you choose the right color and pattern:
- Scandinavian style favors white, gray, black, and shades of wood. Three or four bright accents are allowed: blue, red, green.
- Monochrome geometry. Contrasting combination of two or three colors and geometric shapes.
- Pink color. The bedroom of a young girl or the nursery of a little princess will be happy to be filled with pink in any shade.
- Minimalism is still in trend. Contrasting combinations, monochrome, wood shades. Minimum decoration, maximum simplicity.
- Combined facades - this trend is set by the manufacturers themselves. More and more options for combining textures, colors and decors are appearing on the market. You can experiment or follow tips from famous brands.
8 photos
How to choose cabinet colors (pro tips)
An important factor when choosing a design is the correct choice of color. The design shade will depend not only on personal preferences, but also on the size of the room, its purpose and style.
In a small room, a product in pastel colors is ideal. Light facades give the room lightness and spaciousness.
Sliding wardrobes in black and graphite colors also look very impressive. However, such colors are often chosen for spacious rooms: even with a glossy finish, dark shades make the room seem smaller.
For those who want to create a bright and extravagant interior image, a model in rich green, red, blue and other contrasting colors is suitable.
Natural wood palettes can be classified as a separate category. Dark or light brown facades add respectability and a touch of luxury. They look great both in modern styles, such as loft or minimalism, and in rustic ones, such as country or Provence.
Buy or order
Excellent options for facades for sliding wardrobes can be found in almost any city, be it Kyiv, Krasnodar, Moscow, Bila Tserkva or my beloved Volgograd.
There are no problems with where to purchase a ready-made cabinet. Sometimes it’s enough to go to Leroy Merlin and make your purchase.
Another option is to get a compartment with certain fronts to order. This method is initially more expensive, but it allows you to perfectly accurately select not only the content, but also the appearance, strictly according to your requirements and wishes.
If you are satisfied with ready-made offers, do not spend extra money and buy them. If you want to create something unusual, individual and unique, you will have to look for companies that produce to order, taking into account the client’s wishes, work with their drawings, sketches, etc. Not everyone is willing to do this, so be prepared.
I think we'll end here.
Features of choosing doors and mechanisms
A characteristic feature of the wardrobe is the use of sliding doors with roller blinds. Using sliding doors saves a lot of space compared to traditional swing doors. In addition to roller doors, practical swing systems have been introduced into the floor, which also save space.
Door facades can be equipped with various decorative elements, and the choice of colors and materials is huge. Make sure that mirror and glass surfaces are covered with a high-quality protective film that will protect against flying debris in the event of a severe impact.
- Closers are also very important, allowing the door to close smoothly and effortlessly. They also prevent the door from opening and closing abruptly and therefore causing rapid wear and damage.
Sliding wardrobe in the interior. Location Features
Modern sliding wardrobes are not inferior in functionality to standard wardrobes, take up little space and become a noticeable element of the interior. The furniture design is suitable for any room. The decor should not be annoying or inappropriate.
In the bedroom
The interior of the bedroom should be soothing, gentle and harmonious. However, this does not mean that the wardrobe should not attract attention. Glass doors can be sandblasted or covered with artificial leather, rattan or bamboo. They can be smooth, glossy or matte and match the main color scheme of the bedroom design.
But behind the bright facade there should be convenient drawers and shelves where you can “hide” not only all your clothes and shoes, but also an iron, ironing board, bed linen and spare pillows and blankets.
Of course, this is still just a dream for many, but you need to think about how you would like to outfit your dressing room so that you can use it for many years without having to buy additional cabinets. Read more about the features of wardrobes in the bedroom.
In the nursery
If your child has his own room, he has the right to a good, spacious closet that will not need to be replaced when he is several years old. But shelves and drawers should be low so that the child can reach his things himself. In addition to clothes, you can store toys and books there. This will make your child's room feel more spacious and tidy because everything will be in one place. Of course, it is advisable to choose a wardrobe for the children's room in a pleasant and beautiful color, with drawings or interesting stained glass windows.
Choose only children's furniture made from high-quality materials without unpleasant odors!
In the living room
The most beautiful part of the cabinet front is the door. When placing a wardrobe in the living room, we want it to become a key element of the interior. Doors can be made of frosted or corrugated glass, they can also be decorated with stained glass or bright photographs. In this case, the wardrobe is not only a storage space, but also the most impressive element of the interior.
Another important feature of a wardrobe with sliding doors in the living room is its interior. This could include a built-in bar, mini-fridge, stereo storage, bookshelves, filing cabinets, and a safe. And all this is protected from dust and prying eyes.
It's ideal for those who like compact storage and hate cluttering their room with drawers, chests of drawers and cabinets.
In the office
The fronts of the cabinets should correspond to the direction of the room. If it's a classic design, solid wood products are ideal. Very expensive and durable leather panels. The library is closed with transparent glass doors. Geometry on the mirror or glossy plastic options are popular in modern interiors.
In the hall
If the size of the hallway allows, a wardrobe is enough. In a spacious hallway you can install a spacious closet that will fit most of the things of all family members, which means that other closets in the rooms will either not be needed at all or will be small.
The hallway closet should be equipped with an open section for outerwear. It should have a compartment for storing shoes and hats. A small shelf for umbrellas, shoe polish and a key holder would be great.
Very often, cabinet doors in the hallway are equipped with large mirrors. It looks equally good in both large and small rooms. Small lamps built into the cabinet top look very impressive in the hallway. They create additional lighting and draw attention to beautifully designed facades.
Advantages of a wardrobe for any room:
- space;
- compactness;
- stylish appearance;
- variety of design.
It is important to note that the wardrobe can also be used as a wall. For example, if the room is small and a storage system is needed, you can remove the wall between the room and the hallway and install a wardrobe instead.
This is also a good way to zone a one-room or two-room apartment, combining the functions of a living room and a bedroom.
In the hall
If it is spacious enough, then it makes sense to buy a large linear wardrobe in which you can store outerwear (and not only) for all household members. This will eliminate the need to purchase separate storage systems located in different rooms. A sliding wardrobe installed in the hallway must meet certain requirements - as a rule, the design provides for:
- sections for outerwear: it is better if there are two sections - one for seasonal items, the second for those that you are not currently using;
- shoe shelves;
- mezzanines in which it is convenient to store rarely used items;
- shelves for hats located at a convenient height;
- special drawers or shelves for accessories: shoe polish, brushes, etc.;
- hooks and hangers;
- a mirror that will help you evaluate your appearance.
How to properly arrange things inside a wardrobe
The main purpose of a wardrobe in a bedroom is storage, so it is important to think about the placement of partitions and sections. In a well-equipped closet, clothes do not crumple, although they are compactly folded. It can also store other items such as underwear, shoes and accessories.
The most important feature of a sliding wardrobe is a full set of functional internal fittings:
- drawers;
- shelves;
- boxes;
- separators
- baskets;
- clothes hangers
- clips for trousers and skirts;
- tie rods;
- belt holders;
- baskets for shoes, linen, etc.
It's also worth considering interior lighting, especially if the cabinet is deep or replaces a dressing table.
Nuances when measuring size and choosing a configuration
The height of the cabinet is limited by the height of the ceiling. If the room has a suspended ceiling, it is recommended to leave a gap of at least five centimeters between the ceiling and the top of the cabinet to avoid damage.
The optimal depth of the closet is 60 cm. Thanks to this configuration, clothes stored in the closet do not wrinkle, and the hanger remains in its natural position.
If there is a niche in the wall, you should choose a built-in wardrobe. This approach will save a lot of material, because the wardrobe will not have part of the walls. The elements will be attached directly to the walls.
The disadvantage is that the structure cannot be moved - it is made specifically for the niche. The advantage is that it saves a lot of space in the room, especially if the room is small. In a small room it also makes sense to install a corner wardrobe.
Advantages and disadvantages of a wardrobe for a modern home
A modern wardrobe can perform several tasks simultaneously. It can be either part of a set or an independent piece of furniture, match the color with the overall tone of the room or be an accent point, decorate the interior or go unnoticed, but it always acts as a spacious and practical storage system.
The advantages of the wardrobe are as follows:
- The most rational use of the available space in the room to create an effective storage system. If we are talking about the built-in option, then this is the most efficient way to use every square centimeter of space;
- Sliding doors for sliding wardrobes allow you to install them in any free space in the room, and this is an undeniable advantage for small rooms, such as a hallway;
- In the bedroom there is no need to buy bulky furniture and rack your brains over its arrangement; in a room of medium and small sizes you can put a wardrobe and hang not only your entire wardrobe, but also shoes, accessories, bed linen and other things;
- Skillful stacking of the closet allows you to create not only storage space, but also an effective system for arranging all wardrobe items, which allows you to quickly find the right item and store it in the most favorable conditions (clothes, shoes and accessories do not wrinkle or deform);
- with the help of a built-in wardrobe, you can visually change the parameters of the room - “stretch” it in height, width or length;
- The original design of a wardrobe can become a key element of the interior, decorate it, and increase the degree of exclusivity;
- Thanks to the wardrobe, you can divide the room into zones, using it as a partition. For example, you can separate a work area or a bathroom in the bedroom, or use a dressing room to zone a spacious studio room with a large set of functional segments.
The wardrobe has few disadvantages, and some of them can be completely eliminated if you put more effort and time into finding the best option:
- When moving or rearranging a room, the closet should be left in place. There is very little chance that the built-in wardrobe options will be exactly the same in your new apartment;
- Most custom-designed models are more expensive than similar ready-made solutions in furniture stores;
- There are also certain style trends in living spaces where you may find it difficult to fit a wardrobe. You will have to spend more time and money to buy a wardrobe with sliding doors in a classic, baroque, chic or provincial style.
Forms
Cabinets are made in the shape of a rectangle, semi-oval or semicircle.
Straight cabinets
A straight cabinet is the classic and most popular design in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.
It comes in different widths and heights. The straight façade is suitable for almost any interior style; you can choose the optimal size for any room size.
Radial
The cabinet itself and its facade are made in the shape of a semicircle or semi-oval. It comes with an inner radius (concave) or an outer radius (convex). In complex structures, the outer and inner radii are combined. The result is elongated furniture with smooth shapes.
Corner wardrobe with a concave facadeCorner wardrobe with a convex facade
Radius facades look original and are irreplaceable in rooms with a non-standard layout; if you want to place furniture in a corner or niche.
What is better: install or embed?
A built-in wardrobe in its simplest form is usually a sliding door that spans an alcove or similar portion of the room, thus creating a small walk-in closet.
The idea of a wardrobe in a narrow hallway without a back wall can be very interesting and attractive: it saves money, and the back and side walls return scarce space. This is really worth thinking about if you don't plan on moving anytime soon.
It is unlikely that the parameters of your new home will allow you to use built-in wardrobe elements from your old apartment. In addition, a wardrobe consisting only of a frame and a door will noticeably lose in strength compared to its full-fledged counterpart.
In addition, if the wall on which the wardrobe shelves are located is not perfectly straight, gaps and cracks will form between the shelves and the wall.
Therefore, it is worth ordering a complete wardrobe, which will include all the necessary elements.
Unlike a classic wardrobe, a sliding wardrobe is a technology with a free internal architecture, without divisions or extra shelves and partitions, with a huge internal volume that allows you to distribute everything you need.
Color spectrum
There are very specific requirements for pieces of cabinet furniture. A sliding wardrobe must be durable, spacious and functional. But even a high-quality and expensive cabinet that stands out from the general color palette will ruin the entire impression of the interior.
The choice of the most “outstanding” piece of furniture should be approached with all seriousness and the choice of material, texture, and facade decor should be decided in advance. There may be several options:
- the color of the facade organically combines with the overall style of the room, creating a successful background for various decorative items;
- rich shades of surfaces and stylish design solutions allow you to make your wardrobe the most memorable element of your decor.
The easiest way is to select the necessary furniture at the initial stage of finishing work. In this case, the most accurate selection of shades is guaranteed. Mirror or glass facades are considered a universal option, ideal for any interior style.
Supporters of fashionable bad taste in the kitsch style do not have to limit the flight of their imagination. This style breaks all canons and stereotypes; it easily combines all shades of the color palette. Fans of classic interiors should take into account that the design of the facade will have to choose from three primary colors.
One of the popular solutions is to choose identical shades of the facade and flooring. If the floors in a small room are decorated with dark laminate, then the wardrobe will look like a huge spot, visually narrowing the space. In this case, decorators advise choosing only the frame to match the color of the floor, and the facade may have mirror or glass inserts.
The purpose of the room in which the sliding wardrobe is supposed to be installed has a certain influence on the choice of facade shades
In a spacious living room, the main piece of furniture is a soft sofa and armchairs; it is better to choose neutral shades of the facade that do not attract much attention. Arranging a children's room involves the use of unusual rich colors; bright facades and photo printing with images of cartoon characters are welcome.
