In small apartments it is quite problematic to store a large number of things. Surrounding yourself with a minimum of objects is not the answer. For comfortable storage of everything you need in cramped conditions, you can install narrow sliding wardrobes with a depth of 30 - 40 centimeters. Such furniture will allow you to organize clothes and household items in a systematic way without cluttering the room. Let's study the features, types and contents of narrow cabinets. We’ll tell you how to choose the right one and whether it’s possible to make a practical wardrobe with your own hands.
Elegant narrow wardrobe will fit into any small room
Advantages and disadvantages
Often narrow models of furniture for storing clothes are usually placed in the hallway. It is this room that, according to the standard apartment layout, cannot boast of much space. Therefore, apartment owners are puzzled by the question: how to furnish the room without losing square meters, but at the same time allocating enough space for clothes.
The peculiarity of the manufacture of such models is that the dimensions of the product are small. They are made both to order and for sale. A narrow but spacious closet will help you say goodbye to unorganized storage of things and textiles. It is worth highlighting its main advantages:
- shallow depth - this is the indicator that allows us to call this wardrobe narrow. Thanks to its shallow depth, the product fits favorably into an empty corner of any room. The cabinet will not block the flow of light from the window, since the distance to the window opening is often at least 50 cm;
- variety of models - products differ not only in color, but also in the variability of the internal space. The narrow type model is divided into a compartment for shoes, bed linen, outerwear, a compartment with hooks and a mezzanine. All filling is preserved - only the depth of the product changes;
- possibility of designing the facade - if desired, the client can order a special design of the sashes of his choice. Modern manufacturers offer mirror surfaces, blind doors, as well as printing and drawings, as shown in the photo below;
- reliability of furniture - the compartment mechanism has no chance of breaking. Timely adjustment of doors will extend their service life, which cannot be said about swing models. Cleaning the guides and regular maintenance of the product will help the structure please the eyes of its owners for many years;
- versatility - products can be placed in any room of the house: children's room, living room, hallway and even kitchen. The latter option is convenient for storing preparations for the winter.
Like any furniture, a narrow wardrobe is not without its drawbacks. Among them, small capacity is noted, because what can you expect if the wardrobe has a depth of 40 cm. Therefore, this model is not suitable for a family with a large number of people. It is best to place such a closet in a small room where there is no space left for storing clothes. For spacious rooms, choose deeper models.
Materials
Narrow cabinets in the hallway or any other room today are made from a number of materials. The most popular raw materials are:
Chipboard. Plus - low cost. Disadvantages: sensitivity to water, possibility of harmful fumes.
MDF. Pros: durability and environmental friendliness. The downside is the higher price.
Tree. Pros: luxurious appearance, environmental friendliness, long service life. The downside is the high cost.
Metal. Plus - originality. Cons: bulky, heavy, prone to corrosion.
Kinds
Narrow furniture can vary in type of execution. It is divided into the following options:
- cabinet narrow cabinets are the most common type of product, which is shown in the photo below. They are popular among consumers due to their stationarity. Structurally, a narrow, cabinet-type compartment consists of 3 walls and internal support pillars. The facade of the models is framed by doors on a roller mechanism;
- built-in narrow compartments - if the room previously had a storage room, and after redevelopment there remains a small niche, the best option is to purchase a narrow sliding wardrobe. The product will fit favorably into the niche. It is better to purchase such models to order so that the manufacturer can make the cabinet according to the dimensions of the niche. These models have only coupe doors, they do not have side and rear pillars - they are replaced by walls;
- semi-built-in models - products of this type are also made to order. To do this, it is important to measure the dimensions of the niche, since only one of the side walls is present in the closet, the second is replaced by the natural wall of the room. The back panel is also missing.
Built-in
Hull
The semi-built-in
Narrow wardrobe comes in the following shapes:
- rectangular;
- radius;
- angular;
- trapezoidal.
Standard rooms have a rectangular shape, so products of this type are the most common. They are convenient to place in any area of the room. Radius cabinets are distinguished by a rounded door and high cost. Despite this, such products look original.
Corner cabinets of a narrow type come in 2 options: in the shape of the letter L and in the shape of a triangle. The latter type is considered too large and is unlikely to be suitable for small rooms. A trapezoid cabinet can also have a small depth of 40 cm, but its design implies the presence of 5 walls.
Rectangular
Angular Trapezoidal Radius
Varieties
A wardrobe for storing clothes differs from other pieces of cabinet furniture in its small width and significant height. Moreover, it can be placed in any room, including a bathroom or hallway. Depending on the functions, furniture has several classifications.
By type of construction:
- pencil case (with one door);
- bivalve;
- rack (without doors);
- coupe (sliding doors).
Rack
With one door With two leaves
Coupe
Models with doors may differ in the material of manufacture and decoration. Doors can be solid, with transparent or frosted display cases, equipped with mirrors or plastic panels.
The configuration includes:
- open shelves;
- closed shelves;
- drawers, mezzanines;
- mini dressing room;
- niche with a barbell;
- combined.
Differences in the design and purpose of cabinets determine their appearance. Classic models consist of a single section and include one or more components that allow you not only to place clothes on shelves when folded, but also to hang them on hangers.
With drawers With rail With open shelves
With closed shelves
Facade decoration
A standard wardrobe takes up space from the ceiling to the floor, so its surface constantly attracts attention. Manufacturers today offer several design options for facades and doors of narrow models. It is worth highlighting the main types:
- blank facades made of chipboard - the most common option for decorating doors is to fill narrow cabinets with chipboard panels. The thickness of the material is 16 mm, the variety of colors allows you to choose the product to match the tone of the surrounding interior. Manufacturers offer a wide range of textures: glossy or matte surface. Chipboard models are resistant to temperature changes, so they are advantageous to install in narrow hallways and corridors;
- stained glass, mirror, glass - stained glass looks original and elegant. They are well suited for children's rooms and modern interior design. Stained glass can be regular, multi-layered or embossed. Glass with a sandblasted pattern is considered one of the popular methods of making facades today. A variety of ornaments and elaborate patterns are relevant for any interior. Mirror surfaces on narrow cabinets are considered a classic. They are performed in full height or combined with other types of planes;
- bamboo and rattan inserts. These materials are valuable due to their naturalness and strength. They are suitable for natural, calm interiors. Rattan facades are equipped with small ventilation, providing air circulation to the shelves. The environmental friendliness of the raw materials will refresh the atmosphere and add forest notes. Photos of such models can be seen in this material;
- leather - narrow cabinets with such fronts are relevant for rich interiors. They fit perfectly into a living room or luxurious hallway. The color of the material should be combined with the upholstery of upholstered furniture;
- photo printing - such products emphasize the individuality of the design. It is beneficial to install such models in children's rooms, and depict your favorite cartoon characters on the facades;
- plastic - doors made from this material look stylish and new. They are light in weight and affordable. Creating a checkerboard surface using such material is not difficult.
The wardrobe should be combined with other furniture in the room, especially paying attention to the surrounding furnishings.
Photo printing
Bamboo
Mirror Leather
Plastic Rattan Chipboard
Glass Stained glass
Filling
Narrow wardrobes are often used for hallways: a depth of 40 cm allows you to place a large amount of clothes inside. Classic models are divided into 3 compartments:
- upper - hats and accessories are stored here, as well as things that are used infrequently;
- middle - at this level there are shelves and clothes on hangers, this compartment is considered the main one;
- lower – designed for storing shoes and large items.
Often a narrow closet does not allow placing a hanging rod inside, as it will take up the main space. Instead, several end rods are used. According to the design of the product, the rods are fixed on special clamps or made retractable. Such a wardrobe will fit less clothes than the classic 60 cm wide model, but the option is convenient for small families.
To ensure that the lower compartment can accommodate a lot of things, narrow sliding wardrobes are equipped with a large number of shelves. Alternatively, shoes are placed in boxes or stored on wire shelves. The small surface of the shelf can accommodate 3 pairs of shoes.
It would be nice if a narrow closet is equipped with at least 3 drawers. If the furniture is located in the hallway, you can store items for caring for shoes and clothes in drawers: brushes, washcloths and shoe polish. It is convenient to place gloves and keys at the top. In the upper compartments on the mezzanines there will be a place for little-used seasonal items.
The wardrobe can be additionally equipped with external shelves and hooks for hanging outerwear. This model is optimal for a narrow hallway where there is not enough space. By installing such a wardrobe in the hallway, you can leave a small space for movement.
What is inside
The layout of shelves for clothes and shoes, drawers, hanging rods and other fillers (wardrobe lift, baskets) depends on the size of the closet. However, it is generally accepted to conditionally divide the internal space into three zones:
- bottom - for shoes;
- middle - equipped with rods and shelves for storing clothes;
- the upper one is a mezzanine for storing hats, large and infrequently used items.
The length of the shelves and rods must be calculated so that they do not sag under the weight of the clothes. Optimal sizes: 45-60 cm and 80-95 cm, respectively. The height of the shelves can vary between 35-55 cm, but the mezzanine should be large - from 50 to 70 cm.
It is better to place the interior lighting on the retractable visor - it will turn on automatically when the doors are opened. Drawer hardware should not protrude, but the best option is slotted handles. Modular filling allows you to organize things compactly and neatly.
Dimensions
The classic depth of a wardrobe, where it is convenient to place hangers with clothes, is considered to be 60 cm. Narrower models are available in sizes of 40 cm. At the same time, the height and width of the product can vary, according to the preferences of the owners. It is worth highlighting the main dimensions of popular narrow models:
- The height of the models starts from 1600 mm and ends at 2600 mm. The most optimal choice is considered to be a product with a height of 2400 mm, since most apartments allow such products to fit in the full height. In addition, by purchasing a cabinet up to the ceiling, owners limit dust from getting onto the cabinet roof and additionally gain useful space;
- The width of the models starts from 900 mm to 2400 mm. The first option provides for the presence of two small doors, the second option is made with 3 compartment doors. A photo of the model can be seen below. The incremental difference in width dimensions is determined to be 200 mm.
You should not order too wide shelves for your closet - they can sag under the load of things. The optimal shelf size is from 400 to 1000 mm, and the height between them is 300 mm.
It is worth noting that the usable space, taking into account that the cabinet has a depth of 40 cm, is 30-35 cm. The rest of the space is spent on the thickness of the compartment doors, the thickness of the chipboard 16 or 18 mm and other indicators.
The boxes are made in heights from 100 to 300 mm, their width is from 400 to 800 mm. If the box is too wide, give preference to chipboard for making the bottom: the hardboard will sag under things. To properly plan the dimensions, think in advance where things will be located.
Photos of examples of narrow dressing room design:
Planning a narrow dressing room, as in the photo, will work in the bedroom or living room. The option with sliding doors is the optimal solution for small apartments. There is no need to clutter the space with cabinets, the hallway will be unloaded.
As for storage systems, you can either buy ready-made structures, or purchase components and do the installation yourself.
In standard apartments, a dividing screen or partitions made of plasterboard or laminated chipboard are installed. In a small room, make a linear layout, if space allows, place shelves and rods in a “P” shape or on both sides.
The choice of wardrobes in furniture stores is quite wide: from luxurious cabinets made of varnished solid wood to products made of chipboard and simple plywood.
Tips for selection and placement
The most suitable place to install a narrow cabinet, 40 cm deep, is an entrance hall or corridor. It is in these rooms that there is usually not enough space to place furniture and other items. The product is installed in the free space opposite the entrance. Built-in models are placed in a niche.
Please pay attention to a number of criteria that must be observed in order to choose the right product for storing clothes:
- if the area of the room allows, then it is better to give preference to wide models: products with a width of 3 meters will help to fit a large number of things;
- pay attention to the retractable parts of the model: a bracket for placing hangers at a depth of 40 cm is very convenient for storing outerwear;
- make sure that the fittings for the handles on the drawers are missing or recessed;
- some owners note that shelves in a narrow product should take up sufficient space, since it is on them that things can be arranged as much as possible;
- A shallow cabinet is convenient for storing tools or small household appliances, so before purchasing, calculate all storage dimensions.
Photos of modern narrow wardrobes can be seen below: they are bright, stylish and distinguished by their compactness. If there is not enough space in the room to store clothes, buy a closet with a depth of 40 cm: it will be an excellent assistant for rational space planning.
Interior features of a narrow dressing room
A small storage unit can accommodate not only clothes, but also bed textiles, blankets, and pillows, which is why wardrobes are often installed in bedrooms. Special built-in systems along the walls effectively align non-standard rooms in length or width.
In houses and apartments, it is easiest to arrange it in the bedroom, separated by sliding sliding doors or any other wall.
For partitions, it is more convenient to use a frame profile structure. Hangers, holders, and supports are made from metal. It turns out to be a full-fledged narrow dressing room; photos with interior planning options will help you evaluate the possibilities of the premises.
The design of a small dressing room can be realized using multifunctional designs.
Important! It is more convenient to use multi-level lighting. So that the light hits all the shelves.
