How to choose a wardrobe
How to choose a wardrobe
Wardrobes are not only practical items of furniture, they can also be statement pieces that make or break the aesthetic of a room. This means choosing the right wardrobe for your bedroom is essential. However, with so many different styles, designs and sizes available, this is not always as easy as it sounds.
In this guide, we explore the different options out there, from compact French armoires to large double wardrobes. We also take a look at the key variables you need to consider when selecting your next wardrobe.
How to choose a new wardrobe
When it comes to picking a new wardrobe, the first thing you should do is look at your old one. By assessing the pros and cons of your existing wardrobe, it is easy to make a list of essential characteristics and qualities you want from your new purchase. With this in mind, try asking yourself questions like, is my current wardrobe large enough? Do I need more hanging space? Would a wardrobe with built-in shelf space benefit me?
Even if you are buying a wardrobe for the first time, asking these questions can help you decide what size and style item best suits your needs.
Of course, as well as practical qualities, aesthetics are an important part of selecting a new item of furniture. From core material and design style to finish and colour, when choosing a wardrobe, it is important to consider the interior of the room it is going in. For example, hardwood French-style items may be the perfect choice for traditional interior design schemes. Similarly, shabby chic-finished wardrobes could be exactly what you are looking for if your bedroom has a bohemian style. Finally, mirrored wardrobes or those with metallic/monochrome structures may be ideal for more contemporary interiors.
What is a double wardrobe?
As the name suggests, a double wardrobe is larger than the standard-sized wardrobe or armoire. Double wardrobes are also usually recognised as having two or more doors. Typically placed in bedrooms, these versatile freestanding items of furniture can also be used to store clothing in dressing rooms and hallways. However, this may depend on the size and layout of your home. As is the case with regular wardrobes, these larger items come in a wide variety of styles, materials and finishes.
How big is a double wardrobe?
The size of the average double wardrobe is in the range of 2.2 metres in height, 2 metres wide, and 70cm deep. However, as a double wardrobe is only really defined as having multiple doors, they can vary greatly in size. Traditional two-door models can often be not much larger than a standard single wardrobe (2m x 1m x 60cm). However, other double wardrobes are designed to cover entire walls and are up to four metres in width. As there is no standardised size for a ‘double wardrobe’, it is important to check measurements before making a purchase.
How deep should a wardrobe be?
Wardrobes can be as shallow as just 45cm (approximately 17 inches). This is the minimum depth a wardrobe can be in order to hang clothing using standard coat hangers. However, in order to best protect your items of clothing, a wardrobe depth of 60cm or higher is recommended. Indeed, the standard depth of a wardrobe is 60cm. This is around 24 inches.
Which type of wardrobe is best?
Put simply, the best type of wardrobe is the one that suits your needs and preferences best. Once you have settled on a size and aesthetic that works for you - be that traditional and freestanding or contemporary and built-in, for example - it all comes down to ensuring your wardrobe is of a good quality. Remember, you will likely use your wardrobe every day. For this reason, purchasing a good quality item is really important. The best type of wardrobe is one that not only ticks the style and size boxes, but is also well-built and is able to stand the test of time.
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