Currently, there are a large number of wardrobes available in the market. First, to decide which cabinet to choose, you need to familiarize yourself with its varieties. After all, a lot depends on the right furniture in the house: the harmony of the interior, the convenience of storing things and, most importantly, how long this furniture will last. First, let's look at the types of wardrobes for storing clothes.
Closet
The sliding wardrobe is by far the most popular model. The retractable roller door system allows you to occupy only a clearly designated space in the room.
The popularity of the sliding wardrobe is due to the fact that despite its compactness, such a wardrobe is quite spacious. There are quite a few types of sliding wardrobes; they can be without a side or back wall, and can be made without a floor.
Choosing a cabinet for the living room to match the interior style
Features and appearance are important. But in order to buy a wardrobe for the living room that will decorate the interior, be sure to take into account the style of the room.
For interiors where one of the styles is clearly expressed, it is especially important to choose the right cabinet design
How the interior of the living room and the design of the closet are interconnected, see the table:
| Interior style | Main features | Which wardrobe is suitable? |
| Classical | — High ceilings and symmetry; — Shades — white, beige, brown; — Massive furniture and lighting fixtures. | Massive cabinets made of natural wood. Mirror, glass or metal inserts are possible. Color - dark or light wood, without bright elements. |
| Modern | — The principles of minimalism are supported; — The basis is light colors, but there are bright accents; — Variety of decor, but without overload. | In a modern-style living room, it is better to install tall narrow cabinets, small floor or wall cabinets. |
| Minimalism | — Simplicity, functionality, maximum free space; — The main color of the design is white. | Sliding wardrobe for the living room, modular wardrobes of regular geometric shapes. Preferably without decor or other embellishments. |
| Provence | — Bright room with large windows; — Light shades, floral patterns; — Simple romantic interior combined with luxury. | For a living room in Provence style, choose cabinets made of natural wood or MDF with solid imitation. Floral patterns and forged elements are appropriate. Shades - white, light beige. |
| High tech | — Lots of free space, minimal decor; — Shades of black, white, gray, but there may also be bright accents; — Lots of modern technology. | Modern wardrobes, modular cabinets. Stylish design, metal, glass and mirror elements are welcome. |
| Modern | — Smooth lines, lack of clear, regular forms; — Natural shades; - Expensive materials. | The base is wood and glass. Instead of strict geometric lines, choose curved, ornate shapes. |
| Country | — Natural shades, natural materials; — Simplicity, conciseness and comfort; — The decoration and decoration is dominated by wood, stone and textiles. | Massive or even rough wooden cabinets. It would be good if they were made in an antique style. |
| Loft | — High ceilings, large windows, deliberately careless decoration; — Design in shades of gray and brown; — Lots of bright accents. | Combinations of materials, non-standard shapes. The design can be either modern or vintage. |
| Scandinavian | — Open plan; — Decoration in white and pastel colors; — There are bright accents; — Emphasis on practicality and functionality. | Built-in or maximally functional cabinets that look simple and concise. Pretentiousness is not welcome, but any combination of materials can be used. |
We looked at only the basic styles. In other cases, the selection logic will be similar.
The photo is an example of how cabinet design and interior style are succinctly combined
Double door wardrobe
A rather old model is considered to be a hinged double-leaf wardrobe. Unlike the previous type of cabinet, the hinged doors open outward. Usually such a cabinet is part of the wall.
This model is considered the most economical. Such a cabinet is often used to divide a room, since it is not tied to a specific place in the room.
Manufacturing materials
The service life of any furniture structure, regardless of size and shape, largely depends on the quality of assembly and the materials used. In the production of wardrobes, products of different price categories are used - from expensive natural wood to affordable chipboard or plastic.
- Solid wood cabinets. Representative and expensive products that clearly hint at the high financial status and impeccable taste of the property owner. Oak, maple, pine, birch, ash are traditional raw materials for furnishing luxury apartments, which require careful and regular care. Does not tolerate high humidity and temperature changes. May lose color intensity when exposed to sunlight. At the same time, wood is a natural, environmentally friendly material, which makes cabinets made from it as safe as possible for human health.
- MDF cabinets. Cheaper than all-wooden analogs, but they look almost as decent. Such cabinets are characterized by a long service life and the ability to implement various design ideas. Facades made from compressed fine shavings lend themselves well to milling, which significantly expands the artistic potential of the models. A special manufacturing technology gives the slabs a tactile smoothness, without the slightest roughness or irregularities. The disadvantage of MDF furniture is its low resistance to mechanical damage, especially when a heavy object falls or receives a strong impact.
- Chipboard cabinets. They are in the most affordable price segment, but, unfortunately, they are not very strong and durable. Particleboards quickly swell when water gets on the surface and fade in the sun, which must be taken into account when choosing a place to install the wardrobe. Do not forget about other negative properties of the material: the formaldehyde resins contained in chipboard, when heated strongly, can provoke the release of toxins into the atmosphere of the room. The risk of a dangerous situation can be reduced by using a high-quality finishing layer (lamination) covering all edges and open areas of the furniture.
- Cabinets made of plastic. Lightweight, inexpensive and unpretentious to external factors, storage systems are very popular when decorating country houses or rented housing. Surfaces made of modern polymers are not susceptible to rot and mold, which makes it possible to install plastic cabinets in unheated rooms. Due to their low weight, the products have excellent mobility and do not create difficulties during transportation. The downside is that such cabinets are quite fragile, are not designed for heavy loads, are easily scratched and begin to melt when burned, releasing harmful substances into the air.
Accordion wardrobe
The accordion cabinet is the most compact, since such a cabinet is often made into a corner one. When closing the cabinet doors, they fold like an accordion.
Due to the fact that this corner design of the cabinet does not take up much space, it, like a sliding wardrobe, fits well into small rooms and makes them more spacious.
Door opening method
The last thing the average buyer is interested in is which door control system is equipped with the cabinet model they like. But in vain. After all, not only the ease of use of the furniture, but also its durability, as well as the general appearance of the structure, depend on this nuance.
Hinged cabinets with handles
The most common option for opening cabinet cabinets with doors that are attached to the frame using overhead, semi-overlay, inverse or piano hinges. The amount of fittings depends on the size of the sash. To securely hold a door leaf up to 1 m high, two hinges are sufficient. For larger dimensions, 1 or 2 additional canopies are added. Sometimes hinged cabinets are equipped with special closers that ensure smooth closing of the door without human intervention.
Open by pressing
A laconic and strict model that fully meets the concept of fashionable minimalist interiors. The absence of unnecessary parts on the facade is compensated by the built-in Push To Open mechanism, which allows you to open the door with a light touch of your hand. The method is especially appropriate for matte surfaces, since glossy surfaces may contain traces of touch and the furniture will look unpresentable. The introduction of automation into such a simple element as a wardrobe gives a certain gloss to the entire environment, although it also increases the price tag of the finished product.
Sliding doors
The “compartment” doors are not fixed on the sides of the cabinet, but slide along monorails installed on the upper and lower profile (or only on the upper one, if we are talking about a model with a hanging support system). The durability of the sliding structure depends on the weight of the canvas, the quality of the fittings and the frequency of cleaning, since debris and dust accumulating in the guides can cause rapid wear of the rollers. In some products, ease of control is provided by automatic closers, which facilitate smooth and silent adjustment of wardrobe doors.
Accordion facades
The accordion wardrobe combines the operating principle of hinged and sliding doors. In general, the operation of the device is similar to the system of vertical roller shutters. By grasping the edge of the two-section sash, you can fold them in half in the form of a book (or accordion) in one motion, gaining a clear view of the entire storage area. The canvas moves along the upper guide track, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to the floor covering. With all the advantages of the design, it is worth noting that the service life of such cabinets rarely exceeds 5-8 years due to the rapid wear of parts and careless use of furniture.
Wardrobe according to room size
Which of these types of cabinets you choose depends on the capabilities of the room, because the effective use of living space directly depends on the dimensions of the furniture. Therefore, for small rooms, an accordion wardrobe or a sliding wardrobe is most suitable. Such cabinets do not require additional space to pull out the door.
It is advisable that such cabinets have mirrors hanging on them, or have mirrored doors. A large mirror in the room visually expands the room and illuminates it.
But when choosing a mirror, you should carefully pay attention to the presence of multilayer film, because the film makes the mirror safer. It should also be noted that light-colored furniture in a small room slightly expands the room and makes it lighter.
If the room is quite spacious, then you can choose absolutely any cabinets: corner cabinets, sliding wardrobes, and accordion cabinets.
A combination of several types is possible. In this case, there are no restrictions on the choice of color; you can choose absolutely any range.
A wall with a closet looks great in a large room. It is possible to use several types of different cabinets united by one design. It is possible to use models with decor, for example, stained glass, beautiful carvings, an image on a mirror.
Design features
Another important criterion that directly influences the choice of a suitable cabinet is its design features. Today, there are several types of storage systems on the market, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Linear cabinet
The most common and universal model, which is suitable for rooms with any functionality. It has a rectangular elongated body and is always placed close to the wall. The main advantage of a straight cabinet is the maximum accessibility to the items inside, which it provides. When the door is fully opened, you instantly see the filling of the entire compartment. All you have to do is reach out and take the desired part of your costume. The disadvantages of linear cabinets include their ability to “eat up” useful meters of space, which can become a hindrance when arranging small-sized locations.
Corner cupboard
Used if you need to use an empty corner of the room. Furniture of this shape allows you to complement the decor with a spacious wardrobe without creating a feeling of bulkiness in the room. Manufacturers offer 2 types of corner cabinets:
- L (L)-shaped - in the form of a combination of two straight models of different lengths;
- Asymmetrical - with a side wall forming an irregular trapezoid line.
Such designs are great not only for storing clothes, but also help to properly zone a large space, which is especially important for spacious studio apartments. Among the disadvantages is poor visibility of some areas due to the complex configuration of the product.
Modular cabinet
It is a set of autonomous furniture sections assembled into a single composition. Installation is carried out both with rigid fastening and without fixing at all, which makes it possible to later change the configuration at your own discretion. In some cases, modules are located in different parts of the room, filling niches or visually adjusting the geometry of the space. A modular closet is the optimal format for homes with complex layouts, making the interior more convenient and comfortable.
Radius cabinet
Special attention should be paid to radial cabinets. This is a fairly new phenomenon in the furniture market, attracting buyers with its original design and thoughtful ergonomics. Depending on the degree of rounding, models may have a convex, concave or wavy facade. The curved shape allows you to more efficiently use the space of the room, harmoniously fitting the product into places that are not convenient for ordinary furniture.
Cabinet shapes
The shapes of cabinets are corner, rectangular, trapezoidal and corner (L-shaped, diagonal).
Rectangular cabinets fit perfectly into bedrooms, while trapezoidal and corner cabinets are well suited for hallways.
When choosing a cabinet, great importance should be paid to its capacity. Usually a standard wardrobe with shelves includes shelves for clothes; a bar, for clothes on hangers and drawers.
If this is a closet in the hallway, then in addition there are compartments for shoes. To quickly find the right thing, you can install LED lighting in the closet. This type of lighting is the most cost-effective and safe.
Thus, choosing furniture does not present much difficulty; it all depends on taste and budget. Where exactly you choose your closet is up to you. There are many online stores where there are photos of the wardrobe and a detailed description of the furniture.
Purpose
Designs for storing things help hide them from prying eyes, providing quick access to them. They are installed not only in dressing rooms and bedrooms, but also in the corridor, kitchen, nursery and even on the loggia. The location of the furniture depends on its functionality. What types of cabinets are there? They are divided into several categories:
- For clothes - models are installed in any room. They are distinguished by a deep front, different heights of shelves, and can be supplemented with drawers, rods, mirrors and holders for accessories.
- For books - they have a small depth, a glass facade and a large number of shelves. Models are suitable for libraries, living rooms.
- For dishes - models equipped with a large number of shelves and several drawers are placed in the kitchen.
- For documents, work tools - such structures are installed in offices and storerooms.
Ready-made cabinet or custom-made?
The most popular is the manufacture of custom-made furniture. This is the best option, since when making custom-made furniture, all taste preferences and some individual wishes will be taken into account, and such furniture will definitely fit perfectly into the interior. The disadvantage of custom-made furniture is the long production time.
The simplest solution is to buy furniture in a store. There are now a lot of stores on the market where you can buy a wardrobe. The most popular are IKEA cabinets.
Internal filling
Models for storing dishes, books, and tools do not have original content. They are equipped with a large number of shelves and, sometimes, drawers. What types of wardrobes are there? More original contents are offered for storing outerwear, linen and other things. In addition to shelves with different heights, such structures are added with a mezzanine, a barbell, drawers, and various hooks for storing accessories. The filling is selected individually, taking into account what will be stored in the structure.
Photo of a wardrobe
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.
What to do if the closet doesn't save you
Ergonomic storage is not just about convenience, it is about saving space, even if you have a lot of space in your home. The feeling of airiness, comfort, and lightness arises not where there are simply a lot of square meters, but where there are a lot of free square meters.
Clothes are something that everyone has. Multiply by the number of family members - we get a lot of clothes and closets packed to capacity. Is it possible to simplify the process of storing clothes? Of course!>
Advice from the Attic - it is better to store temporarily unnecessary clothes, winter sportswear or something for children to grow into until needed. Why this is right: in the summer you can easily hang sundresses and dresses without being distracted by down jackets and fur coats. In winter, store only warm, current items in the closet, and store summer clothes in the Attic in boxes, where they will not gather dust and deteriorate.
What kind of doors do cabinets have?
- Sliding.
- Swing.
- Foldable.
It is worth considering that cabinets with hinged doors require space in front of them to fully open the doors, but they still provide a full view of what is inside the cabinet.
Sliding wardrobes save your space - they can be used even in a narrow corridor, but such furniture cannot be opened completely to look at all sections of the wardrobe at once.
Style and design
Modern furniture production is built in such a way that it is always possible to choose from a huge number of types of finishes the one that is best suited for a particular interior. The cabinet can be made an accent interior element if you choose photomolecular printing for the facades. The choice of photos is simply huge. The facades, divided into several parts, look very beautiful and impressive. This separation can be made with any materials and in various combinations. If the floor in the bedroom is flat, you should purchase a wardrobe installed on a plinth. In cases where there are significant differences in height, it is better to buy a model with adjustable legs.
When choosing a wardrobe for your bedroom, you need to think through its internal contents in advance and pay attention to every detail. A cornice with built-in lamps can add brightness and originality to the cabinet. There is always the opportunity to complement any closet with drawer blocks, convenient pull-out laundry baskets, hangers for ties and belts, trouser racks with various fastening options, organizers, and boxes.
Which room is a closet useful for?
The answer is obvious - for any: bedroom, nursery, living room. Adult clothes are stored in the bedroom, but most often there are also boxes of personal items. In the nursery there are children's clothes and toys. In the living room, cabinets, among other things, also serve a decorative function - they usually have glass doors through which beautiful book tomes or a collection of porcelain can be seen. If the living room is combined with a kitchen, then a large closet is usually chosen with a mixed type of storage: books and necessary small items are stored on open shelves, and dishes, equipment, clothes, and personal items are stored inside.
What size should you choose a cabinet and what does the choice depend on?
The cabinet size should be selected based on the following parameters:
- the number of things that need to be stored;
- the area available in the apartment for installing a cabinet;
- what type of things will you store - do you need open or closed storage;
- what is the required depth, width and height of the cabinet sections.
The standard height of the cabinet is from 2.1 to 2.4 m. The standard filling depth of the sections is about 60 centimeters. If you don’t like tall cabinets that reach the ceiling, then take something low, and place things that don’t have enough space in boxes or wicker baskets that are stored on the floor. In the hallway, where there is not much space, it is better to install a cabinet with a section depth of 45 centimeters.
How to care for cabinets
Regular care of furniture will extend its service life and preserve its original appearance several times over. The rules are as follows:
- Create sufficient ventilation. This is especially important for cabinets made of natural wood and particleboard. If the humidity is high, the cabinet will swell, become heavier, and there is a risk of the doors sagging. Below the norm - it will crack.
- Wet and dry cleaning. If you do the latter regularly, there may be no need for the former. If stains appear due to any reason, then you first need to recognize their nature and then begin to eliminate them. Currently, furniture showrooms offer accompanying cleaning products specially designed for all surfaces.
- Timely repair and restoration. Constant use of the cabinet means loads on the shelves, opening/closing of doors, pressure on the legs. Consequently, they will be prone to breakdowns. If you notice sagging parts of the cabinet in time and do not put off calling a professional or doing the work yourself, the furniture will last a long time.
Compliance with the conditions guarantees the entire period of trouble-free operation.
