Storage is home and interior design's latest buzzword, especially in today's efficiency focussed world. Naturally, homeowners and designers alike are considering areas where storage can’t be compromised, and this means the most lived in areas of the home, particularly bedrooms. Storage innovation has been particularly prevalent in the realm of fitted wardrobes, and this is reflected especially by well-built, fitted sliding wardrobe. Not only do these wardrobes create space on the inside, but without swinging doors, they save space on the outside giving you more room to manoeuvre and design your room with one less space-related consideration to make.
Luxury wardrobes are not just for the bedroom and with the option of sleek sliding doors that can easily disappear into the wall you can fit a wardrobe anywhere you need discreet storage that does not disturb your home design.
There is no doubt that ample storage in your home is good. It reduces clutter and makes room for living, but sliding door wardrobes have a few extra advantages.
While providing sleek and well-hidden storage puts sliding-door wardrobes ahead of hinge-door wardrobes, both take up space in a room. Modern living has a lot to do with the accumulation of things, that inevitably need to be put somewhere and although we try to minimise the living space they take up there is always a loss of space. By choosing sliding doors that do not require swing space when opening and closing, you can fit wardrobes in places that could otherwise be wasted, spaces that don’t have swing space and behind other furniture for things you do not need or use regularly. This is a great benefit for smaller homes where space is at a premium and every centimetre saved counts.
Although the function is the same there are differences between fitted and freestanding wardrobes that go beyond how the wardrobes are made. Fitted wardrobes are built into and attached to your walls while freestanding wardrobes are pieces of complete and movable furniture.
Fitted wardrobes take more consideration from consultation to completion, but it is during this time that they can be customised to suit your space and your style including whether you prefer sliding doors to swinging hinged doors. Fitted wardrobes are made specifically for the space they’ll occupy, making them the ideal choice for irregularly shaped rooms or spaces and smaller homes. While you can not take fitted wardrobes with you if you move, they do increase the value of your property, especially when fitted well. Although, like all home improvement projects, wardrobe fitting does run a risk of damage to your home, with experienced, professional carpenters and workmen, this is unlikely.
Buying new wardrobes can be a big investment and change the look and feel of your home permanently. Based on your space, the likelihood of you moving, the number of wardrobes you want and the style of wardrobes you are interested in you should first decide if you want fitted or freestanding wardrobes.
Both types of wardrobes can have sliding doors, but fitted wardrobes offer you more room for customisation which comes with more benefits over time. Customising your sliding door wardrobe is a great idea for small spaces, areas that are not shaped or sized to standard wardrobes, and if you want to disguise your wardrobes.
The interior of most wardrobes is made of engineered wood which is durable and sturdy and can hold a considerable amount of weight. It is covered in a smooth veneer, which can allow for a very wide range of finishing options.
The outside of the wardrobes can be made of a variety of materials often chosen for their aesthetic contribution to the room. The most popular of these materials are chosen to suit and complement the style of the room or to serve a dual purpose as both a wardrobe door and something else like a mirror or accent wall where appropriate.
Solid wood is a classic choice and can be carved and embellished for an old-world charm inspired by antiques and vintage wardrobes. These types of wardrobes are not generally made for sliding doors, but can sometimes be customised to this style.
Reclaimed wood is another popular wood choice with a rugged and unpretentious look that appeals not only to design sensibilities but also to eco-friendly sentiments.
Wardrobes in bedrooms, bathrooms and at the end of hallways can benefit from mirrored doors that reflect light, make the room look and feel bigger and have the very practical function of being an actual mirror.
A non-reflective glass which also comes with the benefit of making the room look bigger and less cluttered is another option. To conceal the contents of the wardrobe the glass can be frosted, tinted and for tech lovers smart glass can be used with several functions.
Metal and steel are both versatile and can contribute to several styles and decor motifs when used along with other materials.
The mechanism for a wardrobe sliding door works differently from the traditional hinge and will need a different kind of care.
The door slides on a track on the top and bottom of the door and dust and debris can easily get caught on the track ruining the mechanism over time and making opening and closing your doors less smooth.
Regularly wiping down and dusting off the rails is essential. Avoid using liquids and polishes that could erode the and rust the track. If the track does rust, you might need to replace it which is not.
Although necessary in every home, storage does not always fit the aesthetic vision you might be trying to achieve in your home and can create its own clutter, making the room look over-furnished even with the most beautiful wardrobe designs. Having too much visible storage can change the atmosphere in your home, making it feel more like a storage room or container and less like a home - this is where sliding wardrobes come in with their sleek aesthetics that are perfect for modern spaces.
FCI London has sold thousands of wardrobes in over 35 years, growing and evolving with the furniture design world as it caters to the changing needs of our clientele. Staying on the pulse of innovation and the latest luxury designs, we bring the best wardrobe designs from all over the world to our London showroom.
With one of the largest furniture collections in the UK and a wide variety of fitted and freestanding wardrobes, we offer a guided tour of the world of wardrobes with experienced and knowledgeable interior designers who can guide you through our designer collections and customisation options complete with trusted artisans on the ready to give you a hassle-free installation.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft.showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary and traditional coffee tables, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
Book your appointment today!
If you need advice on your layout, then take advantage of our free design consultation. Simply make an appointment to visit our award-winning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options, ensuring that you end up with the wardrobe of your dreams.
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