Moving from the traditional wardrobe layout to a corner one can be a significant change, however, there are considerable benefits when it is done right. A corner fitted wardrobe is designed to fit into an L-shaped opening in the room. Although this look can be achieved by placing traditional wardrobes in this formation, corner wardrobes offer the ideal functionality.
As far back as the 18th century, interior designers understood the importance of space and strived to leave as much of it open as possible. Although at the time the idea of luxury interior design was anything but minimalist, furniture was arranged to make the most of a room, including the introduction of corner wardrobes. Fitted wardrobes were only introduced much later.
It might not seem like it at first but moving from having your wardrobes in a row against the wall to having them in a corner can be a big change.According to our wardrobe experts, while the advantages of corner wardrobes are clear, the disadvantages are not exactly deal breakers. But both of these are worth considering before you make your final decision.
The corners of a room are sometimes referred to as dead space because they are not often used and can easily be neglected. Utilisation of this space makes optimum use of an area that would have been otherwise vacant.A walk-in wardrobe or a dressing room may not be convenient for smaller rooms and in such scenarios, these wardrobes are the ideal choice.
There are many innovative storage solutions for small bedrooms, some more effective than others, but none as efficient as corner wardrobes. The advantage that these wardrobes offer over other storage solutions is that they do not force you to compromise on the comfort and convenience of having a wardrobe with multiple storage options.
A corner wardrobe is versatile and convenient. It utilises space that would otherwise have remained dead. These wardrobes take up both vertical and horizontal space, making them ideal fillers for any corner. Moreover, they would not obstruct windows or disrupt the aesthetics of the room.
There are benefits to both built-in and freestanding corner wardrobes however built-in wardrobes are an obvious choice if you are looking to make the best use of your space.
Freestanding wardrobes are portable, thereby making it easier for you to change the look of the room whenever you feel like it. However, when it comes to customisation, freestanding wardrobes are limited and cannot offer the same versatility as built-in wardrobes, especially as corner units. Built-in wardrobes can accommodate more versatile configurations and storage options.
Fitted wardrobes are designed to fit into the space to make the most of the entire dead space. However, freestanding wardrobes are built to be versatile and are unlikely to fit perfectly into the same space. Both wardrobe types can be customised to make them functional as corner wardrobes, but this will then limit the versatility of a freestanding wardrobe. If you ever want to move your customised freestanding wardrobe out of the corner it may look odd.
The most commonly used material to build corner wardrobes is wood because it is sturdy, durable and a great material to be cut and shaped to suit a specific space and function easily.
Other materials like glass and metal can also be used, but they are best suited to secondary functions. Different types of wood are used to make the parts of wardrobes with chipboards. Engineering wood is usually used to build the inside of the wardrobe and sometimes the doors as well. When covered in the veneer of your choice, the plywood or chipboard can take on any colour or even mimic other materials like metals, stone and different types of wood.
If solid wood is used in the making of your wardrobe, it is most likely used for the doors and would need strong hinges. Solid wood is considered to be the best quality of wood however it is also generally heavier than other wood products used in furniture manufacturing.
When considering corner wardrobes, choosing the right door mechanism is even more important since the choice could impact the functionality of your wardrobe.
Sliding doors are a sleek and modern option that can contribute to considerable space savings. Since you do not need to consider swing space for opening and closing doors, sliding doors can also offer more possibilities in terms of the corner you choose to put your wardrobes in. The most notable drawback is that you may only be able to open one door at a time if your doors slide inwards.
Hinge doors may also have a similar problem if the wardrobes are not specifically customised as corner wardrobes. A benefit of hinge doors is that the inside of the doors can be accessed, thereby creating the opportunity for hanging storage inside the wardrobe for scarves, belts, shoes and even jewelry.
Corners are sometimes known to interior designers as dead space because they are forgotten areas that can often collect clutter. At a time when homes are growing ever more minimalist, it is imperative to utilise the unused spaces in imaginative ways.
Adding floor-to-ceiling wardrobes to the corner can make the empty space seem even darker and more crowded. To avoid this while still making use of the corner for your wardrobes, you should lighten the corners and also pay attention to the other walls in the room. If you prefer darker colours, use a combination of materials, light and dark colours. Mirrors and glass would also bring light to the room.
Using dark doors for your corner wardrobes can make the space look small, cramped and cluttered. Light colours can make a room look more spacious and airy. Glass and mirrors on the doors of your wardrobe reflect light with a similar effect.
The size of your wardrobe can be limited by the length of your walls, windows and doors that may be close to the corner you have earmarked, thereby making the positioning awkward.
The placement of your wardrobes can also change how the rest of your furniture is arranged. This can impact the look and feel of your bedroom. Consider your whole set-up and not just the wardrobes when you decide on a corner unit.
There is room for your wardrobe from the floor to the ceiling, but you do not have to use all of it. Full-length cabinets have been popular for many years, however, more and more people are choosing to leave a gap at the tops of their wardrobes which can serve as a shelf holding decorative pieces or displayable storage like baskets. Full-length cupboards offer storage at the top for things you don’t always use but are not conveniently accessible for most people.
Not all wardrobes can be used as corner wardrobes. When traditional wardrobes are arranged in a corner opening, more than one door at a time can become impossible with some doors becoming unusable. Consider how you want your wardrobes arranged before you buy them and if possible have them appropriately customised.
Your wardrobes aren’t just for storage. They contribute to the look and feel of your bedroom and set the tone for your movable furniture and decor. Choosing the right wardrobe and the right wardrobe placement has become easier over the years with more options, including corner wardrobes, becoming available and designed to suit different styles and size needs.
We at FCI know this better than most, having furnished the homes of our clients for decades with the best luxury furniture made by globally renowned designers. Our well-thought-out collection of corner wardrobes offers customisable options and personal collaboration with your professional interior designers to build the wardrobe of your dreams.
FCI London is the foremost lifestyle and furniture house in the United Kingdom, with almost four decades of experience. We have built our position by supplying high-grade bespoke furnishings, furniture, and lifestyle offerings and through our attention to detail, personal service, and customisation expertise. We urge all discerning customers to head to our establishment, check out our extensive offerings of wardrobes, and have a meeting with our experts for a complete revamp of their residences.
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.
Transparency's kind of our thing.
Here's what real customers have to say about us.
