In a rapidly modernising time, we see many new and innovative materials enter the world of interior design and fitted wardrobes. And yet, the oldest materials often continue to reign supreme; we’re referring, of course, to wooden wardrobes. The use of wood has evolved with time – solid wood, processed, veneered, carved, embellished – there are a hundred different ways to use it to create a bespoke wardrobe that best reflects your inner aficionado.
While wooden wardrobes do have a timeless charm, are they really the right choice for contemporary interiors? Let’s delve into all that goes into selecting the perfect luxury wardrobe
Wooden wardrobes bring a lot to the table. Perhaps their strongest suit is the structural integrity that they offer. Solid wood is arguably the best material – perfect for those who prefer strength and durability. Their shelves will never bend or crack under the weight of your precious belongings as most synthetic materials tend to. Their rustic nature adds a touch of warmth to even the coldest of spaces; spaces that lack texture, colour and personality. The versatile nature of wood allows for the exploration of a variety of designs, grains, and finishes so you don’t have to compromise on your design values. Despite all its perks, many tend to shy away from using wooden wardrobes as they worry about coming across as old-fashioned. Two popular alternatives are glass and metal wardrobes.
Glass wardrobes are completely opposite to wooden in nature. Where wood is more timeless, glass is contemporary. Smoked and textured glass offers a clear yet slightly concealed look. It exhibits a modernist style and uplifts your space. A major advantage is how it often gives the effect of a walk-in wardrobe. However, due to its transparent nature, we often recommend it to be used in combination with wooden or metal compartments to create visual harmony.
The sleek metal is a stark contrast to wood, and many prefer its minimalised finish. Like wood, metal is also a long-lasting and strong choice. Powder-coating allows for scratch and rust resistance which ensures a value for money. It’s also quite easy to clean and sanitise due to its non-porous nature. However, there’s not a lot of room for creativity with this material as compared to wood and it can come across as boring after some time. This can possibly be because metal wardrobes have only recently made their way indoors. On the other hand, wooden wardrobes are available in a variety of finishes, grains, colours and designs which allows you to choose a style that speaks to you.
Hardwoods like solid oak, walnut, maple and cherry are popular due to the luxury they infuse into their surroundings. They’re often considered synonymous with expensive taste. Hardwood wardrobes are extremely durable and can withstand heavy loads. Humidity, extreme heat, dryness - the beauty of wood lies in its ability to survive a variety of climatic conditions without breaking apart. All you need to do is ensure that your wardrobe is properly cleaned, dried and oiled as required - a little care will go a long way.
Softwoods like pine and cedar are not as strong as solid wood. They even come across as slightly cheaper as they do not hold the luxurious integrity that hardwood effortlessly infuses into its surroundings. Those who know their interiors can differentiate the two types from a mile away because of the difference in their finishing. Hardwood is usually deeper in colour, has defined grain lines and weighs more.
As industrialization takes over our interior spaces, we often forget to incorporate nature into our lifestyles. Solid wood wardrobes can bring a part of the outside to your room. Their ability to channel the warmth of nature adds a warm glow to the bedroom. Here are some of the main benefits of these wardrobes:
The regal grains of solid wood add tones of luxury that are simply not possible with other man-made materials. A high-quality solid wooden wardrobe will immediately add value to your bedroom.
There was a time when you heard the words ‘wooden wardrobe’ your mind immediately jumped to a classic, deep Mahogany wood wardrobe in all its daunting glory. Times, tastes and trends have greatly evolved since then. Don’t we all seek to create a haven that juxtaposes the noise and worries of the outside world? Interiors that reflect quiet and muted luxury. So, it comes as no surprise to us when so many of our clients seek out a white wooden wardrobe for their luxury interiors.
A white wardrobe made from high-quality materials is just as trendy as it is classic. White is suitable as a base colour, or as a complementary addition to a vast range of brighter colour schemes and bedroom furniture. The versatile nature of white makes it one of the safest options when looking for a luxurious wardrobe.
When adding wardrobes to a bedroom, a common concern is that they can make a room feel smaller, especially where space is a consideration. A white wardrobe subtly counters that by creating the impression of space by reflecting light.
When asked to conjure up the image of a luxurious interior space it’s almost certain that colour schemes with light neutral shades, pastel surfaces and – certainly white will come to mind. White has a subtle way of adding elegance. You can never go wrong with a stunning white wardrobe if you want a luxe space that tends away from being ostentatious.
When choosing wood for your wardrobe, one question will inevitably come up – will you choose light or dark? So, how does one decide? A wardrobe is one of the most personal, individualised parts of your home and needs to be in perfect alignment with the ambience you wish to instil in your interiors. Bedroom wardrobes, in particular, are one of the largest furniture items in the room and will carry a strong visual impact in creating an area that reflects your personality.
So when choosing your wood, you need to go over some basic parameters; the size of your room, the colour scheme you want to work on, the style of your other furniture items, and most importantly – your personal taste.
When it comes to your own preferences, you may find that current trends don’t suit you, which is fine. In this space, it’s sometimes encouraged to buck the trend and choose what feels best to you.
A dark wooden wardrobe is a great option if you desire to channel a sense of mystery and intrigue through your interiors. It’s a bolder choice and will accentuate the presence of your wardrobe when used tastefully. If the wardrobe matches certain furniture items or accent pieces in your space, the result will be a cohesive and well-put-together setting. One downside is that darker woods tend to create a closed-up effect in smaller rooms. This effect can be offset by surrounding them with lighter furniture items and creating better lighting around them.
A light wood sliding wardrobe or double wardrobe with hinged doors can create an airy, spacious feel in your room. Many modern interior designers will recommend that you use light wood, particularly if you want a more contemporary, refreshing style. A great tip from our designers is to follow the colour scheme of your walls to create a seamless flow in your room. One possible drawback of this finish is that lighter woods generally require a little more maintenance and they might make even the smallest imperfections or marks more apparent over time.
A well-designed wardrobe can alter how you experience the parts of your life between events, as spending time in a space that feels uniquely yours can improve your mental well-being, and having your possessions efficiently organised is a huge aid in living a productive lifestyle. We at FCI love bringing wardrobe ideas to life and proudly host the largest luxury furniture and fitted wardrobe showroom in London. So let our expert design team consult, advise and guide you to achieve the wardrobe of your dreams.
Whether you're looking for a sliding door wardrobe, walk-in or hinged wardrobe, we specialise in designing the most stunning fitted wooden wardrobes, tailored to meet your needs and aesthetic. Our German-designed and Italian-made wardrobes are completely customisable so no matter what your personal taste or spatial requirements – we will find the perfect solution to enhance your interiors in style.
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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