The wardrobe is an essential component of any bedroom. Before its invention, people used to store their clothes in chests. When the need for a bigger and better storage mechanism arose, the wardrobe was introduced. Back then, a closet was a room with shelves and lockers. The standalone piece came into existence much later.
The hanging rail was made to hang robes belonging to the wealthy, mostly the ruling class. It prevented the folding of fine linen used to make such clothes. At the time, the wardrobes were so big that you could fit in several people comfortably. Oak was the preferred wood until its reduction forced artisans to use American walnut.
Wardrobes became much smaller at the beginning of the 19th century. They were, nevertheless, mostly used by the rich. Also, manufacturers started using premium woods sourced from mahogany, satinwood, and other hardwoods that were previously hard to acquire.
Full-length wardrobes became popular during the Victorian period. This was also the time that mirrors started appearing on wardrobes, with the bottom section having shelves and drawers.
Although freestanding alternatives are still prevalent, many homeowners prefer custom built-in wardrobes. You can style them to fit any room, meaning that space is used optimally. Furthermore, you can also customize them to suit your taste and match the décor of your bedroom.
Types of Modern Wardrobes
Nowadays, homeowners are not limited to a single kind of wardrobe. Depending on your storage needs and style preferences, there are several types of wardrobes present on the market.
Here are the most common types of closets in contemporary bedrooms.
Sliding-door Wardrobes
Sliding wardrobes are an advanced version of hinged closets. The number of doors on this model depends on the availability of space. It is ideal for areas with little spaces because the sliding doors do not take up as much room as regular doors.
Hinged Wardrobes
These are the most common wardrobe variant in the market. Because of their popularity, hinged closets are available in a range of options. However, you must leave enough space for opening the doors when you want to access the inside.
Walk-in Wardrobes
If you have room and the money, you should invest in a walk-in closet. They have a vast storage room for clothes and other personal stuff. A typical walk-in wardrobe has shelves and hanging rails on all three walls. It could also have a dressing area and seat at the center.
Built-in Wardrobes
As mentioned earlier, a lot of people are abandoning hinged wardrobes in favour of built-in alternatives. Although they are not as big as walk-in wardrobes, they make effective use of space. They can adopt any shape you want. You can also use a combination of sliding and hinged doors. Furthermore, you also get to pick the finish and the colour of the wardrobe, which is challenging if you want the standalone models.
Conclusion
Overall, the wardrobe has undergone significant evolution since its introduction years ago. From a furniture piece that was only owned by the rich, it is now a must-have installation for every bedroom.
Read Also:
Choosing the right built in wardrobe for your bedroom
How a wardrobe can bring your room to life
