CLOSET & WARDROBE
TERMINOLOGY
DECODING WARDROBE TERMINOLOGY
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
Designing and building a wardrobe is an exciting journey, brimming with opportunities for creativity and personal expression.
Imagine transforming your space into a stylish and functional haven with a wardrobe that not only maximises space but also elevates your rooms look & style.
Let's break down the wardrobe jargon and help you make informed decisions with confidence.
WARDROBE TYPES
WALK IN WARDROBE
A spacious wardrobe area, often a small room, where clothes and accessories can be stored and accessed easily. Ideal for those who want a boutique-like experience at home.
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Tip: Plan your layout to maximise storage and ensure easy access to all items.
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Try these links Designing Your Wardrobe Tips on Designing Your Wardrobe Small Wardrobe Ideas
REACH IN WARDROBE
A more compact wardrobe option, typically set into a wall, with doors that slide or open outward. It’s suitable for smaller spaces and still offers ample storage.
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Example: Standard wardrobes and closets in bedrooms often serve as reach-in wardrobes.
Customisable wardrobe kits that you can assemble yourself. They offer flexibility and cost savings but require some handy skills.
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Recommendation: Measure your space accurately before purchasing a DIY wardrobe kit.
For tips on measuring your wardrobe space and a wardrobe installation guide
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WARDROBE STORAGE SOLUTIONS
WARDROBE FOOTPRINT
The total area occupied by the wardrobe on the floor. It's crucial for planning your space effectively.
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Tip: Consider the footprint when deciding between walk-in and reach-in wardrobes. (see above)
WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
Must-have components like rails, shelves, and drawers that make a wardrobe functional and organised.
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Example: A rail for hanging clothes, shelves for folded items, and drawers for small accessories.
WARDROBE ORGANISER SYSTEMS
Systems designed to optimise storage within a wardrobe, often including adjustable shelves, drawers, and hangers. Here you can delve into extendable trouser hangers, jewellery drawers, baskets, drawers for scarves and ties.
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Recommendation: Look for modular systems that can adapt as your storage needs change.
WARDROBE HANGING SPACE
Areas designed for hanging clothes using rails, ideal for suits, dresses, and coats.
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Tip: Ensure you have enough hanging space by varying rail heights for different garment lengths.
WARDROBE SHELVING UNITS
Fixed or adjustable shelves within the wardrobe used for storing folded clothes, shoes, and other items.
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Example: Use shelves for jeans, t-shirts, and jumpers.
WARDROBE DRAWER INSERTS
Accessories that fit inside drawers to organise smaller items like jewellery or ties.
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Recommendation: Choose inserts with adjustable compartments for flexibility.
WARDROBE LAYOUT
The design and arrangement of shelves, hanging spaces, and drawers within a wardrobe to maximise efficiency.
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Tip: Sketch your layout before assembly to ensure everything fits.
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Try these links Tips on Designing Your Wardrobe 17 Design Tips Designing Your Wardrobe
WARDROBE MATERIAL TERMINOLOGY
MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard)
A popular and affordable material used for making wardrobe panels and doors, known for its smooth finish and versatility. MDF can be left raw or painted to suit your wardrobe style
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Tip: Seal MDF edges before painting to achieve a smooth finish.
WARDROBE RAIL
A metal or wooden bar for hanging clothes within a wardrobe, essential for keeping garments wrinkle-free.
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Example: Double rails to maximise vertical space in all wardrobes.
EDGE PROFILE
The shape of the edge of a wardrobe door or shelf, which can be flat, rounded, or decorative.
WARDROBE TRACKS
Essential components in sliding wardrobes, tracks allow doors to glide smoothly. Made from durable materials like aluminium or steel, they provide stability and minimise noise during door movement.
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Tip: Regularly clean tracks to prevent dust build-up which can impede the sliding mechanism.
LAMINATE
A thin, protective layer applied to surfaces such as wardrobe doors or panels, offering diverse design options and ease of maintenance.
Laminate is valued for its resistance to scratches and moisture.
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Recommendation: Opt for high-quality laminate to ensure longevity and resilience against daily wear and tear. We use and recommend Polytec laminate with over 30 finish choices
PANELS
The main structural elements of a wardrobe, panels can be constructed from various materials including MDF, plywood, or particleboard.
They serve as the framework for doors, sides, and back of the wardrobe.
WARDROBE DRAWER COMPONENTS
These include the base, sides, and back of the drawer, commonly made from materials like MDF or plywood. Quality drawer components ensure functionality and durability under frequent use.
WARDROBE HARDWARE
Components like handles, hinges, and tracks that are integral to the functioning and style of the wardrobe.
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Recommendation: Opt for hardware that matches other elements in the room for a cohesive look.
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WARDROBE LIGHTING
Solutions for illuminating the inside of a wardrobe, enhancing visibility and aesthetics.
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Tip: Consider LED strip lights for energy-efficient, shadow-free lighting.
WARDROBE DOOR TYPES
WARDROBE SLIDING DOOR OPTIONS
Various styles of sliding doors are available, each offering a unique aesthetic and functionality.
Framed Sliding Doors:
These doors come with a border or frame around the panels, providing extra support and durability. The frames can be made from materials like aluminum or wood, and they add a defined, structured look to the doors.
Framed doors are often preferred for their robustness and the ability to incorporate different materials within the frame, such as glass, mirror or timber panels.
Frameless Sliding Doors:
As the name suggests, these doors lack a visible frame, creating a seamless and minimalist design.
Frameless doors are often made from glass and provide a sleek, contemporary appearance. They are ideal for modern interiors where a clean, uncluttered look is desired.
Although they may not offer the same level of structural support as framed doors, they make up for it with their stylish and elegant appeal.
Mirror Sliding Doors:
These doors feature mirrored panels, which serve the dual purpose of acting as a wardrobe door and a full-length mirror.
Mirror sliding doors are particularly beneficial in small rooms, as they reflect light and create the illusion of more space, making a room appear larger and brighter. They add functionality and style, combining utility with a modern aesthetic.
HINGED WARDROBE DOOR OPTIONS
Hinged wardrobe doors are a traditional option, but they require space to open outward, which can be limiting in smaller rooms. Unlike sliding doors, which glide effortlessly along tracks and save space, hinged doors can feel impractical in tighter areas.
We hope this guide has cleared up some of the terminology you might come across when shopping for a wardrobe.
With this knowledge in hand, you’re ready to confidently choose the perfect option for your space!
Ready to find the wardrobe that fits your style and needs? Check out our collection, and if you have any questions or need a little guidance, feel free to contact the team at Melbourne wardrobes online.
Happy Renovating!