What does a wardrobe consist of and what should you pay attention to when choosing it?

Category: Sliding wardrobes. Published: April 21, 2020 12:22 pm
Types of cabinets:

• A wardrobe is a piece of furniture with walls, a bottom, a top cover, and doors, that is, it has a full-fledged body. Such a cabinet is relatively mobile (depending on its weight), because not tied to the walls. The door mechanism of such a cabinet is usually hinged or folding (the latter is popularly called a “book” or “accordion”).
• A sliding wardrobe can be not only cabinet-mounted, but also built-in or partially built-in, that is, it may not have one or more body components: walls, bottom, upper horizon. For its equipment, architectural elements of the apartment are used: niches, alcoves, partitions, which are equipped with several linear or corner shelving. It is characterized by a large capacity and a sliding door design, and is absolutely not mobile.

Now let's learn more about each type of cabinet.

Cabinet functions and characteristics

Cabinet characteristics:

• dimensions (width, height, depth);
• materials of the body, side panels (wood, plastic, glass, chipboard);
• quantity and location of components (pull-out cabinets, shelves, partitions, hangers, mezzanines);
• door opening mechanism (hinged, sliding);
• number of doors (one-, two-, three-leaf);
• elements of fittings and fasteners;
• decorative details and finishing of facades;
• shape (straight, angular, rectangular);
• type of product (built-in, free-standing);
• stylistics (classical, folklore, modern).

Perform the following functions:

• storage of things and small parts,
• functional filling,
• expanding or saving space in the room,
• addition to the style of the room.

Cabinet components:

• mesh shelves and baskets;
• pull-out cabinets for small parts;
• hangers with hooks;
• shelves for shoes;
• trouser holders;
• hangers for ties, hooks, cufflinks;
• microlifts.

Accessories for sliding wardrobes include handle profiles, sets of guides and overhead rollers, stoppers, insert brushes, and door latches.

Advantages and disadvantages of sliding wardrobes

What is the reason for such a high popularity of furniture of this type? Let's take a closer look:

• in the wardrobe, the storage space is optimally used for its intended purpose;
• individual filling and modeling of the internal space can be done together with a specialist, expressing your comments and wishes;
• the use of such a design will not only give the interior exclusivity, but will also help hide some shortcomings, for example, uneven walls or ceilings, if any.

Among the disadvantages, only high labor and material costs in manufacturing are noted, compared to cabinet furniture, which significantly increases the cost of the structure.

pros

Pros of built-in wardrobes:

• save room space;
• perfect fit of the case to the walls, floor, ceiling;
• prices for such structures are lower, because less materials are used for the frame;
• sustainability;
• good sound insulation characteristics;
• visually smooth out uneven walls;
• high capacity.

Advantages of free-standing cabinets:

• do not require additional design costs;
• they can be placed in any convenient place;
• transportation is possible.

Advantages of sliding wardrobes:

• spaciousness and functionality;
• variety of internal contents;
• suitable for narrow spaces;
• variety of design;
• zoning of the premises is possible;
• space saving.

Advantages of cabinets with hinged doors:

• are distinguished by durable fastening;
• long service life;
• in case of breakdowns, there is no need to remove the entire façade of the structure;
• practicality.

Varieties of design

Modern cabinets are characterized by a wide range. Products are divided into the following types:

1. Corpus. This is a separate structure consisting of a back wall, sides, doors, bottom and top cover. Most often installed along walls. Doors can be hinged or sliding. Such furniture can be easily disassembled, moved around the room, and transported to another room.
2. Built-in. The elements of this design are the walls, floor, and ceiling of the room. Most often, to arrange cabinets, room niches are used, into which the internal contents are installed - shelves, drawers, baskets, pantographs - and closed with sliding doors to save space. Ultimately, the structure becomes an integral part of the interior and cannot be moved.
3. Partially built-in. They differ from the previous version in that they provide a housing on one side. Such models are mounted in the corner of the room. Indispensable for small apartments, they save space.
4. Modular. They consist of several sections, similar in style, color, and material. They can be combined, connected or placed separately in different parts of the room. Such a system is mobile, functional, and allows you to benefit from the space of the room.

Interior compatibility of cabinets in wenge color, placement nuances

Hull

Built-in

Partially built

Modular
In addition to design features, the shape of the furniture is also taken into account when classifying. According to this parameter, the main types of cabinets are as follows:

1. Direct. The most common and universal model. Located along the wall. Serves for storing clothes, shoes, dishes, linen. Such designs are spacious and consist of many drawers, shelves, and rods. Provide easy access to items. They are made in different sizes and colors, so you can choose the right option for any room.
2. Angular. They have an L-shape to save space. Great for small rooms. Used to store clothes, shoes, accessories. Placed in the bedroom, hallway. They are often made to order, so the design can be adapted to any room.
3. Radial. Modern models that are distinguished by streamlined shapes. The facade can be convex, concave or wavy. This piece of furniture can fit into any interior style. The wardrobe will not take up much space; thanks to its functionality, it can replace a chest of drawers, a cabinet, or a wardrobe. Such models are located in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways.

Both straight and corner cabinet models are radius. Their main advantage is the rational use of space: thanks to the curved design, the products fit into places inappropriate for other furniture.

Straight

Angular

Radial

Minuses

Cons of built-in wardrobes:

• structures cannot be moved around the house or transported;
• they damage the walls;
• high complexity of assembly.

Disadvantages of free-standing cabinets:

• take up a lot of space;
• it is difficult to combine such models with other headsets;
• the capacity is less than in built-in furniture.

Disadvantages of sliding wardrobes:

• break quickly due to loose fittings or improper use;
• complex installation;
• A flat floor is required for installation.

Disadvantages of cabinets with hinged doors:

• limited height of the structure;
• a small number of decorative inserts;
• the stability of the structure depends on the errors of the floors or walls.

How to choose a cabinet

• Pay attention to the dimensions of the structure. Estimate the depth, height and width of the model. The standard depth is 60-65 centimeters. In hallways, sets with a depth of 40 centimeters are used.

Remember that 10 centimeters of the depth of the product are occupied by the doors. When choosing a wardrobe, consider the number of things that should fit in it. Choose functional and dimensional furniture. The more compartments and compartments there are in the design, the better.

The space is measured at three points: central, right and left. The discrepancy in size can be easily removed using a false panel - a special board made of chipboard.

If the ceiling is higher than three meters, then the cabinets are equipped with mezzanines. By special order, aluminum doors can be made up to the ceiling; steel structures reach a height of 2.75 m.

• When purchasing, you should take into account the features of the floor on which the structure will stand. If it is made of linoleum or parquet, you will need a special underlay. “Liquid nails” or silicone sealant are placed on the tiles.

It is not recommended to use underlay on such floors, since a lot of water remains on them after washing.

• The cabinet should fit into the overall design of the room and match the color of the wallpaper and furniture. Light shades have a calming effect and are suitable for bedrooms and children's rooms.

Yellow and green tones lift your spirits. Blue color evokes negative emotions. To visually reduce the size of furniture, choose dark colors.

• Most often, structures are installed in bedrooms. Such furniture should have hangers and sections for folding linen. Models with two-tier construction of rods are practical.

See if there are pull-out cabinets for storing underwear and small items. Open side panels and mirrored facades with built-in lamps that provide background lighting look good.

• When choosing a closet for the hallway, provide compartments for storing clothes and shoes, several sections for small items, umbrellas or gloves. The set must have a mirror.

For hallways, a profitable option would be furniture equipped with halogen lamps for main or background lighting.

• A wardrobe installed in the living room should have compartments for storing things, linen, cutlery, and plates. Provide a central section for a TV or other equipment, family photos and various little things that decorate the interior.
• Open corner shelves look good. There are models with built-in desks and open shelves for storing books that will fit well into a spacious living room.
• You can hide uneven walls and save space using built-in wardrobes. When choosing such models, remember: the structures cannot be moved to another location.
• Wardrobes for children's rooms should be bright and unusual. It is better to choose such furniture with your child; he will tell you which cartoon characters should be on the facades.

Don't forget about the functionality of the headset. When designing, take into account the age, height of the child, and the possibility of altering the furniture.

• Pay attention to what the side panels and lids of the wardrobe are made of. For the manufacture of the body, chipboard, fiberboard, and MDF are most often used. Do not buy plasterboard products, they are fragile and will not be able to withstand such a load.
• The doors of sliding wardrobes must be strong and not slip off the wheels. Pay attention to models in which the wheels of the running system are made of Teflon-coated plastic; ordinary plastic will not last more than six months.
• To determine how functional a door is, you need to understand whether it can provide free access to drawers and hangers, and whether there will be hard-to-reach areas in the closet.

• Choose steel profiles for doors, they are stronger than aluminum and will last longer. The width of one door should be no more than 1 meter; it is difficult to move massive doors, which leads to breakage of the fittings.
• To visually expand the hallway space, cabinets with mirrored doors are suitable. Pay attention to the presence of a special film; it adds strength to the structure, protects against mechanical damage and extends its service life.

Doors with handles will be more convenient to use. Such structures are not recommended for installation in bedrooms.

• Pay attention to decorative elements: photo printing, films with landscapes or still lifes. They must match the design of the room.

Design options

Most often, the central element in the room is the closet, so it should harmoniously resonate with the rest of the interior. Combination of furniture and main design trends:

1. Modern styles - minimalism, hi-tech, modern, loft - laconic, restrained, preferring simple solutions, without decoration, with clear symmetry. Cabinets with a smooth glossy or mirror surface are suitable for such an interior. The facade can be one-color or two-color, complemented by fittings made of plastic or chromed metal.
2. Provence. A closet in this style should be neat and bright. The facades are solid or glass. Curved legs, threads, and forged handles are required.
3. Country. The style prefers solid wood products. The cabinet should be unpainted, natural, so that the grain of the wood is visible. You can supplement the front surface with glass inserts or milling.

Types of modern cabinets, placement tips from designers

It is customary to decorate the facades of modern cabinets. For mirror and glass surfaces, sandblasting patterns or photo printing are suitable. You can choose drawings of various styles and directions. They are easy to apply and the finished surfaces are easy to maintain.

Another option for decorating facades is half-timbered timber. It imitates the design of houses made using the same technology. Most often used on mirrored models or cabinets for children's rooms. Designer painting is suitable for a façade made of any material. The main thing is to choose the right colors and come up with a design option. So, from a typical, unremarkable product you can create a unique piece of furniture.

Minimalism

High tech

Modern

Loft

Classic

Provence

Country

Sandblasting patterns

Photo printing

Half-timbered

Which is better

Best wardrobe:

• fits the room in size, does not weigh down the room;
• visually expands and saves space;
• looks good against the background of the overall design, suits the room in style and color;
• equipped with the required number of compartments, which have an advantageous location;
• has durable fastening and fittings;
• roomy, functional;
• has a stylish finish.

How to use and care correctly

Recommendations for caring for cabinets:

• Maintain the required indoor microclimate. The temperature in the room should not exceed 45 degrees and be below 5 degrees. Air humidity is 55-75 percent.

Increased moisture levels lead to deformation of structures and the formation of cracks in wooden products.

• If abrasive substances come into contact with the surface of the cabinet, the panel coating is damaged. Wipe the products with a well-wrung microfiber cloth.
• Protect the structure from direct sunlight. Do not place a heater, electric fireplace or other appliances near the cabinet. This will lead to damage to the fittings, fastenings, and parts will have to be replaced with new ones.

Do not place hot objects on the surface of the furniture without thermal insulation.

• Make sure that there is no dust on the guide profile and wheels. Use a hand vacuum cleaner and wipe down the parts. These elements ensure smooth door movement. Special care is needed for the lower profile of the structure.

Clean retractable mechanisms from dust and lubricate if necessary.

• To remove stains from furniture, make a slightly diluted soap solution and apply it to the surface with a soft sponge in a circular motion. Then remove it with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

Do not use rough brushes or materials that may damage the surface of the headset.

• It is not recommended to wipe mirrored facades with window cleaners. In this case, clouding of the glass will occur. Use cleaning products for mirror surfaces or ammonia solution: 1 ml. for 1 l. warm water.

It is better to clean metal parts using dry cleaning.

• Make sure there is an even load on the cabinet shelves. Do not overload clothes rails and upper shelves, as this may compromise the stability of the structure. Place heavy objects closer to the support, light things should be in the center.

Incorrect operation will lead to loosening of fasteners and deformation of fittings.

• When rearranging, unload the set, remove loose elements, and, if necessary, dismantle the doors.
• It is prohibited to store chemically active substances in the cabinet sections, which can lead to destruction of the surfaces of the product.
• Protect furniture from all kinds of mechanical damage: scratches, dents, cracks, use sharp objects carefully.
• Doors and cabinets should be opened perpendicular to the plane of these elements, using minimal effort.

Internal filling of a wardrobe and planning rules

If the strength and stability of the cabinet depends on the design features of the cabinet, then its internal equipment is responsible for functionality and ease of use. The main elements of furniture equipment for storing clothes are:

• shelves;
• mezzanine;
• rods.

Shelves for clothes are a surface made of MDF boards, solid wood or chipboard. The thickness of the shelves must be sufficient to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the equipment element. When choosing a module, you should pay attention to the way the storage systems are attached to the frame. In high-quality products, the shelves should be tied to the sidewalls with special fittings.

The mezzanine is a long shelf located under the top lid of the cabinet. The mezzanine shelf is used to store seasonal clothing, hats, blankets and other bedding.

A rod is an element of internal equipment designed for hanging items of clothing on hangers. Crossbars are used for storing outerwear, dresses, shirts and suits. The rods are made of wood or steel. In the designs of tall cabinets, pantographs can be used for hanging wardrobe items - rods equipped with a mechanism for lowering and raising.

A typical layout of a double-leaf model consists of a wardrobe compartment, a mezzanine and a section with shelves. The internal space of the module can be supplemented with drawers, trouser racks, devices for hanging ties, and mesh shoe baskets.

Guarantee

The warranty period ranges from 1 to 25 years depending on the manufacturer. Free service is provided only upon presentation of the furniture passport and warranty card. Carried out if there is a manufacturing defect about which the buyer was not warned.

The following are not considered a manufacturing defect:

• features of the product materials that are associated with the stylistic idea;
• minor differences in texture or shades of materials;
• wrinkles on the front side of the product that disappear after smoothing by hand;
• light or dark knots up to 15 mm, pockets up to 20 mm long on the front side of the structure.

The warranty is not provided in the following cases:

• failure to comply with the conditions and requirements for the operation of the product;
• the product shows mechanical damage and defects that indicate the use of the product;
• causing damage, making changes to the design, getting foreign objects inside the furniture;
• use of products for production purposes;
• when assembling the structure by non-specialists;
• damage that occurred during self-delivery of the goods.

If it is not possible to determine exactly what caused the damage, an examination is carried out. It lasts 1-1.5 months. The consumer reimburses the costs of the procedure unless the presence of a manufacturing defect is proven.

What can break and how to repair it

Common malfunctions include:

• Breakage of frame elements under the influence of heavy loads, falling cabinets or manufacturing defects. You will need to replace old parts with new ones.

First, unscrew the upper and lower door frames and remove them from the guides, then disassemble the structure using a special wrench for furniture bolts.

Determine the dimensions of the broken part and order the production of a new one. When installing the element, follow the factory diagram.

• Damage to internal contents: shelves, stands, hooks. Remove damaged parts, take measurements, order the production of new elements and install them.

If they differ from the design in color or material, paint the parts in the desired shade; the texture of the material will not change.

• Contamination of guide grooves. Remove blockages with a screwdriver or other sharp object, and remove dust or dirt with a vacuum cleaner with a point attachment.
• Incorrect installation of guides. Remove them and select the desired position.

To fix it, make new holes in the body; the old ones can be covered with wood putty.

• If the guides are deformed, it is necessary to replace the parts with new ones. It is not recommended to align the elements, because even small bends greatly affect the operation of the structure.
• Roller breakdowns. If the door does not close tightly, tap the lower track stopper several times with a screwdriver. The door will return to its previous position.
• To adjust the lower or upper rollers, tighten the adjustment bolts. Use a hex wrench. Lubricate the rollers, applying a small amount of oil to the axles if the doors squeak.

If the rollers are faulty, remove the door from the guides, peel off the dust brush on the bottom of the door, unscrew the roller mounting screws, then install a new element, glue the brush and mount the doors in the cabinet.

• Serious chips and dents can be dealt with by priming the interior surface. Apply the product in several layers, placing each subsequent one after the previous one has dried.
• To deal with cracks and scratches, use furniture wax. Warm up the product and wipe away mechanical damage. For painting, clear wax is preferable. Minor defects can be removed with sandpaper.
• To paint the cabinet, sand the putty areas and apply several layers of primer so that the aerosol lies evenly on the surface.

Cabinet Manufacturers

Aquaton

The company produces bathroom furniture. Moisture-resistant materials with antibacterial multilayer coating and advanced technologies are used. Furniture can withstand the effects of household chemicals.

The designs are stable, look stylish and modern, and are perfect for small bathrooms. The product warranty is 3 years, the actual service life of the furniture is from 10 years. The products have European quality certificates.

Fran

This is a Russian company that specializes in the production of furniture. The entire production cycle takes place without intermediaries. The products are certified according to European standards.

Environmentally friendly materials are used for the body and finishing. Assembly of a high technical level.

Lanmaster

] network equipment[/anchor] and telecommunications products for cable systems, telephone and video surveillance systems, local networks, security alarms.

Server and cross-country cabinets for placing network equipment are presented. The products are of high quality and have the necessary quality certificates and labeling.

Praktik

A company that specializes in the production of filing cabinets, archival cabinets, metal locker rooms, and shelving. Models of industrial, medical and office furniture are presented. More than 3 thousand items of goods, high quality and fast delivery.

The products are distinguished by their stylish design, original decor, durability and reliability of construction. Complies with GOST. A 5-year factory warranty is provided.

Stolline

A company that specializes in furniture production. Cabinet and soft sets, modular systems are produced, thanks to which everyone will choose components for cabinets.

The products correspond to modern fashion trends. The products are reliable, durable, and durable.

Stolplit

Russian production of cabinet furniture. It is a large chain of stores in Russia and neighboring countries. Products include kitchens, walls, beds, wardrobes, computer and office tables.

Western European technologies, American, Italian and German equipment are used.

The reliability of the goods is ensured by imported fittings and environmentally friendly materials. Acceptable ratio of quality and pricing policy. The company has promotions and discounts.

Triya

This is a holding of manufacturing and trading companies that specialize in the production of cabinet furniture from environmentally friendly wood species. The products are represented by living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms, wardrobes, kitchen corners, and small furniture.

The design follows fashion trends and features an original design. The warranty is provided for 2 years.

Manufacturing materials

The materials used to make cabinets vary in appearance, strength, and service life. To choose the most suitable option, you need to understand the features and disadvantages of the main types of raw materials:

1. Tree. Eco-friendly, durable, expensive material. The finished products are heavy and massive. The most commonly used wood in production is oak, cherry, and pine. Solid wood cabinets cannot withstand high humidity or temperature changes and require careful and regular maintenance.
2. Chipboard. Lightweight material with increased wear resistance. Available in a wide variety of colors. The cost of furniture made from chipboard is low due to the fact that the product can be toxic - under the influence of high temperatures it begins to release formaldehyde.
3. MDF. It differs from chipboard in production technology, does not contain harmful substances, and has higher strength. Products made from MDF are more expensive than their chipboard counterparts, but cheaper than wooden ones.
4. Plastic. Products made from modern polymers have become widespread due to the fact that they are not susceptible to external influences, they have a long service life, and a wide selection of colors and designs. Due to the lightness of the material, plastic cabinets are not very spacious, so they are more often used in children's rooms and on balconies.
5. Glass. A special, hardened subtype of material is used to produce furniture. This glass has increased strength and is not afraid of damage or humidity. As a rule, small designer pieces of furniture are made from it, and shelves and facades are made for cabinets. The model with glass elements takes on a sophisticated, sophisticated look.

Classification of combined cabinets, design features

Cabinets made entirely of one material are not in demand. To make furniture more accessible to the buyer, different types of raw materials and textures are used in production. For example, the cabinet frame can be made of wood or MDF, and the shelves and other contents can be made of plywood or chipboard. The quality and appearance of the furniture will not suffer at all, but the cost of the finished product will be significantly reduced.

Tree

Chipboard

MDF

Plastic

Glass