wardrobes

Wardrobes are standing cabinets or closets designed for storing clothing and accessories. They can be freestanding pieces of furniture or built into a room. In British usage, a wardrobe often refers to a tall cabinet, while in American usage the term may describe a larger closet or a piece of freestanding furniture.

Wardrobes accommodate garments, footwear, and personal items, helping organize and protect textiles from dust and light.

Common types include freestanding wardrobes with doors or drawers, built-in wardrobes integrated into wall spaces, and portable or modular wardrobes with fabric or metal frames. A typical wardrobe comprises a hanging area for coats and dresses, shelves for folded items, and sometimes drawers, shoe racks, or tie/belt organizers.

Many units feature mirrors, lighting, or soft-close hardware, and doors may be hinged or sliding.

Materials vary widely: solid wood (such as oak or maple), wood veneer over plywood or MDF, engineered boards, or metal frames. Finishes range from natural and stained to painted or lacquered. The choice of materials affects durability, weight, and price, as well as the wardrobe’s appearance within a room.

Sizes and configurations are influenced by space and storage needs. Heights commonly range from 180 to 240 cm, widths from about 60 to 150 cm, and depths around 50 to 60 cm, with custom built-ins available for smaller or irregular spaces.

Historically, wardrobes evolved from ecclesiastical chests and armoires to modern, space-saving storage systems. Today, they are a central element of interior design, available as ready-made furniture or customizable built-ins, and often incorporated with lighting, soft-close hardware, or modular shelving.