A well-designed wardrobe doors are functional and aesthetically pleasing, keeping everything visible and within reach. When selecting a wardrobe, factors like material, colour, and door design are crucial. The right wardrobe door should be easy to use and complement your space. If you inherit a built-in wardrobe you don’t love, you can switch to custom wardrobes for improved functionality and value addition to your home.
Here’s a guide to the types of wardrobe doors, their benefits and drawbacks, and tips for selecting the best one for your space.
Hinged Wardrobe Doors
Hinged wardrobe doors are the most common type, featuring doors attached to the wardrobe with hinges. They offer a classic look and are versatile in design.
Merits
Excellent Visibility:
- Access: Hinged doors swing wide open, providing an unobstructed view of your entire wardrobe. This makes it easier to find and select items quickly, especially when in a hurry.
- Ease of Use: With full visibility, you can keep your wardrobe organised and accessible, avoiding the frustration of misplaced items.
Extra Storage Space:
- Inner Surface Use: You can install pockets, hooks, or racks on the inside of the doors for additional storage. This is perfect for small accessories like ties, belts, and clips.
- Mirror Installation: A full-length mirror can be hung on the inside of the door, providing a convenient space for dressing without taking up additional room.
Easy Maintenance:
- Affordable Repairs: Hinges are inexpensive and widely available. If they break, you can replace them yourself with minimal cost and effort.
- DIY Friendly: Basic tools and a little know-how are all you need to maintain hinged doors, making them a practical choice for many homeowners.
Variety:
- Customisation Options: Hinged doors are available in diverse colours, designs, and materials choices. You can choose a style that matches your decor and personal taste.
- Adaptability: They can be customised into folding doors if you have a larger closet, offering flexibility in design.
Demerits
Space Consumption:
- Swing Space: Hinged doors require space to swing open, which can be problematic in smaller rooms or cramped areas. This can block traffic flow and decrease usable space.
- Planning Needed: You must consider the door swing when arranging furniture and other items in the room.
Weight Limitations:
- Load Bearing: Hinged doors may not support heavy items. Overloading the doors with heavy objects, like mirrors or storage racks, can cause them to sag or break.
- Durability Concerns: Ensuring the doors remain functional and aligned may require regular adjustments if overloaded.
Sliding Wardrobe Doors
Sliding wardrobe doors move horizontally along top and bottom tracks, offering a sleek, modern look. They are a great option for contemporary homes and can be customised to fit various room styles.
Merits
Space-Saving:
- Compact Design: Sliding doors do not require any space to open outward, making them ideal for small rooms or tight spaces. They slide along the wardrobe, maximising floor space.
- Room Layout: This feature allows for more flexible furniture placement since you don’t have to account for door swing.
Stylish:
- Modern Appeal: Sliding doors have a sleek, stylish appearance. They are often used in luxury homes and can include design elements like mirrors or glass panels.
- Customisation: You can choose from various materials and finishes to match your room’s decor.
Expansive View:
- Wider Access: Sliding doors can be designed wider than traditional hinged doors, providing a more expansive view of your wardrobe. Mirrored sliding doors can make the space roomier.
- Visual Impact: Large sliding doors create a seamless look, enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic.
Stability:
- Firm Grounding: Sliding doors remain firmly on their tracks, making them more stable than hinged doors. They are less likely to become misaligned or wobbly over time.
- Durability: Properly installed sliding doors are durable and can handle the weight of mirrors and other design elements.
Demerits
Restricted Visibility:
- Limited Access: Sliding doors only open to one side at a time, which means you can only see part of your wardrobe at any given moment. This can be inconvenient when searching for items.
- Organisational Challenges: You may need to organise your wardrobe differently to ensure easy access to frequently used items.
Delicate:
- Handling Care: Sliding doors require gentle handling to avoid damaging the tracks and rollers. Rough usage can lead to misalignment or cause the doors to come off their tracks.
- Maintenance Needs: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the sliding mechanism smooth and functional.
Higher Maintenance Costs:
- Artistry Required: Installing sliding doors correctly requires skilled craftsmanship. Ensuring they operate smoothly and last a long time may incur higher initial installation costs.
- Material Quality: The materials used for sliding doors must be high-quality and rust-free to prevent issues with the sliding mechanism.
Custom Solutions for Your Wardrobe
Whether you prefer hinged or sliding doors, both types can be made from wood, glass, or metal. Custom furniture allows you to design a wardrobe that fits your unique needs and space constraints. Custom walk-in wardrobes offer the flexibility to choose the perfect materials, colours, and designs, ensuring your wardrobe complements your room’s decor and meets your storage requirements.
Considerations for Choosing a Wardrobe Door
Space
Choose a wardrobe that fits your room’s size.
Small Spaces:
- Sliding Doors: Sliding-door wardrobes are compact and ideal for small spaces. They don’t need space to open outward, allowing more room for other furniture.
- Mirrored Shutters: Consider mirrored sliding doors to create an illusion of a larger room, enhancing the sense of space and light.
Large Spaces:
- Hinged Doors: For larger rooms, hinged doors are a great option. They offer extra storage space on the inside of the doors and can open wide without space constraints.
- Design Flexibility: Hinged doors provide more flexibility in design, allowing for various styles and additional features like internal racks and mirrors.
Material
Select materials based on durability and functionality.
Sliding Doors:
- Rust-Free Materials: Use rust-free materials for sliding doors to ensure smooth operation and longevity. This is particularly important for the tracks and rollers.
- High-Quality Finishes: Choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your doors remain functional and attractive over time.
Hinged Doors:
- Strong Shutter Materials: Opt for strong materials, such as solid wood or metal, for hinged doors. This is especially important if you plan to add extra storage or hang a mirror.
- Durability: Ensure the materials can handle daily use without warping or deteriorating.
Style and Colour
Pick a style and colour that reflect your personal taste.
Hinged Doors:
- Traditional Look: Hinged doors offer a classic, traditional look. They are versatile and can be customised to match the decor of older homes or traditional interiors.
- Colour Options: Hinged doors are available in a wide range of colours, allowing you to choose a finish that complements your room’s palette.
Sliding Doors:
- Modern Appeal: Sliding doors provide a modern, sleek appearance. They are perfect for contemporary homes and can include features like mirrored panels or glass inserts.
- Stylish Finishes: Choose from various sliding door materials and finishes to create a look that matches your room decor and style.
Final Thoughts
Hinged and sliding wardrobe doors have their unique advantages. Your choice depends on the available space and your specific needs. Custom cabinetry and wardrobes can be tailored to your preferences, enhancing functionality and style.
For various built-in and fitted wardrobes with customisable designs, Visit us or contact Konnect Kitchen Store for a free measure and quote at 03 9796 3337. Our collection of modern wardrobe designs combines external style with internal storage solutions, ensuring your wardrobe is both practical and visually appealing.
