Built-in wardrobes are the best way to maximise space as they are custom-made and designed to completely fit into any area you choose. They will optimise awkward corners, maximise storage potential and utilise every inch of space, including areas where there are sloping ceilings or odd architectural features.
Built-in wardrobes will certainly enhance the aesthetics of a room, as they fit seamlessly into that room and can even be designed to fit around windows or doors, leaving no space wasted.
You can customise their interiors, choosing internal fittings to suit your needs, such as shelving, hanging rails or drawers, and even utilise special features like sliding doors and pull-out shelves to make access to your belongings even easier.
Built-in wardrobes can increase the value of your property as they are a sought-after feature of potential house-buyers and can significantly increase the appeal of your home. So, with all that to think about, how do you decide what the best materials to use are for your built in wardrobe?
The answer is there are no “best” materials for the job, the choice depends on your priorities; what your budget is and how you want the finished product to look.
The good news is there are a lot of choices today to accommodate most budgets and aesthetic finishes, you just need to decide what material best suits your needs, and how important durability, smooth finishes or paintable surfaces are with the money you have to spend.
Solid Wood: Pros & Cons
Solid wood can be a great option to use for built-in wardrobes because it is known for its strength and resilience against wear and tear, and we all know wardrobes get a lot of use.
Solid wood wardrobes are built to last, and will add a touch of natural beauty and warmth to any room, and any high-quality solid wood built-in product can increase the value of your home with its luxurious and sophisticated appearance.
Wood has timeless elegance, and can be customised to suit individual tastes by being stained, painted or even lacquered. When sourced responsibly, wood can be a more sustainable choice than some engineered wood options.
However, solid wood can be costly, and depending on the type of wood used, it may need occasional maintenance such as polishing or re-staining to maintain its original elegance. Wood can also be susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity which may lead to warping or shrinking.
Solid wood may not be a great choice for those seeking a modern or minimalistic look, and not all wood is ethically sourced, making some of it unsustainable.
Engineered Wood Products
Engineered wood products are created by combining various wood components like strands, particles or veneers, with adhesives or other binding agents.
They are designed to improve upon the natural properties of solid wood and they generally offer increased strength and stability with resistance to warping or shrinking, are available in larger sizes and with less natural defects than solid wood.
They are often a more sustainable option than using whole logs as they utilise waste from sawmills and smaller pieces of wood.
- MDF – Medium-Density Fibreboard is made from woodfibre, resin and wax which is pressed into flat panels under high heat and pressure. Its lack of natural wood grain makes it easy to cut, shape and finish, and its smooth surface is easy to paint on. MDF is cost-effective and widely used in furniture making.
- Plywood – Multiple thin layers of wood called veneers are bonded together using strong adhesives. The grain direction is usually alternated, making plywood resistant to cracking. It is relatively low-cost and versatile, and is often used in construction and furniture making.
- Melamine – This is not a wood product, but a chemical compound made up of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, that when combined with other agents to form a resin, becomes a type of plastic. Melamine resin creates a strong and durable plastic that is used to make lightweight, shatter-resistant and colourful tableware and furniture.
Glass And Mirror
Using mirrored panels on your built-in wardrobe is not only a practical idea as it is useful when getting ready, but this effect helps create a sense of spaciousness by reflecting light.
Glass panels can create a more modern look and also help display items and give a sense of space.
Incorporating glass and mirror into the design of your built-in wardrobe will create a bespoke and stylish look, and mirror or coloured glass is commonly used in sliding wardrobe doors which not only make them look great, and is also a great space-saving idea..
Metal Components And Frameworks
While wood-based materials are generally used in the construction of wardrobes, the metal
components are crucial for the functionality and durability of sliding door mechanisms and hinges in built-in wardrobes. They also add an aesthetic appeal to the overall finish.
Steel is a strong and durable metal used for sliding door tracks, hinges and sometimes framing, as is aluminium, which is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Nylon, often combined with steel, is used in the rollers and helps with smooth running.
Acrylic And Vinyl Wrap Finishes
Vinyl wraps are an affordable, quick and relatively straightforward way of creating whatever look you are after. With self-adhesive backing and coming in a huge variety of patterns and finishes they are easy to apply, and easy to remove when you want to create a new look.
For those willing to invest in a premium material then acrylic wraps will give you a sleek, luxurious and high-gloss finish that is resistant to scratches, UV rays and heat making it a more long-term option.
With a little thought and consideration, you can choose the best materials for your bespoke built-in wardrobe to best suit your budget and style.
