Wardrobes in the bedroom: varieties, design options and tips for choosing

Despite all the innovations, people continue to choose time-tested things. Especially when it comes to choosing furniture. Nowadays, swing cabinets are still popular. This choice is quite justified - in addition to reliability and simplicity, they have a lot of other positive characteristics. Although the opening method has remained the same, many new options have appeared in the filling and design.

It is quite simple to open the swing cabinet: just pull the handle towards you and to the side, after which the installed mechanism will work, and the door will open (swing open).

This piece of furniture consists of:

• frame (top, bottom, back wall, sides and shelves);
• facades (they can also be called doors or sashes).

Swing cabinets have many advantages:

• a simple and familiar way of opening (it is historically the first);
• no need to make a lot of effort;
• if the mechanism works efficiently, the doors open and close silently, which is especially convenient for the bedroom (compared to the rattling sliding doors of the wardrobe or accordion doors);
• doors take up less internal space than in other cabinet models;
• wide access to everything inside, without restrictions;
• variability (the design of the doors is diverse, you can easily choose the option to your liking);
• the mechanism is easy to repair or replace if it breaks down;
• you can independently assemble the delivered parts or even make it completely with the tools and skills;
• it is possible to install a simple lock on the sash;
• low cost (such wardrobes are much cheaper than sliding wardrobes).

Despite all of the above, cabinets with hinged doors have weaknesses:

• opening the sashes requires space, so this option is not suitable for narrow rooms, or densely packed with other furniture;
• the weak point of such cabinets is the mechanisms (over time, they can begin to creak, and the doors can lead);
• without door closers and dampers, the sashes pop when closing.

In order to attach the sash to the frame, hinges or awnings are needed. They provide not only opening and closing, but also the correct position of the facades. With the help of them, adjustment is also carried out, and in several directions at once:

• sideways;
• up or down;
• deep into.

Hinges differ in opening angle:

• 90-110 degrees, there are overhead, semi-overhead and inset, depending on what position they occupy with respect to the side frame of the frame and the type of sash;
• 135 degrees - for doors hung on a trapezoid module;
• 165 (carousel) - can also be invoice or semi-invoice;
• 180 (straight) - with its help, a false facade can be attached.

The larger the angle, the more convenient it is to take out the things placed inside and put them back. However, walls, radiators and adjacent furniture often interfere with opening the sash completely. In this case, with careless opening, there is a risk of knocking off the facade and spoiling its appearance.

The above hinges can be completed with a door closer (built-in or overhead). The difference from the usual ones is the smooth movement of the sash and the absence of pops when closing. Of course, hinges with door closers are much more expensive. In this regard, fittings manufacturers such as Hettich and Blum have proven themselves well. The material of manufacture is of great importance when choosing mechanisms. Better if it is steel or brass. In this case, their components will glide well, without deformation. The fittings will last a long time and will not be afraid of corrosion.

Currently in the bedroom two types of cabinet with hinged doors can be installed:

• built-in (in which, instead of side racks, the bottom and top, the walls of the room will protrude);
• standing separately.

And if a ready-made cabinet can be placed along any suitable wall, then for built-in models you need to call a measurer and draw up an individual design project. The dimensions of the cabinets often depend on the manufacturer. Large firms have their own dimensional grid (as a rule, in increments of 5 to 15 cm) - this is how their machines are configured. And large volumes of production do not allow making frame parts and facades to individual sizes, because it is unprofitable and inconvenient for them. If there is such a service, it will be at an additional cost. For small manufacturers with such a manufacture, the situation is simpler, but the quality suffers more often.

The height of the cabinet can be different - from standard 210 to 250 cm and higher. Of course, a tall cabinet will be more roomy, but it will only be possible to use its upper part with the help of a small ladder or stand. And if you leave a gap between the cabinet lid and the ceiling, then dust will accumulate on it, and the option from floor to ceiling looks more aesthetically pleasing. The only limitation is the size of materials and decorative inserts - for example, mirrors. Please note that delivery of long parts can be difficult.

The width of the cabinet is limited by the dimensions of the walls in the bedroom. However, there are some nuances here - it's all about the number of doors.

• Single-leaf ones are not made wider than 60 cm, since the hinges simply cannot withstand the weight of the leaf. The cabinet can be narrower - from 45 cm. This type is also called a pencil case.
• In wider models, there can be two, three or even four doors. In this case, the width is divided into equal segments, which will become symmetrical doors.

It is believed that a structure longer than 200 cm will be unreliable, and if there are no internal partitions in it, the cabinet lid may sag. In this case, it is better to place two narrower modules side by side.

In order to properly use the internal space of the cabinet, it is necessary to decide in advance on its filling. It will depend on the purpose of the cabinet, that is, on the things that will be placed in it. The cabinet can be:

• wardrobe (for items of clothing, shoes and accessories);
• linen (for home textiles);
• combined.

The entire space can be roughly divided into three zones.

1. It is wise to place rarely used items in the upper part. These include suitcases, bags, extra bedding, and out of season clothing. It is better to divide the mezzanines into long shelves - this way large-sized items can fit on them, and for folded unclaimed clothes or little things it is better to use containers or baskets.
2. It would be more reasonable to store shoes in the lower part. Each pair can be put in a box and placed on top of each other, or you can install special shoe racks. If space permits, this section can provide space for an ironing board or household appliances.
3. In the middle part will be placed those items that are used constantly. For them you will need:
   • a bar (longitudinal or several transverse) for hangers with clothes, can be replaced with a pantograph - a bar with a convenient lifting mechanism;
   • drawers for linen and other small wardrobe items (it is better to choose dividers with separate cells for them);
   • open shelves for bed linen, towels and textiles;
   • plastic or metal baskets in which you can put small items;
   • holders for belts and ties;
   • small pull-out compartments for jewelry and other accessories.

In order for the wardrobe to fit into the classic interior of the bedroom, its appearance must be appropriate. In this case, it is better to choose natural wood or MDF covered with a film imitating wood fibers, possibly with an aging effect. Facades with milling or patina are preferable. The image will be completed with a curved cornice and handles in bronze. In this case, the swing doors will fully match the style. Neoclassicism is characterized by the absence of decorative details and a more rigorous design of the facades.

Almost all modern trends are abandoning frame facades in favor of smooth ones. But their coverage is becoming more varied - with imitation of fabric, leather, metal and even stone. Such options look original.At the same time, it is desirable that a similar motive be present on other pieces of furniture. Monochromatic facades are also relevant. To prevent a multi-leaf wardrobe from looking boring, the doors can be diluted with a mirror. An alternative to a mirror is glass - colored or frosted.

Photo printing will help to revive the interior. With the help of it, facades can be decorated with a natural or urban landscape, thematic images. Wavy sashes look even more original, especially if smooth lines are reflected on other objects in the bedroom.

More and more, a wardrobe with a shiny color finish is seen in the modern bedroom. Gloss is especially effective in contrasting combinations of white with black or red. Shiny metal handles are a nice addition. Such an interior will energize, help to cope with any tasks. Calm colors, on the contrary, will have a calming effect, tune in to rest and sleep.

To choose a wardrobe for the bedroom, it is worth considering a number of criteria.

• The size. Practice shows that there is no extra space in the closet. However, furniture that is too bulky will significantly conceal the space of the room. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to estimate in advance the approximate amount of things and plan a place for each group. In addition to the internal size, you need to think about the external dimensions. Nothing should interfere with the full opening of the doors, so their size must be carefully coordinated with the designer.
• Material. The best option would be a tree. Solid wood furniture looks great thanks to natural colors and texture. In addition, she is not afraid of sudden changes in humidity in the bedroom. However, this option is one of the most expensive. Basically, the wood on the facades is replaced with MDF, and the frame is made of laminated chipboard. Such a cabinet will cost significantly less.
• Manufacturer. When choosing it, it is better to focus on reviews and recommendations, rather than advertising. Firms that value their reputation and seek to attract more customers usually provide free design drafting, delivery, lifting to the floor and assembly. Service throughout the warranty period is also of great importance.
• Appearance. With the help of a large wardrobe, you can visually change the bedroom. Mirrors on the facades will expand the spaces and add light. Light furniture has the same effect, which will not damage a darkened room. A bulky wardrobe made in dark colors will be visually less perceived.

For an overview of the swing cabinet in the bedroom, see the video below.