Since wardrobes are a long-term purchase, it makes sense to weigh every aspect and make a wise decision. Various factors go into purchasing a wardrobe – colour, style, material and also, type of wardrobe doors. Here, hinged doors or sliding doors for wardrobes have been explained in detail so you can make the smart choice according to the space requirements, usage, maintenance and convenience.
Wardrobe Doors With Swing Doors
The most common wardrobe types, where the shutter is attached to the closet with hinges, is called swing doors. These are the conventional choice for wardrobes. Hinged doors can work with wardrobes designed in any shape, including L-shape, triangular and pentagonal corner wardrobes.
It is easier to spot things when you open the doors as you get the entire view of the wardrobe. Unlike sliding doors, hinged doors do not conceal one side of the wardrobe.
ALSO READ: Sliding Door vs Hinged Door Wardrobe and Why You Should Get Them
Color & Finish Options for Hinged Wardrobe Doors
Since swing wardrobe doors have been in the market for a long time, these wardrobes come in various styles and colours. Depending on your preferences, you can get any wardrobe door design or colour. Opt for mirrored, laminated or routed shutters. If you prefer a more contemporary look, you can choose metal framed shutters with glass panels. You can even customise the type of handle – from sleek stainless steel handles, classic door knobs or even luxe leather finished handles, or just keep them handleless.
However, hinged doors usually take up some room, since they swing outwards. If you have a small bedroom, you will need to plan the position of your wardrobe such that the doors do not obstruct movement.
Types of Wardrobe Sliding Doors
Confused between choosing sliding door wardrobe vs normal wardrobe for your room? Well, first let us tell you what sliding doors are. Sliding doors, as their name implies, are movable doors that glide horizontally along metal channels fixed to the top and bottom of the wardrobe. Given their sleek, contemporary look sliding doors make a style statement. This type of door doesn’t require lots of room since it slides to the left or right. If you wish to choose a sliding door, do keep in mind that sliding doors work and look best when they’re you have at least three or more doors.
ALSO READ: How to Make the Best of Your Compact Bedroom with Sliding Door Wardrobe Types
Extensive Length of Sliding Wardrobe Doors
Sliding door wardrobes favour expansive spaces that can house a lengthy wardrobe. The appeal of these wardrobes lies in having room for plenty of things like clothes, accessories, cosmetics and hideaway luggage. With a wardrobe as accommodating as this, the need for additional storage is minimal. Moreover, they save space as sliding doors don’t hinder the traffic flow in the room.
Sleek and Space Saving Design of Sliding Wardrobe
One will have to agree that sliding door wardrobes add an air of panache to any room. You have the luxury of designing your wardrobe any way you wish depending on the texture or colour. Mirrored sliding doors can give you both style and functionality in one very easy-to-maintain package.
Sliding wardrobes are ideal for compact rooms because they are essentially space-saving. Unlike hinged wardrobes, sliding wardrobes ensure that you don’t need to leave any space swinging open the door of the wardrobe. While this does restrict the view of the clothes in the wardrobe, it also streamlines space for small rooms.
Do bear in mind however that sliding doors will block the view of one part of the wardrobe when you slide them open.
Bi-fold Door Wardrobe
Another option available when it comes to wardrobe doors are bi-fold doors. Bi-fold door wardrobes are similar to sliding doors. Instead of one large panel, bi-fold doors consist of a selection of smaller panels that fold outwards as they glide on the tracks.
A less expensive option compared to sliding wardrobe doors. These doors ensure improved visibility of the contents of your wardrobe. Since they use a number of moving parts, bifold doors are more prone to wear and tear especially from rough handling. While sliding doors can be used for wardrobe widths up to 10 feet, bi-fold door wardrobes can be used for a maximum width of seven feet.
So who won the battle? Sliding door vs hinged door wardrobe? Or Bi-fold door wardrobe? These three wardrobe types have their own merits and their suitability will depend on your individual requirements or the limitations of your room. So make sure to choose a closet door that will give you easy access to the contents inside and gels well with the look of your home.
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