What are the Best Material Finishes for Wardrobes?
Take a look at the 6 options for wardrobe doors and what each one has going for it
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
23 July 2018
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
Why think of a wardrobe as just for storage? Its design, colours and external finishes add a great deal to the overall decor of the bedroom. There are many options out there for finishes, with each finish bringing its own distinct appearance and texture. Here is a guide to the most popular surface finishes that should make choosing a little easier.
1. Veneer
Veneers are widely used as an external finish because they have the ability to impart a look that’s both traditional and modern. Veneers are made from thin layers of natural wood and are available in numerous designs that add an element of warmth, elegance and richness to a space. Veneers require regular maintenance, as they are prone to show up scratches. To retain the shine of the surface it is important to re-polish the wardrobe periodically.
Tip: For the skeleton or framework of the wardrobe, materials like BWP (boiling-water proof) plywood, HDF (high-density fibre) and MDF (medium-density fibre) boards can be used. My suggestion is to go for BWP plywood because it is strong, durable, moisture-resistant and less prone to warping compared to other materials.
Veneers are widely used as an external finish because they have the ability to impart a look that’s both traditional and modern. Veneers are made from thin layers of natural wood and are available in numerous designs that add an element of warmth, elegance and richness to a space. Veneers require regular maintenance, as they are prone to show up scratches. To retain the shine of the surface it is important to re-polish the wardrobe periodically.
Tip: For the skeleton or framework of the wardrobe, materials like BWP (boiling-water proof) plywood, HDF (high-density fibre) and MDF (medium-density fibre) boards can be used. My suggestion is to go for BWP plywood because it is strong, durable, moisture-resistant and less prone to warping compared to other materials.
2. Laminate
Laminates are most commonly used for wardrobes as they have great qualities such as high durability, water-resistance, cost-effectiveness and low-maintenance, besides being easy to clean. There are many options to choose from, in terms of designs, colours and finishes, which include high-gloss, textured and matte finishes. The main drawbacks of a laminate are that it is brittle, prone to chipping and cannot be repaired once damaged.
Laminates are most commonly used for wardrobes as they have great qualities such as high durability, water-resistance, cost-effectiveness and low-maintenance, besides being easy to clean. There are many options to choose from, in terms of designs, colours and finishes, which include high-gloss, textured and matte finishes. The main drawbacks of a laminate are that it is brittle, prone to chipping and cannot be repaired once damaged.
Glossy laminate
In this example, the enhanced radiance of glossy white laminate gives a sense of elegant luxury to the room. Additionally, it adds brightness because of its ability to reflect some light.
Note that glossy laminates are susceptible to scratches and need regular cleaning because they show stains and fingerprints easily.
Wood veneer vs laminate
In this example, the enhanced radiance of glossy white laminate gives a sense of elegant luxury to the room. Additionally, it adds brightness because of its ability to reflect some light.
Note that glossy laminates are susceptible to scratches and need regular cleaning because they show stains and fingerprints easily.
Wood veneer vs laminate
3. Mirror
How about fixing mirrors onto the wardrobe doors? The mirror finish is an attractive way to visually increase the size of the room and add to the illusion of space.
Tip: The wardrobe panels may become heavy with mirror cladding. Make sure you go for only good-quality hinges or track systems for the sliding shutters to ensure hassle-free maintenance and long-term durability of the wardrobe.
How about fixing mirrors onto the wardrobe doors? The mirror finish is an attractive way to visually increase the size of the room and add to the illusion of space.
Tip: The wardrobe panels may become heavy with mirror cladding. Make sure you go for only good-quality hinges or track systems for the sliding shutters to ensure hassle-free maintenance and long-term durability of the wardrobe.
4. Glass
Bring in a sense of lightness with glass sections in the wardrobe door panels instead of going for the conventional solid door panels.The straight lines and glossy finish of glass give a sleek and modern look. One can choose from frosted, tinted, plain and lacquered glass.It is easy to clean, low on maintenance and can be easily installed.
5 reasons to use sliding glass doors
Bring in a sense of lightness with glass sections in the wardrobe door panels instead of going for the conventional solid door panels.The straight lines and glossy finish of glass give a sleek and modern look. One can choose from frosted, tinted, plain and lacquered glass.It is easy to clean, low on maintenance and can be easily installed.
5 reasons to use sliding glass doors
Plain glass
See how In this wardrobe, the plain glass panels enable a full view of the closet’s interior without even opening it.
See how In this wardrobe, the plain glass panels enable a full view of the closet’s interior without even opening it.
5. Leather
Make a bold statement with leather or faux leather or vinyl panels on the wardrobe doors. The introduction of a leather finish is a great way to add warmth and style by softening the sharp edges and corners of the wardrobe. Consider the same material for the headboard to weave together the design features of your boudoir.
In this example, the Swarovski crystals embedded in the leather panels impart a high-end luxurious look to the area.
Make a bold statement with leather or faux leather or vinyl panels on the wardrobe doors. The introduction of a leather finish is a great way to add warmth and style by softening the sharp edges and corners of the wardrobe. Consider the same material for the headboard to weave together the design features of your boudoir.
In this example, the Swarovski crystals embedded in the leather panels impart a high-end luxurious look to the area.
6. Metal
Metal is a great way to give a bold industrial look to your room. Just as in this example, where brushed metal is used on the wardrobe door panels while the shelves and the study table are fabricated from conventional plywood.
TELL US
Which finish would you prefer for your wardrobe? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
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Browse more contemporary wardrobe designs
Metal is a great way to give a bold industrial look to your room. Just as in this example, where brushed metal is used on the wardrobe door panels while the shelves and the study table are fabricated from conventional plywood.
TELL US
Which finish would you prefer for your wardrobe? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
MORE
Browse more contemporary wardrobe designs
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Please suggest some design & laminate option for wardrobe.
Hi since your wardrobe is right at the entry it would be a nice idea to use a cut work mirror or plain mirror what ever suits your choice or hanging a big intresting frame over that looks like an extension to your wardrobe and the front should be covered with a pastel colour laminate pu or veener...
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