If you have a decent budget and are in mind to spend it on a closet storage system, you will end up finding out that there are quite a few options out there that move far beyond simply a Rubbermaid closet organizer. Companies like John Louis Home manufacture complete closet systems that have to be installed from floor to ceiling that can completely transform your walk in closet to a closet storage room of massive proportions.

These closets are certainly nice and do the job as far as holding clothes correctly, but what if you don’t have a . . . → Read More: Fitted Wardrobes or Wardrobe Closets?]]>

Part One

If you have a decent budget and are in mind to spend it on a closet storage system, you will end up finding out that there are quite a few options out there that move far beyond simply a Rubbermaid closet organizer. Companies like John Louis Home manufacture complete closet systems that have to be installed from floor to ceiling that can completely transform your walk in closet to a closet storage room of massive proportions.

These closets are certainly nice and do the job as far as holding clothes correctly, but what if you don’t have a walk in closet? What if you need to create a closet with the space you have?

This leaves you with the option of buying either a stand alone closet or installing a fitted closet. Deciding which one of these is better is the question I want to look at today.

Fitted Wardrobes
A fitted wardrobe is a wardrobe closet that’s installed from floor to ceiling utilizing the homes design as part of its construction. This means that the design of the home is taken into consideration in a big way and the wardrobe is literally fitted around it. For instance, a fitted wardrobe may be installed that runs the length of the entire wall that the bed rests against, going from the floor to the ceiling on both sides of the bed and then connecting with a cabinet that runs over the length of the bed. Another example is that some fitted wardrobes will utilizing the walls of the home to function as the back wall of the wardrobe closet and even the side or sides of the closet, depending on the layout of the home.

Fitted wardrobe is very popular in the United Kingdom. In the United States, there popularity is not as great – perhaps due to percentage of homes designed built in closets or walk in closets that provide ample storage space from the start for their wardrobe clothes.

A portable closet is a lightweight closet designed to be mobile and provide access to clothing. They are used often in guest homes, guest rooms, and in studio apartments and dorm rooms, as well as for anyone who is often on the go and needs a reliable closet. A portable closet nearly always consists of a light metal frame with cloth walls. They cost between $30 and $100 US.

A wardrobe closet, also known as a wardrobe armoire, is a heavy free standing closet, nearly always made of solid wood. Wardrobe closets often feature elegant designs, hand painted or hand carved engravings, and cost a bundle, with the price tag starting at the low end of about $200 US and going up into the $2,000 to $3,000 US range.

Stay tuned as tomorrow we complete part two of two in this article series comparing free standing wardrobe closets and fitted wardrobes!

This is part two of two in article looking at both fitted wardrobes and the stand alone wardrobe closet. Take a look at part one of our article titled Fitted Wardrobes or Wardrobe Closets? to catch up to this post. Part one we looked at defining these two terms, taking into account how both wardrobe closets and fitted wardrobes are designed. Below we move past definitions to get into the reasons you’d want to choose one type of closet storage system over the other.

To understand which type of closet storage system is better, you need . . . → Read More: Which is Better Then – A Wardrobe Closet or a Fitted Wardrobe?]]> Part Two

This is part two of two in article looking at both fitted wardrobes and the stand alone wardrobe closet. Take a look at part one of our article titled Fitted Wardrobes or Wardrobe Closets? to catch up to this post. Part one we looked at defining these two terms, taking into account how both wardrobe closets and fitted wardrobes are designed. Below we move past definitions to get into the reasons you’d want to choose one type of closet storage system over the other.

To understand which type of closet storage system is better, you need to look at what your needs are in relation to these products.

For instance, a fitted wardrobe with sliding doors is an excellent option for a home that needs a lot of storage space yet cannot afford to waste any space in doing so. A sliding door fitted wardrobe makes for an excellent choice in this situation for a number of reasons:

1. You can store about twice as much in it than a wardrobe closet of the same width.
2. Because the doors slide open, you need not reserve space to the left and right of the unit for the doors to swing open.
3. You can access and utilize the storage space that runs between the top of the fitted wardrobe and the ceiling of your home too.

Additionally, many people find the fitted wardrobe a more attractive option if they are seeking a more modern look for the closet storage system.

Contrast this with someone who is the go a lot and needs a suitable solution for closet storage who might benefit the most from a portable closet, and you have yet another different reason to use one of the other of these two classes of wardrobes.

As you can see, it all comes down to what you want and what you need, as well as the home and living situation, in order to decide which is a better for you: a wardrobe closet or a fitted wardrobe!

The HomemartAmerica 3 Door Wardrobe Armoire is featured on Amazon.com for $309.99. It has a very modern looking black finish that is . . . → Read More: 3 Door Wardrobe Armoires That Won’t Break the Bank]]> Everyone is very familiar with the traditional 2 door armoire that is many bedrooms across the globe, but when a different look is desired, a 3 door wardrobe armoire will do the trick. This unique piece of bedroom furniture puts a different twist on a traditional piece, but the look is not just for design. The extra door gives some much needed shelving to allow the armoire to serve its true purpose as a wardrobe closet.

The HomemartAmerica 3 Door Wardrobe Armoire is featured on Amazon.com for $309.99. It has a very modern looking black finish that is ideal for a bedroom with a lot of sharp lines and that shuns the look of traditional furniture. If modern is your thing and oak stain does not have a place in your heart, this is the perfect wardrobe closet to finish off the bedroom. This exact model is also available in Mahogany ($289.00) and White Maple ($199.99).

Pandora also has a very affordable and beautiful 3 door armoire. The Pandora 3 Door Wardrobe PAN3203 (HS) has a Mahogany finish, mirror on the inside of the third door, hanging rod, 2 additional drawers and plenty shelving in the extra compartment. This is a business man’s dream as there is plenty of space for suites, folded shirts, shoes, ties and any undergarments. If a man wants his own closet that can have everything in a single space, this is it.

Another great 3 door wardrobe closet is the Ameriwood Wardrobe with 3 Doors ($369.90 on Amazon.com). The oak finish is nothing spectacular, but it is loaded with room. It is a little wider than most of the models that we have seen and also has the drawers moved off totally to the side. This allows for longer garments to be hung and is the ideal 3 door wardrobe armoire for the young lady that is looking to store her multitude of dresses.

While there are models out that the cost significantly more, such as the Mission Style 3 Door Wardrobe Armoire, there is really no need to spend that kind of money unless you are determined to do so. The more expensive models are not offering more space, just a higher grade of wood or better finish. If value is what you are looking for, any of the models reviewed above will do nicely.

Mirrored wardrobes are largely available in various hues and designs. In fact with increasing demand and more awareness, even the finish of such mirrors is being customized. The wardrobe can be adorned with a satin gold, gloss enamel, oiled bronze or a brush nickel finish. One can make a choice . . . → Read More: The Elegance of a Mirror Wardrobe]]> Mirrors are known to add a dash of glamor and shine to a regular and bourgeois looking area. Especially when it comes to a bedroom, a strategically placed mirror can almost be a point of focal attraction. A beveled mirror on the closet doors can lend an understated style to your bedroom.

Mirrored wardrobes are largely available in various hues and designs. In fact with increasing demand and more awareness, even the finish of such mirrors is being customized. The wardrobe can be adorned with a satin gold, gloss enamel, oiled bronze or a brush nickel finish. One can make a choice between a framed or an unframed mirror for their wardrobes. Also there are lot of designer wardrobes that are contemporary in look and yet durable and long lasting. Choose your pick from a sliding mirror door wardrobe or a walk in wardrobe. For those who have a space constraint, there are plenty of by-fold mirror doors to choose from.

If the material of your mirror wardrobe is a prime concern then you can browse through the internet to check the various varieties of mirror closet doors. These include mahogany wood, galvanized aluminum, solid oak and many more. The color of the wardrobes can be coordinated with the color of the walls with the help of glazing vinyl. A lot of shops that offer resplendent mirror handles for wardrobes. One can choose between an up market designers or the local wholesale interior shop, depending on the budget.

Some great brands like Asprey, Aurora, Brittany and Kestrel, can offer you a wide range of mirror wardrobes with comparable prices and quality .Whenever out to buy a mirror for the wardrobe, do keep in mind the size of your closet door The size and weight of the mirror shall always be in proportion it the door for a perfect fit and enhanced safety. Choose a Perspex mirror for a light weighing door and if a sold look is what you need, antique mirrors can be your final choice.

Whatever size or shape, an elegant mirror can definitely make the room look larger in size besides lending a decorative touch to it and of course, adorning a storage closet that will give you space for your wardrobe!

Corner closets are available in all different types of styles and colors. Popularly, many young couples like to outfit their home with a very modern corner wardrobe these days, but it’s absolutely still possible to buy the classic looking antique corner closets as well that represent more of the aesthetics of an armoire than the post-modern designs. As . . . → Read More: The Corner Wardrobe: A Fantastic Way to Maximize Closet Space]]> When space is limited, a corner wardrobe is a great option for those looking for some extra storage. The corner of a bedroom is often a space that goes without being utilized, so taking advantage of the space for storage is a great idea.

Corner closets are available in all different types of styles and colors. Popularly, many young couples like to outfit their home with a very modern corner wardrobe these days, but it’s absolutely still possible to buy the classic looking antique corner closets as well that represent more of the aesthetics of an armoire than the post-modern designs. As far as shape and size goes, these storage closets can be very narrow to very large, it simply depends on what you want installed. With enough looking – or by simply finding a reliable and resourceful guy who installs fitted wardrobes for a living! – a person could get their wardrobe outfitted with nearly any type of wood or finish they wanted. Popular styles include cherry, wormwood, oak, and pine wardrobes.

Image by Carbonnyc

Some of these wardrobes can cost a lot of money, but it is not hard to find one at a very reasonable price. A hip furniture store with great prices – like Ikea – has many corner wardrobes available starting at $400.00, but someone could spend a few thousand if they chose to. For its functionality, a $400.00 Ikea wardrobe is a great value! It includes a clothes rail and a couple of shelves for extra storage, and is even equipped with lights.

There are a couple of things a consumer must keep in mind when purchasing one of these closets. They need to remember how much room they actually have for this closet. They should measure both the height and weight of the space to ensure they will not take up too much space and that they have the ceiling clearance to allow for a closet. They should also try and match the finish of the wardrobe to their existing furniture. Doing some research online is a great way to find which retailers will suit their needs.

Corner wardrobes usually need to be fastened to the wall of the room to prevent it from falling over. Different homes and closets require different fasteners, and they are usually not included in the closet purchase.

A corner wardrobe can either take the place of a closet as clothing storage or greatly supplement those rooms which have small built-in closets. It is always important for the customer to check their budget, storage, and decorating needs before committing to a purchase of a corner wardrobe.

Unlike a closet, some wardrobes can be moved from room to room. That particular type of wardrobe furniture is called a portable wardrobe. Unlike a closet, some wardrobes come with a “window” on their door. The bonnetiere . . . → Read More: Using Wardrobe Furniture As a Versatile Piece of Decorating Art]]> Wardrobe furniture was created to solve a problem. A number of fabrics form wrinkles, whenever they are folded. Therefore any clothing made from such fabrics should not be folded and stored in a drawer. Such clothing should be hung in a closet or wardrobe. While both a closet and wardrobe solve the same problem, those two solutions have a couple different features.

Unlike a closet, some wardrobes can be moved from room to room. That particular type of wardrobe furniture is called a portable wardrobe. Unlike a closet, some wardrobes come with a “window” on their door. The bonnetiere is such a wardrobe.

Like closet space, a wardrobe can be designed to fit in a corner. When a piece of wardrobe furniture occupies a corner it is called a corner wardrobe. Like closet space, something that furnishes a room with wardrobe storage space can be provided with a mirror. The reflection coming from a mirror wardrobe can serve to emphasize the beauty of the furniture in a room.

The original wardrobes had an important place in any bedroom. Those early wardrobes provided a bedroom with hanging space for clothing. The users of the first wardrobe furniture lived in homes that lacked closet space. Those early wardrobes reflected the accepted furniture design of the period, the period of time when they were created.

Today, not all wardrobes have that same ornate design. At the present time, one can find updated, more modern looking wardrobes. At www.cb2.com, an online shopper can find a wall mounted wardrobe. At www.westelm.com, one can locate and order a wooden wardrobe that sits on gunmetal legs. At the website that offers PotteryBarn furniture, one can find a wardrobe with a more traditional look. By entering “Belvedere armoire” or “Ashby Collection” into the proper space, an Internet user can call up the desired web page and learn more about wardrobe furniture.

There is an entire world of luxury custom closet ideas and retailers on the Internet. Now there is time for leisurely browsing the many sites with photographs and suggestions of how to plan and find the appropriate contractor to install . . . → Read More: When Only The Best Will Do, Built In Closets Are A Must For You]]> There comes a time in life when it is time to enjoy the fruit of one’s labors. The years of hard work and scrimping and saving have paid off, the children have left the nest and those home improvement dreams that have been deferred can now be realized.  For many homeowners, one of these is the installation of gorgeous built in closets.

There is an entire world of luxury custom closet ideas and retailers on the Internet. Now there is time for leisurely browsing the many sites with photographs and suggestions of how to plan and find the appropriate contractor to install an absolutely stunning and incredibly functional closet. A truly beautiful built in closet can actually serve as a private dressing area as well as a place to house and protect a wardrobe.

Photo by PrettyinPrint

When it comes to high end built in options, there is literally no end to the possibilities. While in the past, even luxurious closets were still only for carefully storing clothing, accessories and shoes, today the discerning closet designer can include sitting areas, storage islands and even built in armoires with mirrored doors. When constructing new homes today, builders realize that as much as 20 percent of the home’s square footage should be reserved for storage areas and closets.

The addition of islands in built in closets is a growing trend and one that provides the ability to add custom storage areas based on the owner’s needs and desires. These islands serve several functions with drawers that can be specifically designed with dividers for items like hosiery, jewelry and lingerie. Locking drawers make certain that valuable jewelry is safe and easily accessible too.  Island countertops done in granite or tile not only are beautiful but serve as a staging area when preparing for a formal evening out.

Built in closets can be beautiful and functional at the same time. Aesthetic treatments such as raised panels on doors and crown molding add a finishing touch and can actually make the owner want to leave the closet doors open all of the time. Form and function can co-exist when laundry hampers and iron boards are also built in, but hidden from view.  With all of the options available, today’s master closet can be everything from strictly organized and efficient to wildly luxurious and elegant.

When starting to look into all of the custom closet choices that are available, a smart shopper will save him or herself a ton of time and dollars too, if some basic pre-planning work is done ahead of time. Knowing personal storage . . . → Read More: Planning Ahead Can Save Time and Money When It Comes to Custom Closets]]> There is an old saying, nature abhors a vacuum, and anyone who owns a home can attest to this.  If there is an empty space anywhere, it will suddenly become full with all sorts of stuff. Nowhere is this truer than in closets and when the clutter becomes overwhelming, it is time to go online and look into custom closets.

When starting to look into all of the custom closet choices that are available, a smart shopper will save him or herself a ton of time and dollars too, if some basic pre-planning work is done ahead of time. Knowing personal storage needs and desires, as well as those things that make a new closet fully function will go a long way in achieving the best possible fit and function within personal budgetary constraints.

Get out the measuring tape and know exactly how much space is available. Do not forget to look at not just the horizontal floor space, but vertical space too, all of the way up to the ceiling. Capitalize on height if it is available for storing out of season items on high shelves. Consider installing another pole for hanging lesser worn garments above the main pole.

Lighting is another critical factor; you cannot wear what you cannot see. If there happens to be a window or skylight, that is great, but do bear in mind that clothing continually exposed to sunlight will fade over time.  Most will need to have some regular lighting installed and the usual one bare bulb in the center of the ceiling really does not do the job. A tip from lighting designers, make sure that the light source is in front of clothes, not behind, as this casts shadows on the very objects that the owner is searching for.

Finally, do an honest assessment of personal storage habits and the contents of the wardrobe. It is okay to admit that your personal habits will never get shoes into neat little cubbies, so do not waste money on these and instead consider some big open bins on the floor. Custom closets only work well if they are designed with the owner in mind.

Well, they don’t exactly love to hear this, but they simply must.  Children need a clean, tidy space for rest, relaxation, play and often, for studying. Oak wardrobe armoires are a clever storage solution for their bedroom dilemma!

Dressers are great pieces of furniture, but they often fill up quickly with things stuffed in them and on top of them. Wardrobe closets are a great way to expand children’s bedroom furniture space to keep clothing and such neatly tucked away. Oak wardrobe closets are perfect . . . → Read More: Bedroom Storage Is Made Simple With Oak Wardrobes]]> Besides “I love you”, there are three other words that children just love to hear:  “clean your room!”

Well, they don’t exactly love to hear this, but they simply must.  Children need a clean, tidy space for rest, relaxation, play and often, for studying. Oak wardrobe armoires are a clever storage solution for their bedroom dilemma!

Dressers are great pieces of furniture, but they often fill up quickly with things stuffed in them and on top of them. Wardrobe closets are a great way to expand children’s bedroom furniture space to keep clothing and such neatly tucked away. Oak wardrobe closets are perfect for hanging clothes, storing linen, books and more.

Cleaning and organizing juvenile bedroom space doesn’t have to be a painstaking chore any longer. The Prepac Oak Juvenile TV/Wardrobe Armoire will give you the added space you need to get the job done. The wardrobe closet has versatile dimensions and can be easily assembled. This oak wardrobe is a simple, all-in-one bedroom storage center in one box!

There will be no excuse for clothes and other bedroom items lying all over the room. Prepac Oak Wardrobes are well made with engineered wood that is made to last. Three drawers on the bottom of the oak wardrobe move with ease and have child-friendly, built-in safety stops. This armoire is well recommended and reasonably priced on Amazon.com for $197.00.

The Prepac Oak Juvenile TV/Wardrobe Armoire looks classic and polished with a clean, attractive appearance. The light brown oak has simple detail and will fit well with any bedroom theme. The wardrobe contains generous hanging space and shelves for children’s clothes, bedroom items and a small TV. You will be glad that your children can finally have a place to store their things!

Fitted wardrobes are wide, spacious and visually appealing space solutions, especially for master bedrooms. These elegant bedroom fixtures have plenty of space to go around to meet store all of your shoes and attire.  Fitted armoire wardrobe closets will turn any . . . → Read More: Create a Classy, Designer Look With Fitted Wardrobes]]> The glitter and glamour of designer fashion is attention-grabbing and attractive.  People love to mix and match styles and accessories to create that “wow factor.” Why not give your bedroom that same kind of center stage look that is inviting and attractive? Fitted wardrobes are a clever way to give your bedroom a distinguished, classy look for relaxation and enjoyment.

Fitted wardrobes are wide, spacious and visually appealing space solutions, especially for master bedrooms. These elegant bedroom fixtures have plenty of space to go around to meet store all of your shoes and attire.  Fitted armoire wardrobe closets will turn any decent sized bedroom into a hotel-style living space.

The Milan Fitted Wardrobe aligns perfectly with your wall to give your room a discreet, roomy look. The Spring Birch is a pleasant neutral color that is adaptable for any bedroom color and style. You’ll have more than enough room for your clothes, shoes and accessories. The style is formal and stylish and accentuates the bedroom with class and flair.

There are a myriad of designer knobs to choose from to customize the drawers and closet handles according to your specifications. Play a part in creating the bedroom makeover that you love and deserve with a Milan fitted wardrobe.  This spacious centerpiece is a one-stop storage center that will set your bedroom in a class all by itself. There is a place for everything in your bedroom, and everything can be in its place!

This high-end wardrobe closet is available online through Spacemaker.  They will craft your armoire to look just the way you want it to. You can feel like a star and enjoy the bedroom makeover you’ve always wanted. Create a stylish bedroom look that is classy and timeless with beautiful fitted wardrobes.