Friday, March 4, 2016

WARDROBE SELECTIONS

WARDROBE SELECTIONS

In spite of dwelling in a spacious home with all the necessary accessories, we at times face embarrassing moments, unable to find enough storage space. The discomfort arises either due to the storage space at home falling way short of requirements or failing to meet the required parameters. The wardrobes should be organized and structured in such a way so as to suit specific needs of the household.

In earlier times, wardrobes were more similar to stacks of shelves covered with wooden shutters, such a scene has now been drastically changed. There are enormous designs and options available, each customized to suit individual likes and requirements.They range from simple structures with hanging provisions along with a set of drawers to ultramodern walk-in wardrobes entirely with display platforms and a lounge, in a space large enough to serve as a room. These walk-in wardrobes offer a lot of space for storage. Here, only one door is placed and everything else is open. There are no shutters which might be crowding out the available space.

Walk-in wardrobes are most convenient and suitable, when a small section has been separately earmarked for storage. In these types, instead of going in for the traditional wardrobes with individual shutters, the entire section is assigned one access door.Inside the walk-in closet, there should be plenty of hanging space defined at different heights, complemented by open shelves. The bottom level can sport deep drawers to store extra linen and things.

For storing of items like undergarments and others that cannot be hung, a separate set of drawers could be arranged. Footwear need not be clubbed along with the cloth items, which is also not hygienic.

The bottom section of a wardrobe can be used for the provision of a locker. It would be better to fabricate a locker in the bottom shelf and this locker should be anchored to the floor so that it becomes immobile. Even it could be concealed with a loose piece of wood if need arises. Usually the loft is used for storing suitcases and other large items that would not fit into the lower shelves of the wardrobe. Most often and unfortunately the loft and its contents are not easily accessible. This could be solved by having wardrobes that have large shelves so that these pieces could be accommodated.

This exercise could be done only in houses which can afford extra storing space. But space becoming the rarest of the commodities, nowadays, we have to resort to loft spaces for such storage. For such eventualities, it would be better to go in for a large dumping unit in the loft.If wardrobes are situated in a not so much illuminated place, then lighting can be arranged inside them controlled by a toggle switch. A separate section could be kept for hanging clothes that have been used once, but will be worn again before washing. It will be sensible to have shutters in this section that will breathe. Even the storage unit for footwear should possess similar shutters.

In market plenty of wardrobes are available off the shelf to suit variable requirements. These come with adjustable shelves and in combinations of drawers, shelves and hanging space.With all these apparent advantages like attractiveness, good designs and quick availability, the major requisite is the durability of the house wardrobe. Most of the users are appreciative of a traditional wardrobe made from standard and solid wood and typically lasting 25 to 40 years.Being not customized they lack the personal touch. They are mostly standardized. They are not long lasting because they are essentially made from particleboard.

While acquiring a wardrobe it should be seen that its structure would have to be designed,  keeping in mind the nature of the user and the quantum of storage space required.  Also the available space for accommodating it should be taken into consideration.

Design
If seen  by such parameters, it will be clear that separate wardrobes to a woman and for children and for the arriving guests are to be designed and be made available.After the nature of the user and the available space has been determined the aesthetic aspect should be defined. This  also includes the expected lifetime of the wardrobe. Then as per these requirements, type of wood and décor can be decided.

As the shutters reflect the façade, they also should be  decided with equal attention. The shutters can be varied, ranging from a combination of glass and wood, metal and wood or even fabric and wood.

When glass is chosen it will be prudent to ensure that the glass is not transparent as otherwise all the contents of a wardrobe would become objects of display. Either opaque glass or glass with detailing will fit well to the purpose for they would conceal the interiors. Though using colour for shutters is not a bad idea, too much of detailing on the shutters will not be wholly pleasant.The focus should not be taken away from the rest of the room. The wardrobe should not be structured as a show piece.

Normally when the wardrobe is designed some sections become dead spaces. They being inaccessible are less used. These sections can be filled with accessories that would help towards the efficient use of such spaces.

To make the inner areas accessible, a retractable, hanging rod can be placed in the top portions of the wardrobe. Even the shutters themselves can be used as storage spaces by placing the racks or slots for keeping handkerchiefs and odds and ends.

If at some positions normal open shutter cannot be conveniently placed then the use of collapsible shutters will be the best option. With these, the entire wardrobe will be enabled to be viewed at the same time.

For the wardrobes for use by children, open shelves would be safer.Children won’t get their fingers jammed and hence would be safer.  The use of glass shutters should be completely avoided, but use of colours for child’s wardrobe will be most welcome.

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