When it comes to optimizing storage space in your home, fitted wardrobes are an excellent choice. Among the various options available, hinged door and sliding door fitted wardrobes are popular picks.
The Difference Between Hinged and Sliding Door Fitted Wardrobes,
Fitted wardrobes are a popular choice for maximizing storage space and adding a touch of elegance to modern interiors. When it comes to choosing the right wardrobe, two common options are hinged door fitted wardrobes and sliding door fitted wardrobes. Both types have their own unique features and benefits. In this article, we will explore the differences between hinged and sliding door fitted wardrobes, helping you make an informed decision for your home.
1. What are Hinged Door Fitted Wardrobes?
Hinged door fitted wardrobes are characterized by doors that open outwards on hinges. These wardrobes typically consist of a frame with one or more hinged doors attached. They offer a classic and timeless look that complements various interior styles.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hinged Door Fitted Wardrobes
Hinged door fitted wardrobes have several advantages. Firstly, they provide easy access to the entire wardrobe space, allowing you to view and reach your clothes and belongings without any obstructions. This makes organizing and finding items more convenient. Secondly, hinged doors offer a wider opening, making it easier to hang and retrieve longer garments such as dresses or coats.
On the flip side, hinged door wardrobes require sufficient space in front of the wardrobe to accommodate the outward swing of the doors. This can be a limitation in smaller rooms or tight spaces. Additionally, if you have multiple hinged doors, they may require more effort to open and close compared to sliding doors.
2. What are Sliding Door Fitted Wardrobes?
Sliding door fitted wardrobes, as the name suggests, feature doors that slide horizontally on a track. These wardrobes have a sleek and contemporary appearance, often favored for their seamless and space-saving design.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sliding Door Fitted Wardrobes
Sliding door fitted wardrobes offer several advantages. Firstly, they are ideal for rooms with limited space as they do not require extra space for door clearance. The doors slide smoothly and silently, allowing for easy access to your belongings without obstructing the surrounding area. This makes sliding door wardrobes a practical choice for small bedrooms or areas with furniture placed in close proximity.
Moreover, sliding doors provide a modern and streamlined aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance to any room. They come in various materials, colours and finishes, and designs, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your interior style. Additionally, sliding doors can be customized with mirrors, which not only enhance the visual appeal but also create an illusion of more space.
However, it's worth noting that sliding door fitted wardrobes may have a narrower opening compared to hinged door wardrobes. This can slightly limit access to the wardrobe, especially for hanging longer garments. Furthermore, if the sliding mechanism is not of good quality, the doors may become difficult to slide over time, requiring maintenance or repairs.
4. Aesthetics and Design
When it comes to aesthetics and design, both hinged and sliding door fitted wardrobes offer unique options to suit different preferences.
Style options for hinged door fitted wardrobes
Hinged door wardrobes provide a classic and traditional look. They are available in various materials, such as MFC, or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), allowing you to choose a finish that matches your desired style. You can opt for panelled doors for a more traditional feel or go for sleek, flat doors for a modern touch. Additionally, hinged doors can be customized with different handles or knobs to further enhance the aesthetics.
Style options for sliding door fitted wardrobes
Sliding door wardrobes offer a contemporary and minimalist design. They are often constructed with sleek and frameless doors, giving a clean and seamless appearance. The doors can be made of materials like glass, mirrored panels. Glass or mirrored sliding doors can create a sense of openness and brightness in the room, reflecting light and making the space appear larger.
5. Space and Accessibility
One crucial aspect to consider when choosing between hinged and sliding door fitted wardrobes is space utilization and accessibility.
Space considerations for hinged door fitted wardrobes
Hinged door wardrobes require ample space in front of them for the doors to open fully. This means you need to ensure that there is enough clearance in the room to accommodate the swinging motion of the doors. If space is limited, hinged doors may pose challenges, as they can block passage or collide with nearby furniture when opened.
Space considerations for sliding door fitted wardrobes
Sliding door wardrobes are designed to save space. Since the doors slide horizontally along a track, they don't require any extra space for opening or closing. This makes sliding door wardrobes an excellent choice for rooms with restricted space, such as narrow bedrooms or apartments with limited floor area. The sliding mechanism allows you to make the most of every inch without compromising on accessibility.
In terms of accessibility, hinged door wardrobes provide full visibility and easy reach to the entire wardrobe interior. You can open the doors wide and access your clothes and belongings without any barriers. On the other hand, sliding door wardrobes may restrict access to one side of the wardrobe at a time. However, many sliding door wardrobes are designed with multiple sliding panels, allowing you to access different sections simultaneously for enhanced accessibility.
6. Customization and Flexibility
The level of customization and flexibility offered by hinged and sliding door fitted wardrobes can greatly influence your decision.
Customization options for hinged door fitted wardrobes
Hinged door wardrobes offer a high degree of customization. You can choose the number of doors based on the size of your wardrobe and the available space. Additionally, hinged doors can be further personalized with various handles, knobs, or even decorative elements. This allows you to add a personal touch and match the wardrobe doors to the overall style of your room.
Customization options for sliding door fitted wardrobes.
Sliding door wardrobes also provide customization options, albeit with some limitations. You can select the material, finish, and design of the sliding doors to align with your preferences and interior theme. Additionally, sliding doors can be fitted with different types of handles or integrated with soft-close mechanisms for added convenience. However, the customization options for sliding doors may be slightly more limited compared to hinged doors.
In terms of flexibility, both hinged and sliding door wardrobes offer practical solutions for organizing your belongings. You can choose from a variety of internal fittings, such as adjustable shelves, hanging rails, drawers, or shoe racks, to optimize storage according to your needs. This allows you to create a wardrobe space that suits your specific requirements, whether you have more clothes to hang, folded items to store, or accessories to organize.
Choosing the Right Option
When deciding between hinged and sliding door fitted wardrobes, consider the following factors to make an informed choice:
- Available space: Evaluate the space in your room and determine if you have enough clearance for hinged doors or if a sliding door option would be more suitable for restricted areas.
- Aesthetics: Consider your interior style and the look you want to achieve. Choose between the classic appeal of hinged doors or the sleek and modern design of sliding doors.
- Accessibility: Assess how important full visibility and unrestricted access to the wardrobe are for your specific needs.
- Customization: Determine the level of customization you desire, such as different door finishes, handles, or decorative elements.
- Budget: Take into account the cost factors for both types of wardrobes, including materials, customization options, and installation requirements.
- Maintenance: Consider your willingness and ability to perform regular maintenance tasks to keep the wardrobe in optimal condition.
- Longevity: Assess the durability and quality of the materials used in the wardrobes to ensure they can withstand daily use over an extended period.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right option that perfectly suits your space, style, and functional requirements.
FAQs:
Q1. Which type of fitted wardrobe is better for small rooms?
A1. Sliding door fitted wardrobes are ideal for small rooms as they save space by not requiring clearance in front of the wardrobe.
Q2. Can hinged door fitted wardrobes be customized?
A2. Yes, hinged door fitted wardrobes offer a range of customization options, allowing you to personalize the design to suit your style and preferences.
Q3. Are sliding door fitted wardrobes more expensive than hinged door wardrobes?
A3. The cost of fitted wardrobes can vary based on factors like material, size, and customization. Generally, sliding door wardrobes may be slightly more expensive due to the specialized sliding mechanisms.
Both hinged and sliding door fitted wardrobes have their unique advantages and considerations. Hinged doors offer easy accessibility and customization options, while sliding doors save space and provide a modern aesthetic. Consider your room size, layout, and personal preferences when choosing between these options. Ultimately, the decision depends on your storage needs and the style you wish to achieve in your living space. Take your time, explore different designs, and consult with professionals at Metro wardrobes to make the best choice for your fitted wardrobes. Book a free design visit.