Wardrobe Cabinets

!±8± Wardrobe Cabinets

Your closet is full and you need something for your clothes. Do you use a wardrobe cabinet, an armoire, or a dresser? The primary difference is that a wardrobe cabinet includes hanging, the other two options don't. Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Armoire

This is usually a tall cabinet with doors. Behind the doors are a combination of shelves and drawers. The more of these, the better you will be able to organize your "foldable" clothing items. In addition, you might find that is has enough open area within that you can have a space for a TV.

In my mind, the big advantage of an armoire is the design and look of the piece itself. Options include antiques, design theme (like western, modern, country, or classical), decorative hardware, and a variety of wood veneers. You will be able to find something unique and interesting.

Dresser

Generally speaking, dressers will offer more compartments than armoires (so no space for a TV). They will either be low and long, or high and narrow. The added compartments make it easier to separate the clothing in a way that you prefer.

Dressers usually come as part of a bedroom set. Therefore, (my opinion only) they tend to look a bit more commercial than armoires. On the other hand, they are able to hold more than either of the other 2 options (again, generally speaking), allowing you more flexibility.

Wardrobe Cabinet

Typically, these are tall and slender - smaller than the other two. Therefore they won't hold as much. They are plainer - more modern looking.

On the other hand, they provide hanging for long clothing like dresses or coats. Individually, a wardrobe cabinet will be cheaper than either a dresser or an armoire. They also can be combined with other pieces, or more of the same piece, creating an assembly that potentially acts like a full wall of closets. This can be made up of several tall cabinets, or a more interesting combination of tall and short cabinets.

Here's a TIP about moving cabinets or furniture. It's better to remove the doors and drawers first (and the contents of course). But if you elect to tape the doors and drawers so that they don't shift during the move, DON'T put the tape directly onto the wood. The adhesive will leave a residue that will damage the finish and be hard to remove. You will be better off wrapping the cabinet in a packing blanket first, and then wrapping the tape around that. Shrink wrap and bubble wrap are also good options.