Everything You Need to Know about Wardrobe Material Finishes
You’ve decided where your wardrobe should be placed, and what all goes inside; so the functionality is taken care of. Now it’s time to think about aesthetics and what goes outside! There are so many materials, styles and finishes available that we forgive you if you’re feeling confused. Here’s your comprehensive guide to wardrobe finishes; read on to know more!
Veneer
If you love the natural warmth of solid wood but not its prohibitive cost, then the veneer is for you. Veneer sheets are made out of ultra-thin slices of natural wood that are glued to a panel of MDF or particleboard. As it’s made of completely natural material, no two boards are alike and the natural grains of the wood are seen. The veneer can be polished and finished just like solid wood.
Pros:
Look and feel of real wood, at a fraction of the cost
Cons:
Needs to be re-polished every few years to keep the surface looking good
For the discerning homeowner, there’s nothing to beat solid wood as the material of choice for wooden wardrobes and cabinets. However, with forest reserves being depleted, solid wood is no longer considered an environmentally wise choice for furniture or cabinetry. Even if you do opt for this material, the cost is very steep and you will need to have very deep pockets to be able to afford natural wood for all your home décor.
Pros:
Unbeatable warmth, elegance and style
Cons:
Not eco-friendly
Mirrored Shutters
A material choice that combines style with functionality, mirrored wardrobes open up space in a room and make it appear much larger than it is. As the perfect choice for smaller bedrooms where it’s not practically possible to squeeze in a separate dresser, mirrored shutters are a smart and contemporary option that look good and reflect(pun intended!) your excellent design sensibilities.
Pros:
Lovely contemporary style that combines aesthetics with functionality
Cons:
Mirrors are breakable!
Laminates
Laminates are the most popular choice of material finish for wardrobes and are available in a staggering array of finishes, colours, and patterns to suit your décor and theme. Available in glossy, matte and textured surface finishes, they suit traditional or modern concepts and have the added advantages of durability and low pricing. Laminates are easy to maintain and can be wiped clean with a soft cloth and water or soap.
Pros:
Durable, easily maintained, cost-effective and available in a wide variety of options
Cons:
Can get scratched or chipped; also, the more cost-effective varieties look cheap!
Transparent Glass or Acrylic
If minimalism is your thing, check out transparent glass or acrylic shutters as a lovely option for your closet shutters. They give a light and airy look to your wardrobe and add to the feeling of openness in the room. A word of caution; if you aren’t obsessively neat, perhaps this isn’t the right choice for you. Having said that, opting for transparent shutters could force you to ensure that your wardrobe is always in order, and that’s not a bad thing!
Pros:
Unique and elegant
Cons:
Lack of privacy
Frosted or PU finished Glass
Love glass but don’t want the inside of your wardrobe to be on view? Get the glass shutters painted with PU paint, or use frosted stickers to make them opaque. You’ll get the best of both worlds, the airy lightness of glass coupled with the interior privacy you seek. Glass wardrobes can also be combined with mirror or laminate for a lovely aesthetic.
Pros:
Modern, contemporary styling
Cons:
Glass is breakable!
Lacquer or PU Paint on MDF
You could also consider painting your wardrobe shutters; a chic and elegant option that can be easily customised to match your décor. MDF shutters can be spray painted using lacquer or PU paints to give a glossy, semi-gloss or matte finish that is seamless and elegant. Pick from a wide range of colours to match your décor and colour palette.
So, there you have it. That’s our take on the most popular material finishes for wardrobes. Which one did you like best? Tell us in the comments below! If you need help in getting your home décor redone, the HomeLane team is just a call away!