There’s no doubt that sliding doors can be visually attractive and have benefits in certain applications, but hinged doors remain the superior choice for most wardrobes. When people contemplate purchasing a wardrobe with sliding doors, they typically cite aesthetics and space-saving features as their main reasons. However, digging deeper into the experiences of sliding door wardrobe owners can reveal some hidden drawbacks that hinged doors can easily overcome.
Reliability and durability
A wardrobe is an investment that should stand the test of time. Hinged door wardrobes offer greater reliability and durability compared to their sliding door counterparts. With fewer moving parts, hinged doors have less potential for mechanical failure. The simple yet effective hinge system has been tried and tested for centuries, providing long-lasting and reliable performance in any home.
This is especially important for a wardrobe, which is usually one of the most-used pieces of storage furniture in the home, with the doors being opened and closed at least once or twice each day.
Sliding doors have a lot of moving parts: there are tracks, wheels, pins, and bearings. Each separate part is another potential point of failure.
Ease of maintenance
Sliding doors demand more maintenance. The tracks and rollers tend to collect dust and dirt, which can affect the smooth operation of the doors. Cleaning these components can be challenging, and improper upkeep can lead to premature wear and tear. In contrast, hinged doors require minimal maintenance, with easily accessible and adjustable hinges that can be fine-tuned using just a screwdriver.
Every so often, a stray sock or piece of clothing may become jammed between the doors or in the tracks. This has the potential to knock the doors off the track and can cause lasting damage to the sliding mechanisms.
Accessibility and organization
Hinged doors allow full access to your wardrobe's contents, making it easier to organize and find your belongings. Sliding doors, on the other hand, can only reveal half of the wardrobe at a time, making it more challenging to access and organize your items efficiently. With hinged doors, you can see everything at a glance, simplifying your daily routine and saving valuable time.
Customization and versatility
Our wardrobes with hinged doors come in a wide array of finishes, ensuring there's always a perfect match for your existing furniture and decor. The timeless design of hinged doors makes them suitable for various styles, from traditional to modern, complementing your interior effortlessly. Additionally, their versatile design allows for convenient placement in any room without the need for additional space to accommodate outward-opening doors.
Safety and Child-friendliness
Hinged door wardrobes tend to be safer and more child-friendly compared to sliding door wardrobes. Sliding doors may have sharp edges that can be dangerous for young children. Little fingers can get caught between the sliding panels or in the tracks. Hinged doors, on the other hand, typically have rounded edges and are easier to childproof with safety latches.
Repair and replacement
When it comes to repair and replacement, hinged door wardrobes have the advantage. If a hinge gets damaged, it can be easily replaced with minimal cost and effort. However, if any component of a sliding door mechanism fails, the repair process can be more complicated and expensive, as it often involves disassembling the entire door system.
Ventilation and odor
Proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup and maintain a fresh wardrobe interior. Hinged door wardrobes tend to provide better natural ventilation due to the small gaps around the doors. Sliding doors, in contrast, create a more airtight seal, potentially leading to trapped moisture and musty odors.
Compatibility with room layout
While sliding doors may save space by not opening outward, they may not be suitable for all room layouts. In rooms with irregularly placed windows, radiators, or other obstacles, hinged door wardrobes may offer more flexibility in terms of placement and design.
Proven Track Record
There's a reason hinged doors have been the preferred choice for centuries. Their proven track record in terms of durability, reliability, and convenience is unmatched. By sticking with what we know works best, we can confidently provide our customers with free-standing wardrobes that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
Why we exclusively build wardrobes with hinged doors
We stand behind the quality, durability, and beauty of our wardrobes. This is what we do best. And we will never compromise that with parts that can deteriorate quickly with use.
If you’re concerned with aesthetics, we offer every wardrobe in so many finishes and colors—including mirror and colored glass—that it can be made to fit with any home decor.
If you’re concerned about the doors opening outward, our wardrobe doors open to about 16 inches, which isn’t intrusive in most rooms. Our hinges are easily accessed and 6-way adjustable with the turn of a screwdriver, ensuring that when we deliver a wardrobe, it will be a solid performer from the day it arrives to many years in the future.
