Wardrobes

A standard UK wardrobe is 50–60cm deep externally. The internal depth — from the back of the door to the rear wall — is typically 45–55cm, slightly less than the external figure due to door thickness and frame construction. A minimum internal depth of 50cm is recommended for standard clothes hangers (which measure approximately 45cm from hook tip to arm end) to sit without touching the closed door. If the internal depth is below 50cm, check whether the model compensates with slim-profile hangers or an angled rail. Always check the internal depth on the individual product page rather than relying on external depth alone — the distinction matters for everyday usability.

It depends on the available wall space and your storage needs. Measure your available wall width, subtract 5–10cm for fitting clearance, and that gives your maximum wardrobe width. For most primary bedrooms, a double wardrobe at 90–120cm provides adequate hanging and shelf storage for one adult and workable shared storage for two. For master bedrooms where two adults' full clothing volumes need covering, a triple wardrobe at 135–180cm is worth considering if the room accommodates it with comfortable clearance. A wardrobe that's correctly proportioned to the room and its actual storage needs always serves better than the widest piece that technically fits.

The terms are often used interchangeably in modern furniture retail, but traditionally they describe slightly different pieces. A wardrobe is a large freestanding storage piece with hanging rail, shelves, and sometimes drawers — designed primarily for clothing storage. An armoire is a French-origin term for a large ornate cupboard — originally designed for armour storage, later used for clothing — typically with more decorative detailing and a more traditional aesthetic than a modern wardrobe. In contemporary UK furniture retail, "armoire" is occasionally used to describe wardrobes with a more elaborate or traditional design. Functionally, both provide the same hanging and shelving storage — the distinction is primarily aesthetic and historical.

Work through four decisions in order. First, measure the available wall width and floor depth in front of the wardrobe position — this determines the maximum size and whether sliding or hinged doors are more practical. Second, choose the size: a double wardrobe for most bedrooms, a triple wardrobe for larger master bedrooms with more wall space and higher storage demands. Third, decide on internal configuration — if you need drawer storage alongside hanging, a wardrobe with drawers consolidates both in one piece; if you need a full-length mirror, a mirrored wardrobe provides both. Fourth, choose a finish that coordinates with your existing bedroom furniture — white, grey, oak, or black.

The main wardrobe types available in the Airedale Living range are: standard hinged-door wardrobes (the most common format — doors swing outward, full interior access); sliding door wardrobes (doors slide laterally, no floor clearance needed); mirrored wardrobes (mirrored door panels providing full-length mirror function and light reflection); wardrobes with drawers (combination hanging, shelving, and drawer storage in one piece); double wardrobes (two doors, 90–120cm wide, the most widely purchased size); and triple wardrobes (three doors, 135–180cm wide, maximum freestanding storage capacity). All types are available across white, grey, oak, and black finishes.