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Cabinet hinges may seem as minor elements in your furniture, but they serve a very important purpose.

It is interesting to note that there are several different kinds of cabinet hinges, specifically to cater for different requirements.

As a result you will find that hinges vary in terms of their styles and features, as some are more suitable for certain materials and furniture types.

It is important to choose the most ideal hinges for your needs, and to help you do this we are going to outline 21 different types of cabinet hinges below.

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Table of Contents

1. Soft Closing Hinges
2. Self-Closing Hinges
3. Hidden Hinges
4. Heavy Duty Hinges
5. Demountable Hinges
6. Decorative Hinges
7. Barrel Hinges
8. Butt Hinges
9. Face Frame Hinges
10. Flush Hinges
11. Full Overlay Concealed Hinges
12. Half Overlay Concealed Hinges
13. Inset Concealed Hinges
14. Invisible Hinges
15. Offset Hinges
16. Pivot Hinges
17. Strap Hinges
18. Surface Mount Hinges
19. Wrap Around Hinges
20. Blind Corner Hinges
21. Bi-Fold Corner Hinges
22. Conclusion

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1. Soft Closing Hinges

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Soft closing hinges, as the name implies, will close the door for you.

So all you need to do is push it.

Once the cabinet door reaches a certain position, the hinge will step into action by gliding it gently to a close, without slamming.

These hinges stifle any noise that the cabinet can make as it shuts.

Soft closing hinges make use of hydraulics since they create a vacuum which closes the cabinet door.

2. Self-Closing Hinges

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Self-closing hinges are somewhat similar to soft closing hinges.

They are also sometimes referred to as spring-loaded hinges, even though they do not include any springs at all when they are hydraulic self-closing mechanisms.

These use a hydraulic design to enable the door to close on its own, by harnessing its weight.

The spring-loaded variety include a spring which uncoils when the door is opened, and then recoils when the pressure made against the door leaves.

These types of hinges are generally used in gym lockers, as in such a case there is no need to worry that there may be some noise while the door closes.

3. Hidden Hinges

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Hidden hinges are not visible from the outside of the cabinet.

They are also sometimes referred to as concealed hinges or invisible hinges.

These types of hinges attach to the inside of the door and the frame.

As a result, the door will appear to float on the face of the frame.

Obviously the main benefit of these types of hinges is that they will not negatively impact the look of cabinets.

So they are ideal to conceal any small imperfections in the cabinet measures.

4. Heavy Duty Hinges

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These are the types of hinges you will find in industrial settings.

As the name implies, they are able to hold more weight than other types of hinges.

Common types of heavy-duty hinges are pivot and barrel hinges.

Such hinges typically are around ¼-inch thick, and are able to hold doors weighing around 1000 pounds.

5. Demountable Hinges

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Demountable hinges are available in single and double demountable varieties.

The single demountable hinges can be installed onto the cabinet frame, with the other end fitting into a slot on the cabinet door.

As a result, one can easily slip off the door without having to remove the hinge.

The double demountable variety will fit into slots on the door and frame, and there is no need for screws to install them either.

These types of hinges are ideal for kitchen cabinets as the doors can be easily removed without having any other hardware involved, and so cleaning is simpler.

It is also easier to repair them if need be.

6. Decorative Hinges

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Decorative hinges generally have a beautifying face, which is visible from the outside of the cabinet door.

Hence while serving their functional purpose, these hinges are also aesthetically pleasing.

Having said that, there are also some decorative hinges which are more intended for their visual appeal, rather than functional purpose.

In such a case, the real hinge would be located on the inside of the door, while the decorative hinge is installed on the outside with the main aim of adding more detail or aesthetic value to the cabinet.

This is also called a faux hinge.

7. Barrel Hinges

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Barrel hinges are not visible from the outside of the cabinet doors.

Barrel hinges are used for wooden storage boxes, for example, because they can move the lid up and down without impacting the exterior look of the storage box.

Sometimes they are also used for cabinet doors where one would like a hinge-free look.

Barrel hinges are available in various diameters and depths.

8. Butt Hinges

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Butt hinges are used for various kinds of doors and cabinets.

These hinges have two sides, which connect to a joint, so that they can both move freely.

One side will be attached to the door, while the other is attached to the cabinet’s frame.

The joint will generally be visible from the outside of the cabinet, so you will want to choose a finish which can complement the cabinet nicely.

Butt hinges may use a central pin or a ball joint to move.

They are fairly easy to install and durable.

9. Face Frame Hinges

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For cabinets which have a small frame going around the cabinet’s opening, face frame hinges will need to be used.

These hinges attach on the door, with the other side onto the face frame.

They will not be seen from the outside of the cabinet.

10. Flush Hinges

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Flush hinges are somewhat similar to butt hinges since they attach to the inside of the cabinet door and frame.

But in the case of flush hinges, the smaller part of the hinge will close into the larger part, so that they are flush.

They also have the advantage of taking up less room.

However they will be visible from the outside of the cabinet, so it is important to pick a suitable finish.

Unlike butt joints, there is no need to create a mortise so as to install them.

11. Full Overlay Concealed Hinges

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The term overlay refers to the way in which the cabinet doors meet up with the frames.

In some cases, the doors are installed in front of the face, while others are attached to the inside of the frame, with the doors’ frame sitting flush to it.

A full overlay hinge is required for cabinet doors that cover up the full face of the cabinet.

These types of hinges come in various styles but they generally go inside the cabinet.

They are attached to the door, and either to the face frame or to the inside of frameless cabinets.

12. Half Overlay Concealed Hinges

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Half overlay hinges are used for partial overlay or for half overlay cabinets.

These basically comprise two doors which meet in the middle, but they share the same wall or partition.

The half overlay hinges are attached to the inside of the doors, enabling them to open near each other without hitting one another.

Such hinges are typically rather small as they will need to fit on the same partition or wall that is shared by two doors.

13. Inset Concealed Hinges

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Inset hinges have one side which is attached to the frame of the door.

This is rather narrow so as to fit in the small area.

The wider side is attached to the inside of the door.

The narrow part is going to be seen from the outside of the cabinet, and so it is important to find inset hinges which are also somewhat decorative.

Such hinges in fact come in various finishes and designs so that one can easily complement the cabinets’ design.

Such hinges are often chosen for traditional solid wood furniture so that they allow the wooden frame around the door to be fully visible.

They are also commonly used with glass doors such as kitchen display cabinets.

14. Invisible Hinges

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Unlike the common misconception, invisible hinges are not concealed hinges.

The two differ.

Invisible hinges are small and take up very little space.

They are attached to the inside of the door and frame.

Even when one opens the cabinet doors, invisible hinges will not be that noticeable.

In fact they are used for home theatre systems as they are so discreet.

15. Offset Hinges

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Offset hinges are the ideal option when cabinet doors protrude from the frame.

The hinges’ sides do not align to one another.

As a result, the door is able to extend out from the cabinet frame.

Such hinges are thus ideal when cabinet doors are relatively thick, so that they will not bump into the frame when they are opened.

Offset hinges are attached to the outside of the cabinet frame and door.

They are available in various finishes and styles so as to match different cabinet styles.

16. Pivot Hinges

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Pivot hinges are generally used for lower cabinets.

They are also commonly used in home theatre systems cabinets.

They are ideal for inset doors as they will not be visible.

Such hinges are installed on the top and bottom parts of the cabinet door and frame.

The frame will have the inset pieces.

The door will have a piece which juts out slightly, but fits securely into the inset pieces, so that they can pivot.

17. Strap Hinges

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Strap hinges have longish wings, and they look like straps, thus their name.

These wrap around the area where the doors meet the frame.

They are mounted on the outer part of the cabinets, and hence you will be able to find several varieties in terms of colours, finishes and shapes.

Strap hinges are also made in various sizes so that one can choose the types that best accommodate the size and weight of the doors.

18. Surface Mount Hinges

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Surface mount hinges, or as they are also called, frameless door hinges, are also quite popular.

They are mounted on the inside of the doors and cabinet frame, allowing the door to swing without hitting the frame.

Such hinges are generally adjustable too.

They are also relatively easy to install as there is no need to create a mortise.

19. Wrap Around Hinges

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Wrap around hinges consist of a face that is attached to the back of the food, and another part that basically wraps around the frame, and inside the cabinet.

This is why they are named wrap around hinges, as they actually do wrap around the frame.

Such hinges are ideal in terms of the support that they give to doors, and so they are used for heavy doors.

The main drawback of wrap-around hinges is that their joint will be visible from the outside of the cabinet.

So it is important to choose a finish that is suitable for the cabinet.

20. Blind Corner Hinges

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Blind corner hinges need to be used if the cabinet’s end panel is not at a right angle.

As a result the hinges will need to be attached to an inline fascia.

It is recommended to allow a minimum length of 70mmm from the inside of the fascia to fix the mounting plate and the hinge.

21. Bi-Fold Corner Hinges

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These hinges are used for double door corner cabinets.

The first door will be attached to the side of the cabinet with a hinge, whereas the second door will need to be attached to the first using a bi-fold corner hinge.

Conclusion

After this thorough overview of different types of hinges, you are probably feeling spoiled for choice.

Many people are unaware of the vast range of hinges available on the market.

But as we discussed them, it was plain to see that there are certain hinges which are more suitable for certain doors and cabinets than others.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the different types to make a well informed choice.

Melamine faced chipboard is commonly used due to its affordability and practicality.

However, you may not be aware of what it is made from, and what the main properties that make it ideal for certain uses.

Let us delve a bit deeper into these factors hereunder.

Read on to find out more, or use a jump link below to skip to a desired chapter:

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Table of Contents

1. What is MCF?
2. Where is Melamine Faced Chipboard Used?
• Kitchen Cabinets
• Shelves
• Wardrobe Carcasses
3. MFC vs MDF
4. Is Melamine Faced Chipboard Sustainable?
5. Advantages of MFC
6. Conclusion

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What is MCF?

Melamine faced chipboard, or MCF, is a composite wood.

It is made by combining machined wood chips together with a strong resin.

Hence it is an engineered wood product.

Melamine is a thermosetting plastic which is applied to paper.

This is then glued onto the chipboard, so that it achieves its final look.

High pressure heat bonding is also used to impregnate the paper to the particleboard.

This makes it more durable, and in some cases it is also water resistant.

MCF comes in various types, including sizes, thicknesses and colours.

Where is Melamine Faced Chipboard Used?

Melamine faced chipboard is used in countless ways - from household furniture to commercial uses.

You can find it in kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, shop furniture and much more!

Kitchen Cabinets

MFC is great for kitchen cabinets as it is water resistant.

This is an important attribute for kitchens where there is a considerably high level of moisture.

MFC is also ideal for kitchen cabinets because it is scratch resistant.

While storing pots, pans, plates and other kitchen stuff it is normal to scrape along the interior of the cabinets.

However MFC shelves will not be damaged or scratched as easily as other materials.

Another advantage of MFC is the fact that it can be cleaned very easily.

This is important for a kitchen, where spills and stains are common.

Simply wiping down the surface with water mixed with some disinfectant will leave the kitchen cabinets in great condition, as well as more hygienic easily.

Shelves

MFC is ideal for shelves as it is available in so many different thicknesses and colours.

So it is easy to choose one that can complement the rest of your furniture.

It can also be cut easily according to your particular requirements.

It is very versatile and considerably sturdy.

Also, if you place anything that could scratch you won’t need to worry as MFC is a scratch resistant material.

Wardrobe Carcasses

MFC is often used for wardrobe carcasses to reduce the total cost of manufacturing the wardrobe.

The outer parts will be made of other types of wood or thicker boards.

But MFC boards are commonly used to create the carcass as it is very versatile and affordable.

Since it is also not that heavy it is easier to work with it too.

MFC vs MDF

MFC and MDF are commonly thought to be the same, but in reality there are a number of differences, despite several similarities.

MDF stands for medium density fibreboard.

It is basically made from wood waste and it is highly versatile.

The various pieces of wood are glued up together using high heat and pressure.

Resin is also used to bind them.

MDF has a smooth texture and it is quite resistant to moisture.

As noted earlier, MFC stands for melamine faced chipboard, and while it is versatile, it is somewhat weaker than MDF.

Having said that, with recent improvements the durability and resistance of MFC has increased considerably.

It is a stable material which is used to make thick carcasses, kitchen cabinet interiors, and several kinds of furniture.

When it comes to stability, both MFC and MDF are quite stable, but MFC is considered to be better.

MFC is also better than MDF when it comes to safety considerations.

This is due to the fact that MDF can release dangerous particles while being cut.

Studies have shown that it contains a carcinogenic element, namely formaldehyde which can remain airborne for some time while cutting or if the material gets damaged.

While manufacturers may seal furniture to reduce this concern, it’s important to bear this in mind, while also noting that MFC does not have any such safety issues at all.

MDF is however easier to cut and to shape than MFC.

So when it comes to ease of use and versatility, MDF is a better option.

All in all, both materials are strong and resistant, and considerably long lasting.

They are also affordable when compared to other kinds of wood, and easy to use.

Is Melamine Faced Chipboard Sustainable?

When it comes to sustainability MFC is fairly good.

This is because a good part of MFC is made from wood that comes from trees that are found in sustainable forests.

The rest comes from high quality recycled waste wood.

All in all, if more furniture is made from MFC, fewer trees will need to be cut down in relation to solid wood.

Advantages of MFC

MFC has several positive attributes, which make it so popular:

• It does not require any finishing or treatment, such as other kinds of wood.
• It is lightweight, and so easier to work with, and to transport and handle it.
• Despite being lightweight, it is hard wearing.
• This material is also considerably scratch resistant, and this improves the item’s longevity.
• It is heat resistant and water resistant.
• Comes in so many different colours and styles, which offers room for choice.
• It is relatively affordable, especially when one needs to use a lot of boards or sheets.
• It is easy to maintain and to clean.
• It is an eco-friendly material since it is mainly made from wood waste and scraps of lumber products such as wood chips, shavings and sawdust, which would otherwise have been thrown away.
• The smooth and flat surface makes it ideal to stick decorative laminate or wood veneer.

Conclusion

By now you should be better able to appreciate the various advantages of MFC.

Everything considered, it is a good idea to opt for this material as you can save money and have a good quality piece of furniture.

The TV is the main feature in a living area or sitting room and most people take a lot of pride in it, especially when considering the entertainment it provides to all the family.

It’s no wonder so many people opt for the biggest TV possible.

However, many like to spruce up the wall around the TV in a unique way to further enhance the decor of the room.

This is one of the reasons why entertainment walls acquired their name.

There are indeed several ways you can decorate the wall space where the TV has been mounted.

The following are some great ideas you could consider:

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Table of Contents

1. Integrated Lighting
2. Contrasting Materials & Textures
3. Integrated Shelves
4. Integrated Storage
5. Hide the Cables
6. Concealed Door
7. Recessed Screen
8. Create a Picture Gallery
9. Bold Colours
10. Conclusion

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Integrated Lighting

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The lighting options you choose matter considerably.

Lights create a unique ambiance, and they also have an impact on the comfort level provided in the room.

You do not want the lights to be neither too bright nor too low, especially while the TV is on.

Backlit TV screens are a common option as they accentuate the TV while offering some light.

It is important to consider the different options as ideally the backlight is not bright as it might reduce the visual quality of the TV screen itself.

However backlit TVs certainly look great when the TV is turned off, and they offer a focal point on that part of the wall, which improves the general decor of the room.

You can also opt for LED lighting strips that can be placed underneath the unit above the TV.

This will offer a subtle light while also illuminating anything underneath.

Uplight strips are another popular option as they can be installed at the back of the unit underneath the TV and illuminate upwards, offering a nice aura to the TV above.

There is also the option to go for colour changing LED lights to customise the lighting colour according to your particular preferences or mood.

There are many that can be controlled by means of your smartphone or a remote control, so they are highly convenient.

Contrasting Materials & Textures

You will be amazed at the impact that you can create if you use contrasting materials on the wall around the TV screen.

Wood offers a warm look, and when combined with natural stone or metal, which are rather cold, there is a huge contrast both in terms of their texture as well as colours.

This leads to a lasting impact when one looks at the wall and as a result the TV becomes even more accentuated.

Moreover, when using contrasting materials, you will be managing to complement different styles in a unique way, and the decor of the room will never get out of fashion in this way!

Integrated Shelves

We all have lots of things to store, books, photo frames, decorative items and much more!

These can be nicely arranged on shelves in a living area.

It is thus a good idea to opt for integrated shelves as you will be using the wall space around the TV wisely.

Integrated Storage

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Integrated storage is an ideal way to add extra storage space for your countless belongings which would otherwise make the room look untidy.

It can also work well to place devices that you may be using such as gaming consoles, media players etc.

These can be set up in a way that you can hide away the wiring at the back of the unit so that everything looks neater.

You will be amazed at the difference you can achieve in this way instead of having to see all those ugly and untidy cords and wires running around!

Hide the Cables

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A few holes here and there, and those unsightly cables that used to clutter the area underneath your TV will solve the problem once and for all.

If you have a unit or shelving system where these cables can pass through and get hidden away, you will be able to achieve a much neater setting.

Cables are normal and indispensable, yet they can look so ugly.

However there are ways they can get hidden out of sight.

You just need to be a bit creative!

For instance, you could use recessed cable plates or place a cable cord management box.

Alternatively you could attach some hooks to the back edge of the unit or shelving so as to place the cords onto them and be hidden discreetly behind the silhouette of the furniture.

A similar option is to use zip ties to keep the wires wound up.

Concealed Door

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An interesting alternative is to have your TV hidden away behind a door.

This door can be a concealed door that forms part of a unit.

Such a door will not be easily noticeable as it can be designed with a pull-out mechanism, or be a sliding door.

Hence, it will be flush with the rest of the unit, but the TV will be right behind it.

In this way you will basically be hiding your TV and only open up the door when you intend to watch it.

This is a relatively modern interior design and home staging idea which is ideal for those who prefer to stick to a seamless look throughout the wall, rather than have the black screen of the TV look rather off with the rest of the furniture.

There are indeed some people who cannot stand the look of a dull black TV screen when it is switched off and not in use, and in such a case this idea is ideal.

Recessed Screen

Another interesting option is to opt for a recessed screen.

Instead of having the TV mounted onto the wall and protrude outwards, it can be placed in a way that it fits flush to the wall and unit.

In this way it will look more seamless.

To install a recessed TV mount, make sure to choose a robust one and that you opt for an ideal size, even for future, possibly bigger TVs.

This mount will rest inside the wall, and you will also need to take into account the need to allow for some space around the TV to avoid overheating.

Create a Picture Gallery

Image source: https://www.interiorzine.com/2019/10/18/modern-tv-wall-decor-ideas/

Every family has dozens of photos and it could be a great idea to hang these around the TV so as to create a picture gallery.

The TV will be at the centre, while the family photos will surround it and create a lovely visual appeal.

The wall will look more welcoming and it is a great way to showcase your favourite family photos in a central part of the house without taking up space on shelves and other furniture.

It may be a good idea to consider using black frames and to have the photos printed in black and white so as not to have too many colours as they may be a bit distracting while you are watching TV.

Bold Colours

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The colours you choose for the wall matter a great deal.

Colours affect your mood and can bring a whole new look to the room and to its ambiance.

If you want to make a bold statement, then opt for colours that will manage to do this thanks to their uniqueness.

Some good choices include yellow, lime green, red, orange and teal.

Imagine any of these colours and the black TV in the centre of the wall.

What is the effect?

The TV screen will look more prominent and the vivacity of these colours will fill the room with personality.

Conclusion

By embracing any one or more of these ideas you can manage to create a unique TV wall which you will be proud of.

You will be spending a considerable amount of time watching TV and so you should make sure that this wall is indeed a feature wall that you will love sitting in front of!

So be creative, artistic and think outside the box to create a TV feature wall that will truly make an impact!

Regardless of the size of your wardrobe, most people find that they end up facing limited storage space.

Let’s face it, most of us end up buying clothes, accessories and shoes, and at some point the wardrobe will end up getting full to the brim.

But at the end of the day it is not an impossible feat.

All you need is to be a little creative and utilise some tips and tricks which can make you achieve the best use of the space available in your wardrobe.

Check out the following ideas you could implement.

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Table of Contents

1. Clothes Dividers
2. Double Hang Clothes
3. Integrated Hampers
4. Use All Vertical Space
5. Hang Smaller Items
6. Include a Shoe Rack
7. Add Drawers
8. Add Drawer Organisers
9. Hang Bags on the Doors
10. Reorganise Seasonally
11. Install Task Lighting
12. Install Sliding Doors
13. Donate Unwanted Clothes
14. Vacuum Pack Unused Clothes
15. Consider a Wall Bed
16. Store Stuff Under the Bed
17. Conclusion

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Clothes Dividers

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Clothing dividers are simple yet very effective organisational helpers.

These divider tags can be easily made on some card stock, and hung in between the clothes in your bespoke wardrobe.

They will make it so much simpler for you to sort your clothes, as you will be able to write on them and classify the clothes by size, season, etc.

Double Hang Clothes

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When you hang clothes you will be saving up a considerable amount of space.

However it's important to hang clothes wisely.

Trousers for instance can be hung with belt loops on S-hooks as they will be stored much more compactly like this.

Double hanging clothes will enable you to store more clothes than if you were to use a single rod.

The key is to choose a proper height according to the inside of the customised wardrobe, to leave additional space for some folded clothes to be stored underneath as well.

Integrated Hampers

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Hampers could work wonders in helping you organise your stuff.

Built-in hampers can be easily installed in your made to measure wardrobe, and they will allow you to make the best use of all the space in between one shelf and another.

Consider shopping for hampers that are of the ideal size for the spaces you have.

There are several different sizes as well as materials and colours available in many shops, and they are not expensive either.

Use All Vertical Space

Sometimes we tend to forget about the storage space available in the upper part of the wardrobe simply because it's out of reach.

While it may sound a bit unfeasible to climb up on a chair every time, it is important to make use of all the vertical space in your wardrobe.

Here you could store items that are not currently required such as out of season clothes.

You will also need to make sure that you are utilising all the vertical space, including the space against the inner side of the wardrobe doors.

Here you can install a system with hooks, where you can store small items such as jewellery, scarves, hats, purses and belts.

Hang Smaller Items

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Most accessories stored in your fitted wardrobe tend to be smallish, but since you probably have tons of items, they are taking up quite a lot of space.

You could however reorganise such items a bit more wisely to leave the space on shelves for clothes and bigger stuff.

Scarves, belts and bags can be hung up.

Include a Shoe Rack

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Shoes tend to take up a considerable amount of space in your wardrobe.

But chances are that you are not utilising the space available well enough.

For instance, if you install a shoe rack you will be amazed at how many more pairs of shoes you would be able to store.

You could also try to position the shoes in a different way, to fit more pairs of shoes on one shelf.

If you place one shoe facing the other one in the opposite direction, you will be able to save up some space.

Add Drawers

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Sometimes a lot of space is left unused in your wardrobe simply because there are only doors, and no drawers whatsoever.

Certain clothes and small items are better stored in a drawer rather than on shelves or hung up.

Consider adding drawers to your custom wardrobe to accommodate such items more neatly, while also saving up on space.

Add Drawer Organisers

A common mistake many tend to do is haphazardly dump items in their drawers, often without bothering to fold, sort or place neatly.

You will be amazed at how much space this takes up.

If only you devote some time to organising your drawers you will notice that there will be much more free space for you to store other items, not to mention how much neater and nicer it will look.

Drawer organisers can help you do this easily.

Hang Bags on the Doors

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Any handbags and bags could be hung to the doors of the bedroom wardrobe rather than left folded on a shelf.

They would also be stored much more neatly in this way too, not to mention that they will be free from creases.

You will also be better able to locate the bag you need more easily and quickly.

Reorganise Seasonally

As we move from one season to another you will need to shuffle the clothes that are suitable for the current season, and place the unseasonal items away.

Such items could be stored underneath the bed, or at the back of the custom wardrobe where it is harder to reach them.

In such a way you will be able to make room for the current items, and have them in the most accessible sections of your wardrobe.

Install Task Lighting

If the inside of your wardrobe is not well organised, and poorly lit, things are going to be more difficult to find.

Have you ever considered how much easier it could be if there is some light within the wardrobe?

Recessed lights are ideal as they do not take up much space.

There are various kinds of small lights which do not take up space and which can be easily installed inside a custom made wardrobe.

Install Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are just great to improve your wardrobe space, as well as to reduce the need for floor space in your bedroom.

You may consider removing the current wardrobe doors and have them replaced with sliding doors.

This is not that difficult to do, and you can do it as a custom DIY wardrobe project too.

It could also be a great way to spruce up your wardrobe!

Donate Unwanted Clothes

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If you were to spend some time sorting out the clothes and other items in your wardrobe you will most probably realise that there are many which you do not even need anymore.

Clothes which are too big or too small, and others which do not seem that trendy, could be removed and donated to charities or thrift shops.

You will be amazed at how much space you could make in your wardrobe if you do this clean out every once in a while.

Besides, you will also be able to take the opportunity to organise the remaining clothes, as well as feel good about donating to others who can make good use of the items.

Vacuum Pack Unused Clothes

If you have plenty of clothes not currently used that you would rather not donate, you should vacuum pack them.

You will be impressed at how much space you will save by doing this.

There are several good quality vacuum bags available in different sizes, and it is quite effortless to tuck away these unused clothes in them and vacuum the air away.

Consider a Wall Bed

Wall beds, or as they are sometimes referred to, Murphy beds, are great space savers.

When not in use you can simply fold up the bed so that it is vertical against the wall.

In this way you will be able to make use of the floor space beneath it.

Store Stuff Under the Bed

Have you ever considered how much space there is underneath your bed?

Chances are that you never thought of storing anything down there, and if only you did this you will be impressed at how much free space you could make in your wardrobe.

Needless to say you will not be storing clothes and items you use regularly under the bed, but you can place vacuum packed clothes, shoes and other items in storage boxes that are of a suitable size to fit under the bed.

Conclusion

As you can see there are several ways and means how you can free up some space in your wardrobe.

You do not have to spend a lot of money, and most ideas can be implemented effortlessly and very simply.

All it takes is some creativity, good will and a keen eye on how to be neater and more organised.

With limited spaces and smallish rooms, fitted wardrobes are often preferred.

Such wardrobes are ideal for space saving and to allow for better organisation.

However, bespoke solutions tend to be very costly.

If you have a limited budget you can however try to design and create your own fitted wardrobe online.

Here are some ideas you can use to give you that all important inspiration!

Read on to find out more, or use a jump link below to skip to a desired chapter:

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Table of Contents

1. Plan to Maximise Space
2. Add Drawers
3. Include a Shoe Rack
4. Integrate Lighting
5. Add Shelves
6. Hang a Mirror on the Door Reverse
7. Use Sliding Doors
8. Maximise Height
9. Custom Paint
10. Make It Multifunctional
11. Conclusion

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Plan to Maximise Space

One of the most important things about fitted wardrobes is that they can be designed to make the best use of the available space.

When you plan your fitted wardrobe you need to make sure that the total wardrobe space is maximised.

First measure the length of the space available, to plan how many doors to include.

Next, depending on this you can better visualise how you will be planning the compartments of the wardrobe.

Try drawing simple diagrams with measurements to come up with different configurations that will best accommodate what you plan to store in the wardrobe.

And always keeping in mind the available space.

To maximise the space it is best to use the full height all the way up to the ceiling.

This may be a bit tricky as the top shelves should be designed in a way to allow you to store items that you do not use regularly.

So make sure that if you plan to store large items such as blankets, storage boxes etc, the shelves are wide and high enough to accommodate these things.

Add Drawers

A wardrobe should incorporate at least a few drawers as certain items are rather small and they are best stored in drawers.

Socks and underwear for instance, are best stored in drawers to allow for better organisation, and to make sure that they are more easily accessible.

Whilst drawers are important, make sure that you do not overdo it.

Plan wisely so that you only include too many drawers, and not end up taking too much space away from the rest of your needs.

Moreover, make sure that the size of the drawers are appropriate for the space available, and for the types of items to be stored.

For instance, a very long drawer might end up not being very well organised.

But, very small drawers might not offer enough space for all the items you want to put away.

Include a Shoe Rack

It is highly recommended to include a shoe rack inside your wardrobe.

Most people have a considerable number of shoes to store and so a shoe rack comes in very handy.

Shoe racks allow you to avoid having shoes displayed in an unsightly fashion all over the bedroom.

And since it’s basically a pull out shelving system, you will be able to see and choose your shoes easily by simply pulling out the rack.

It's a good idea to calculate the space that a certain number of pairs of shoes will take when placed next to one another.

So make sure you design your shoe rack appropriately and do not waste any space unnecessarily.

Integrate Lighting

It’s a really good idea to illuminate your fitted wardrobe by integrating lighting.

This will help you to find whatever you are looking for inside the wardrobe more easily.

Besides being practical, it also makes the interior of the wardrobe look sleek and modern.

An LED hanging rail that is motion activated is often the best choice and adds tons of practicality.

Add Shelves

Making use of shelves in your wardrobe is one of the most important factors.

A column of shelves designed in a certain size can allow you to maximise storage space.

Cubby holes also work really well for small items and folded clothes.

Shelves also allow for better organisation and compartmentalisation.

Just try to be careful and plan the dimensions of the shelves you will be including wisely, depending on what you plan to store on them.

Hang a Mirror on the Door Reverse

A mirror at the back of one of the wardrobe doors is another great idea.

Besides creating the illusion of a bigger wardrobe, a mirror comes in very handy as you try on clothes and prepare yourself.

And the added bonus is you do not end up wasting bedroom wall space unnecessarily.

Use Sliding Doors

It’s highly recommended that you use sliding doors as they are much more practical.

Sliding doors make your wardrobe look sleek and modern.

Moreover you won’t have to worry whether there is enough space to open a door, especially if the room is small and floor space is limited.

Maximise Height

Make the best use of ceiling height by having your fitted wardrobe go all the way up to the ceiling.

As mentioned earlier, make sure to design the upper part in such a way that you will be able to store items that you do not use on a regular basis.

Custom Paint

Painting your fitted wardrobe is a great way to customise it.

There are certain paints which are ideal for this as they adhere nicely and easily to the surface, regardless of the type of material.

Custom painting your wardrobe is just great as you can choose the colour you like best and this will allow you to complement it with the rest of the room’s furnishings.

You could choose a colour that blends into the background, making your fitted wardrobe look as if it were integrated into the wall.

This makes it look sleeker, discreet and unobtrusive.

Make It Multifunctional

Since a fitted wardrobe is customisable, you will be able to be creative and make it as multifunctional as you wish.

The key is to make sure that you plan its design carefully depending on the space available and the items you are planning to store within it.

So, shelves, drawers, shoe racks, or even a slide in and out desk space can really make your wardrobe as multifunctional as can be.

Conclusion

As you can see there’s a myriad of design ideas for fitted wardrobes.

You just need to be creative and to keep in mind the importance of planning the design according to your preferences and in line with your storage requirements.