What is a Wardrobe? A History of Storage, Style, and Sliding Doors

Sliding wardrobes as a storage solution have probably been around longer than you think…

The Origin of the Word ‘Wardrobe’

The word wardrobe originated from Old French words warderobe, wardereube and garderobe, in which “warder” meant “to keep, to guard” and “robe” meant “garment”. It entered the English language in the early 14th century.

Early Wardrobes: Spacious Castle Closet Rooms

The name “wardrobe” was originally given to a room in which the wall-space was filled with closets, particularly in regal palaces and the castles of powerful nobles. Owning a “wardrobe” was tied to wealth and ample space, long before it became a feature in the everyday home.

The Evolution of the Modern Wardrobe

In the nineteenth century, the wardrobe began to develop into its modern form, sometimes incorporating a hanging cupboard at each side, a press in the upper part of the central portion and drawers below. The modern wardrobe differs in one respect from the historical one in its partitioning: there are often smaller compartments on either side with shelves as well as a middle space made up of hanging pegs and drawers – the latter being a modern addition.

The penultimate step in the evolution of the wardrobe was taken when the central doors, which had previously enclosed merely the upper part, were carried to the floor, covering the drawers as well as the sliding shelves, and were often fitted with mirrors. In the UK, a more affluent option is custom-made wardrobes, which are designed and built around the size and shape of the room.

Sliding Doors in Wardrobes: A Space-Saving Revolution

Sliding doors were first used in the first century in Roman Houses. Archaeologists have found evidence of sliding tracks for doors dating back to Pompeii, Italy. Sliding doors provide much greater access in tight spaces, provide much wider opening space, have much higher durability, are safer for children (soft-close packs can be added to all our wardrobes), not to mention saving your wall from that handle-shaped dent that can start to appear when you have hinged doors.

Sliding Doors: Not just for Wardrobes

Sliding doors have not just been used for wardrobes, Shoji (traditional Japanese doors) have been used as room dividers in Japan since 14th Century BC. In contrast to modern sliding doors that you would put into your sliding wardrobe, these doors are paper thin held together by bamboo or wood. The addition of glass and metal to sliding doors has meant that they are now more robust, more durable and have the ability to let more light into a room.

Fun fact: an armoire is a wardrobe that is wider than a grown adult’s ‘wingspan’, while a wardrobe is smaller.

About My Sliding Wardrobe

My Sliding Wardrobe is a leading specialist in bespoke, handmade custom sliding doors and wardrobes. Our wardrobes come with a 12 year warranty and are handmade in the UK to the highest standard with style, quality and affordability in mind. All of our custom sliding doors are manufactured with high quality glass, mirror and woodwork finished in contemporary metal framework in a large range of styles and designs. You can use our exclusive and unique online 3D design tool to create your perfect wardrobe and if you need any assistance, please contact us any time.