Chiffonier with your own hands

Here is one possible way to arrange the internal contents of a three-door bedroom closet.

The illustration indicates that there are a greater number of long garments displayed on the hanging rods compared to the shorter ones. Additionally, the wardrobe is designed to serve as a multipurpose storage solution, with a dedicated space on the left for accommodating an ironing board and vacuum cleaner. While pull-out drawers offer enhanced convenience for organizing laundry, they do contribute to the overall cost of the item. Therefore, if cost efficiency is a consideration, opting for open shelves as an alternative would be more advantageous.

In the hallway, three-door wardrobe layouts are typically characterized by the presence of sections designed to accommodate long coats, jackets, and short jackets. Additionally, there are usually two rows of hanging space for down jackets. Drawers that can be pulled out are commonly used to store scarves, hats, gloves, and shoes.

If the large "junk" shelves on the mezzanine are not essential, a pantograph can be used to store seasonal outerwear.

Size selection

If you want to create a cost-effective and visually appealing wardrobe on your own, one of the first things to consider is its dimensions. This should be done during the planning phase. Grab a tape measure, bubble level, or laser level, and use these tools to measure the dimensions of the room where the wardrobe will be installed.

For modern wardrobes, it is common to extend them up to the ceiling. This allows for maximum utilization of the available space. Additionally, aesthetically, a wardrobe that reaches the ceiling appears more attractive compared to "incomplete" wardrobes.

Usually, cabinets are designed to match the height of the ceiling.

When choosing the width of the cabinet, it is important to consider the size of the wall it will be attached to. In most cases, it is recommended to install the cabinet on the entire length of the wall. This ensures that you can maximize the storage space and easily accommodate all your clothes and linen. Additionally, this fixed placement eliminates the need for future adjustments or relocations.

The dimensions of the wardrobe are determined by the measurements of the wall on which it is constructed.

Make sure to include shelves for storing household appliances. The shelving units can easily accommodate a vacuum cleaner, food processor, iron, coffee maker, and other appliances, without cluttering the overall design of the apartment.

Having shelves specifically designed for household appliances is a great way to keep your home tidy and prevent it from becoming cluttered.

Varieties

The primary varieties of designs:

• cabinet – the production process entails assembling the structure, requiring a significant amount of materials, often utilized to partition separate areas within a room;
• built-in – transforming an unused nook into a useful area in the hallway, bedroom, and other rooms;
• radius – all components of the facade are created in a curved form, necessitating specialized skills due to the intricate geometry;
• straight – a versatile design method with simple installation, suitable for classic and "hi-tech" style interiors;
• corner – a more complex installation technique for filling corner spaces of non-standard shape effectively.

Installing closet doors drawing

If you are concerned about your limited skills or find the task too complex to handle on your own, refer to these comprehensive instructions available in the link provided below the gallery. By following the correct process, it is indeed possible to install compartment closet doors with your own hands.

Outlined in the diagram are the following components:

A Frame – top insert (optional) B Top rail C Frame – stop plates (optional) D Sliding doors E Base rail F Frame – bottom insert (optional) G End panel (optional)

Many individuals tend to overlook crucial steps, such as accurately measuring the available space and considering internal elements. However, if you take all of these aspects into account, the installation process will be smooth and efficient. Photo source: www.wardrobedoorsdirect.co.uk/installation-guide

Photo source: www.wardrobedoorsdirect.co.uk/installation-guide

Drawing up the project

Once you have decided on the position for the built-in wardrobe, the first step is not to gather tools, but to grab a pen and paper and create a blueprint. It is essential to sketch out the design, taking into consideration the external measurements, which should fit perfectly within the designated niche or room where the wardrobe will be placed.

Using the external measurements as a foundation, we can then determine the internal layout, taking into account how the wardrobe will be used. The blueprint should indicate the number of shelves and compartments, as well as the placement of any additional hardware or decorative elements. When calculating the exact dimensions of the internal partitions, it’s important to consider the thickness of the panels. The front edge of the internal shelves should be at least 100mm away from the location where the doors will be attached.

A rough sketch of a cupboard incorporated into a bare wall

The cupboard is built without any external walls, fitting perfectly into a niche within the room.

There are several materials that are suitable for constructing this type of cupboard:

• The most common materials used are laminated chipboard, MDF, and fiberboard.
• These materials are versatile, practical, and durable, as they can withstand various external factors and are easy to work with.
• They are available in sheets of different sizes, allowing for minimal wastage during cutting.
• Additionally, these materials come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to integrate the cupboard into the design of any room.
• Among these materials, laminated chipboard with a thickness of 16mm and medium to high density is the most commonly used and practical choice, as it offers the best price-quality ratio.
• Some craftsmen who assemble built-in cabinets opt to use drywall. While this type of finishing material does have its advantages, it is not particularly suitable for constructing built-in compartments. Drywall is heavy and fragile, and its supporting structure requires wide metal profiles, resulting in thicker partitions. Therefore, it is best to avoid using plasterboard for the installation of functional furniture.

Development of design and drawing

The design process for the future wardrobe starts by planning how it will be filled. Once the location for the sections has been determined, measurements can be calculated and displayed on a drawing.

Plan of internal placement

When it comes to design, there are a number of guidelines that are commonly followed:

• Outerwear should be placed on the side to prevent moisture from spreading throughout the area;
• Small accessories should be given a prominent position for easy access;
• It is advisable to store clothing, bed linen, and towels on higher shelves, as moisture accumulates within half a meter of the floor and dust tends to rise;
• Multiple drawers should be provided for storing valuable items.

An illustration of an interior space

When planning, it is important to establish the minimum width of the shelves, as it will be useful when calculating the sash sizes.

Measurements and drawing design

To ensure accurate measurements, it is important to follow several guidelines. Niche walls are often uneven, and while small discrepancies in corner finishing may go unnoticed, even a difference of 2 mm is noticeable.

It is recommended to measure the width in at least three locations. Measure the back wall from the top, middle, and bottom. Similarly, determine the dimensions of the front wall. For the height measurements, take readings in three places for both the front and back walls.

When documenting the measurements on a diagram, it is necessary to account for the material thickness and edge tape, and add an extra 10 cm for the sliding door mechanism.

Model selection

Before embarking on the immediate work involved in building a bookshelf for books by hand, it is necessary to decide on the specific design to be created. The chosen design should perfectly complement the style of the room, its color scheme, and other room parameters.

There are several different models of bookshelves to consider:

• Open bookshelves – these consist of open shelves and do not have any doors. Building such a bookshelf is a relatively simple task that does not require the purchase of expensive materials. The only drawback is that they may not have the most presentable appearance;

• Vertical and horizontal bookcases can be made by hand.
• When choosing a design, consider the size of the room, the style of the interior, and the available space.
• There are different varieties of cabinets available:
• A cabinet is a popular choice for organizing books, newspapers, magazines, and small items. It can have hinged or sliding doors, or no facades at all.

The modular design of the closet consists of numerous modules that can be combined and rearranged, allowing for easy customization of its appearance. This unique feature opens up endless possibilities for original design ideas that can be tailored to each room and style. Additionally, in smaller rooms, modules can be removed to save space.

The built-in design of the closet typically involves connecting various sliding doors. This option is characterized by the fact that all the walls of the closet are directly fixed to the walls, ceiling, and floor of the room.

The angular design of the closet is a great choice for small rooms as it makes use of a corner, effectively saving a significant amount of space. It is suitable for various interior styles and features compact dimensions, ample storage capacity, and easy access to books.

If you opt for a pre-built variation of the bookshelf, it would be advantageous to situate it within a designated space in a specific room.

If you’re serious about building your own closet, the first step is to obtain a set of drawings with measurements and a list of necessary parts and accessories. You can use pre-made designs or create a customized plan. Start by measuring the area where you intend to install the closet, and then transfer those measurements onto paper. This will allow you to determine the dimensions of the final product. Sketch a rough draft by hand, which will help you visually gauge the thickness of the chipboard. Once you have the basic outline, make sure to include all the dimensions in order to turn your sketch into a complete blueprint for the closet.

Large closet in the hallway

If you have a large number of family members, a spacious closet in the hallway will effectively address the issue of storing outerwear and footwear. This closet boasts an impressive design, measuring 365 cm in width and 242 cm in height. It offers ample space for everyone with individual compartments and shelves to prevent any confusion. Additionally, small baskets are included to accommodate smaller items like hats and gloves. What’s great is that creating such a closet for your hallway is actually quite simple, so don’t be intimidated by its size. Visit the project author’s website for clear and detailed instructions. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step photo tutorial.

Image source: www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/diy-garage-mudroom-lockers-with-lots-of/

Built-in closet with open shelves

Follow these detailed pictures and directions to create a customized hallway closet with built-in shelves.

The creator of this project does not provide specific measurements, as it is highly unlikely that your closet will have the exact same dimensions as the one depicted in these images. Every handcrafted closet is unique, just like a snowflake, even if it is constructed by the same artisan. Additionally, please keep in mind that these photographs were not taken by a professional, but they should still be informative.

Make a decision on which part of the base will be considered the front and which part will be the back (although it’s not that important). Your next step is to construct support on the wall in order to have a place to sit.

In summary, these are two distinct steps that need to be taken.

For the comprehensive instructions, please visit the website.

Photo source: makeit-loveit.com/turn-a-coat-closet-into-the-perfect-mudroom

A hallway closet with a bench

If you’re seeking simple illustrations on how to create a hallway closet, this is an excellent choice for aspiring craftsmen. In truth, it’s a custom-made bench featuring a wardrobe for clothing, formulated by the author specifically for his children. The exposed niches beneath the bench are ideal for shoe baskets, while the wardrobe compartments offer a designated area for backpacks and jackets.

To learn how to construct this petite closet in the hallway with your own hands, consult the detailed instructions located on the author’s website, which can be accessed through the link posted below the image gallery. A step-by-step photo guide for the manufacturing and assembly process can be found below as well.

Image source: www.shanty-2-chic.com/2017/06/diy-wall-locker.html

How to assemble a closet by yourself

Here is another example of how you can put together your own wardrobe compartment. The measurements of this cabinet are 2480x600x2297, and all of the dimensions for each part are clearly illustrated in the diagram. If you’re new to assembling furniture, you might have a lot of questions, but everyone has to start somewhere. Luckily, it’s not too difficult if you have a detailed diagram of the wardrobe’s dimensions and the right tools. If this particular option appeals to you, there are very comprehensive instructions available on the author’s website, complete with a step-by-step breakdown of each stage of assembly. You’ll also find plenty of useful tips to help you along the way. The process of assembling your own wardrobe compartment is carefully illustrated through step-by-step photos.

Design features

Construction blueprint

When creating the design, it is important to consider the ergonomic and operational characteristics.

Now, let’s take a look at the key components of the built-in wardrobe.

Door width

The size of the door you choose depends on several factors:

• The manufacturers of sliding systems have limitations on the sizes they offer. Some systems can accommodate a sash width of up to 120 cm.
• The width of the door is also influenced by the number of internal sections. Each section needs to be easily accessible.
• Personal preferences also play a role in the decision. As long as it falls within the limitations mentioned above, there are no strict rules.

The optimal width for practical use is typically between 600 and 900 mm. This size provides the most comfortable conditions.

Sliding systems

A reliable system is essential for sliding doors.

There are two main criteria for classifying sliding systems:

1. Profile material
2. Sliding principle

The profile of the sliding system can be made of aluminum or steel. Typically, the material for the sliding system is chosen to match the door frame. While steel constructions are cheaper, aluminum is usually preferred.

There are two types of systems available: bottom-supported and top-hung. In the bottom-supported system, the door with rollers moves on a rail. In the top-hung system, the rollers move on the upper rails.

The height needs to be sufficient to accommodate all the necessary items. It is possible to choose the height freely. The only limitation might be the ceiling or the low height of the apartment/house owners. Constructions are built from the ceiling down to the floor, as well as at smaller heights.

The standard length of the material used for walls is 270 cm. A typical apartment has a ceiling height of 260-270 cm. Having virtually matching dimensions eliminates the need to saw and add elements to the structure.

For ceilings taller than 270 cm (if you want to have a floor-to-ceiling closet), there are two solutions. The first is to join sheets of material to achieve the required length. The second is to assemble a mezzanine. It is possible to join the sheets using high-precision equipment provided by companies specializing in such services.

Shelf depth

When considering the depth of a cabinet, it’s crucial to distinguish between the total depth and the working depth.

The everyday usability of the cabinet is determined by the depth of the shelves. It is recommended to have a depth of 60-70 cm for optimal functionality. Typically, a hanger bar, which has a width of about 48 cm, is placed inside the cabinet. By having a depth of 60 cm, it ensures that the inner surface of the door doesn’t come into contact with the clothes on the hangers. Additionally, most furniture accessories such as boxes and trays have a width of 50 cm. Therefore, it is not advisable to have shelves that are deeper than that as it will make it inconvenient to access items placed "under the wall".

Installing furniture with the maximum recommended shelf depth is not always feasible. However, there are also restrictions on the minimum depth. The ideal choice may be a depth of 40 cm. Taking into account that 10 cm is allocated for the sliding door mechanism, one can purchase small hangers with a width of 30 cm. Another option is to install a hanging rod perpendicular to the doors and the back wall, in which case there is no limit on the width of the hanging hangers.

This solution is much more preferable than completely giving up on installing the closet, especially since even such a "narrow" design is an ideal solution for small-sized apartments.

There is a designated area for shelves and bars in the storage space.

The distance between shelves is 250-350 mm. The rule for determining the distance is straightforward: shelves with greater depth have more space between them, while shelves with less depth have less space. This rule is based on the convenience of accessing items stored at the back of the shelf.

When designing a mezzanine, it is important to consider the size of the items that will be stored on it. If suitcases are to be stored, the height of the mezzanine should be equal to the height of the suitcase, with a small additional space.

The height at which the hanger bar should be mounted is determined by the length of the clothes that will be hung on it. The maximum height is equal to the length of the longest item. The average lengths of typical closet items are as follows:

• shirts – up to 100 cm;
• jackets – up to 110 cm;
• Long clothes measure up to 130 cm;
• Raincoats and fur coats measure up to 150 cm.

These estimations are not exact, as the length of clothes varies based on height, style, and other factors.

The shape of the closet

To create a well-designed interior, it is crucial to select the appropriate style for the future wardrobe:

• Traditional upright cabinet. This type of furniture is highly practical, particularly for smaller apartments. The height of the closet can reach up to the ceiling, allowing for increased storage capacity. Usually, a single hinged door is installed, following the classic design.
• Straight-line wardrobe. This design features a sturdy structure with shelves, hangers compartments, and shoe racks inside. Additional hooks can be mounted on the side walls, and drawers can also be included.
• Corner wardrobe – the most space-efficient option. It consists of two sections placed at a 90-degree angle.

Occasionally, you can come across a curved cabinet, where the front facade has a rounded shape and is often adorned with mirrored surfaces.

The main materials for furniture with a sliding door system are displayed in the table below:

Particleboard is a type of engineered wood that is manufactured by compressing wood chips, shavings, and sawdust with a resin binder. It is commonly used in furniture and cabinetry production as a cost-effective alternative to solid wood. As the name suggests, particleboard is composed of small particles or fibers, which are bonded together under heat and pressure to create a strong and durable sheet material.

MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard.

Natural wood

Front Decoration

Typically, the front part of the wood is embellished with mirror inserts, intricate patterns, or a combination of overlays with various textures.

An intriguing option for doors is the louvered style. This unique facade is created to fit specific measurements. Affordable solid pine wood with an exquisite texture and exceptional durability is utilized in the manufacturing process. The surface treatment is straightforward and suitable for painting.

Inspect the completed chiffonier for any defects, chips sticking out or any self-tapping screws that are not properly secured. It is important to address and fix any issues that may potentially harm the belongings kept inside.

Bookcase library for home with their own hands

The following is an illustration of creating a closed bookshelf for a personal library. With its considerable size, this bookshelf is not an overly intricate structure. The most captivating aspect is constructing doors with slat lattices. The bookshelf is comprised of multiple sections, enabling an efficient and rapid assembly. However, additional materials are required compared to crafting a solid structure. The step-by-step photos showcasing the process of constructing and assembling the bookshelf are displayed below in the gallery.

In this digital age, the concept of a home library has become increasingly rare. With the internet providing instant access to information and the emphasis placed on efficiency and profitability, having a physical collection of books may seem unnecessary. However, books offer more than just a pastime or decorative element for the living room – they represent a passion and serve as a testament to the knowledge we have acquired over the years. While technology may evolve and the internet may eventually fade, books will always remain as a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge. Therefore, a traditional bookshelf will continue to be an essential element of any home interior. Below is an example of how to create a classic bookshelf for your home library, complete with comprehensive instructions and step-by-step photographs, which can be found on our website.

Fixing the doors

There are currently different systems on the market for securing cabinet doors. Each innovation has its own unique purpose and features.

Swinging

When it comes to furniture sets, swinging doors are the go-to choice. These doors consist of a wooden leaf and all the necessary hardware for installation. The number of leaves needed is determined by the number of sections in the furniture. For a single solid section, two leaves are enough. However, if the furniture has both a narrow and a wide section, three leaves are required. The doors are attached to the side walls using hinges, with the following options available:

1. Detachable hinges
2. Universal hinges

A sliding design, where one part slides over the other, is used for coupe doors. In order to install this system, the following hardware is required:

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Wheels to allow the doors to move freely.

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An upper suspension system.

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A lower guide rail.

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Cassettes for mounting the wooden door.

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Locking mechanisms and a door closer.

This type of design is commonly used for cabinet furniture that has a threshold. However, if you are installing a built-in cabinet, it is not necessary to fix the bottom rails to the flooring.

How to disassemble a closet?

Before initiating the disassembly process of a wardrobe with sliding doors:

• Make sure you have the necessary packing materials for the safe transportation of the dismantled furniture. These materials can include bubble wrap, plain plastic film, PSBS (foam), corrugated cardboard, foam rubber, and tape. It’s also important to create enough space for the disassembly process to take place horizontally.
• If the wardrobe is currently standing in a narrow corridor, it’s recommended to move it to a more spacious room. To prevent any damage to the flooring, place an old sheet or any other appropriate material under the furniture’s supports. Carefully push the wardrobe from the side to move it in the desired direction.
• If you prefer a more traditional approach to moving furniture, you can place halves of potatoes, cut side down, under the legs of the wardrobe. This will make it easier for the wardrobe to slide along.
• After completing all the necessary preparations, you can begin the disassembly process.

According to Alexander Didenko, a furniture assembler at Mabax, if you find yourself assembling furniture in an unfamiliar location without the aid of factory instructions, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure a smooth and mistake-free process.

Firstly, Didenko suggests drawing a detailed plan beforehand, indicating the order in which the furniture needs to be disassembled. This plan can then be used as a reference throughout the assembly process.

To further facilitate the assembly process, Didenko recommends numbering the individual parts and corresponding sections on the plan. This can be done using a washable marker, a construction pencil, or by attaching stickers to the parts.

Additionally, Didenko advises taking photographs of both the furniture and the steps involved in the assembly process. These photos can be stored on a phone for easy access and can serve as visual aids when questions or doubts arise during the assembly process.

1. Take out the sliding doors by lifting them up and sliding the lower door wheels outward. Remove the supports from the upper guide rail.
2. Place the doors individually on the floor.
3. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the stoppers and door closers from the lower guide rail.
4. Remove both the upper and lower guide rails.
5. Unscrew the bottom and side roller mechanisms using a screwdriver.
6. Disassemble the dural framing of the door leafs, including the horizontal and side profiles.
7. If you plan to reassemble the closet, you can skip steps 3 to 6.
8. Use a collar to remove the confirmats and take out the shelves.
9. Also, detach the inner cabinet from the drawers. To do this, unscrew the screws of the ball guides.
10. Remove the screws from the supports of the crossbar and disassemble all the parts.
11. Place the cabinet body facing downwards on the floor. Pre-cover the flooring with foil or a piece of cloth.
12. Take out the screws and washers from the fiberboard back panel. Eliminate the cardboard sheets and the connecting strip.
13. Detach the two adjacent enclosure panels by unscrewing the screws. Next, detach the other two adjacent panels.
14. Utilize pliers to remove the screws from the sockets.
15. Organize the fittings and fasteners into labeled bags.
16. Pack the panels, shelves, and doors. You can now transport the disassembled cabinet.

Expert opinion from Alexander Didenko, Furniture Assembler at Mabax company

The disassembly process for kitchen furniture commences with the dismantling of the facades. The cabinet boxes and drawers may be connected using a combination of glue and screws. To carry out the work, a chisel and a rubber mallet are suitable tools.

The disassembly process of the built-in cabinet is restricted to its contents and doors (whether they are sliding or swinging). The removal of the wardrobe fronts follows the same steps as in the previous situation. To detach the swinging doors from the vertical posts of the opening, unscrew the hinges. The dismantling of the cabinet’s contents should be carried out in the same order as in the disassembly of the wardrobe. At this point, it is necessary to either pack all the furniture components for transportation or relocate them to another room in the event of repairs.

Aside from sliding systems, there are alternative door designs available for both modern cabinets and traditional chiffoniers. These options include hung doors and accordion doors.

Hanging doors

The door leaf system with hinged panels comprises of a distinct track and a set of rollers.

1. Attach a metal beam with a groove running lengthwise at the top of the dresser opening.
2. Fasten the support roller units onto the door from the top.
3. Insert the wheels into the track. The doors can be slid to the right, left, or both sides.
4. To ensure even hanging of the doors, the track must be level. Otherwise, the door may move spontaneously towards the incline of the support beam.

Folding doors

For a compartment, you have the option of installing accordion doors, also known as folding doors. These doors are constructed using multiple segments that are connected by furniture hinges or piano hinges. The hinges enable the doors to be neatly folded, allowing easy access to all the items stored in the closet simultaneously.

Commander folding doors

The door panels are shifted using rollers within the grooves of the upper and lower guide strips. The folding action of the sections mimics the motion of an accordion. They move outward, thereby not taking away from the overall useful space of the wardrobe.