If left unattended, cabinets can easily disrupt the togetherness or cohesiveness of a room design. Courtesy to the wide array of materials available to experiment with and choose from, we don’t have to let our wardrobes stand eye-catching tall and different. Surfing through the various new modern cabinet designs, one marvels over so many innovative options of cabinet designs to suit every mood from quirky to elegant.
Base Materials for Wardrobe or Cabinet Construction
1. Plywood
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or “plies” of wood veneers that are glued together. Plywood is primarily used for kitchen cabinets and wardrobe boxes. Plywood is a framework material that is finished with veneer or laminate. Certain commercial ply types are used for furniture in low moisture areas such as living rooms.
2. Particle Board
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or “plies” of wood veneers that are glued together. Plywood is primarily used for kitchen cabinets and wardrobe boxes. Plywood is a framework material that is finished with veneer or laminate. Certain commercial ply types are used for furniture in low moisture areas such as living rooms.
3. Medium Density fiberboard (MDF)
MDF is another material for the core framework of crockery shelves, bedroom, and living room units. Belonging to the same manufactured boards family as Ply, MDF is made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers. This is why MDF is an economical and green option. It is stronger and denser than particle board. It performs weaker than plywood in terms of durability and must not be used in bathrooms or sink boxes in kitchens as it retains moisture.
4. Wood Plastic Composites
WPC is made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastics. WPC is pre-laminated and can be used for flooring, partitions, and kitchen furniture. This is because WPC is water-resistant and requires less maintenance. It is susceptible to very slow decomposition and is an eco-friendly material.
5. Solid Wood
Solid wood is as charming as it can get. Reflecting a very refreshing shine, solid wood complements almost all design themes. It does require timely polishing and is more expensive than other options, but it is often worth it because solid wood lends a very warm touch to the room and is extremely durable.
Finishing Materials for Wardrobe / Cabinets
1. Decorative Veeners
Veneer is one of the most popular choices for wardrobe finishes. Made of thin wooden sheets, veneers are go-to for an elegant and warm look. There are so many affordable design choices available under this material that they can suit themes of all sorts.
To cite an example, a light veneer will help the wardrobe blend well in a Scandinavian-style home, whereas a darker shade of the same will go well in a classic house. Veneer finishes require periodical polishing. Besides that, veneers can be a very comfortable choice for both installation and maintenance.
2. Decorative Laminates
Laminates are just an attractive buy as veneers because they are cost-effective, durable, and water-resistant. The wide assortment of laminates in terms of designs, colours, and finishes, which range from high-gloss, textured to matte finishes allow users to make a particular choice.
Laminates are easy to clean and don’t require much maintenance but at the same time, laminate sheets are very brittle. Their susceptibility to scratches makes them perform poorly in the long term because even tiny chipping would call for replacing the whole sheet.
3. Mirror
Recommending from an aesthetic angle, mirror is a very good material that can be used for coating cabinet shutters. Not only do they add drama to space, but they also reflect light, making the room appear larger than it is.
4. Glass
With a rather modern approach, glass as a coating for wardrobes is a wonderful idea that can instantly give your room a very unique look. The framework, design, and extent of the glass used can be modified to complement the room décor.
Owing to the plethora of glass types available such as opaque, printed, frosted and stained, etc., glass cabinet shutters may not look the same in all the instances. They offer a lot of potentials to experiment with.
5. Metal and Leather
Coming off as unexpected, metal, and leather can be great materials for cabinet because of their high aesthetic values. Something like leather for cabinet can instantly make the whole room appear bolder. It can also look very elegant and expensive. Inspired by the local ‘lohe ki almari’, metal wardrobes can be very exciting a choice for those who love to experiment. They instantly add an industrial look that can contradict most themes, but can still manage to look cohesive.
Innovation is always a work in progress, so this list of materials is not where your options have to stop. But these are one of the finest and most preferred.
– Devika Biyani
