Sliding Wardrobes: Doors

Unknown to many, sliding doors trace their roots to early Roman times. Archaeologists have found what seemed to be primitive sliding door tracks chiseled on flat stones in some Roman houses. Today, sliding wardrobe doors are more popularly used in contemporary and modern houses.

Sliding wardrobe doors are favored by many home owners primarily because of its space-saving feature. Since the doors simply slide from side to side, no additional space in front of the wardrobe is needed when opening them as in the case of hinged doors. A sliding wardrobe door can also enhance the overall décor motif of the bedroom.

Basically, there are two types of sliding wardrobe doors as to the roller system used. One is a ceiling-suspended or top hung sliding door whereby the doors are hung by trolley hangers at the top of the door frame running in a concealed track. A floor-fixed guide is also installed at the bottom frame or floor to prevent lateral movement of the door. Since the weight of the door is borne by the hangers, the door can easily slide. The other type is a floor-suspended or bottom roller sliding door that runs on rollers installed at the bottom of the door frame, with guides attached to the top of the door frame. Since the weight of the sliding door is concentrated at the bottom, the door is relatively heavier to move.

The most common sliding wardrobe door materials are wood and glass. Other equally versatile but less used materials are leather, fabric, vinyl, or any other personal choice of the user that can be custom-built.

When using wood, it is advisable to choose light or medium light wood. A heavy wood material may cause the roller system of the sliding door to give in, resulting to constant repairs or replacements. Some ideal wood types are pine, mahogany, maple, poplar, and walnut.

With the advancement of furniture making, a variety of glass types is now available in the market. Glass is a popular choice of many because it brightens up the room and lends a touch of style and sophistication. Frosted glass is the most preferred since it allows light to enter into the wardrobe while blurring and hiding what is inside. You can also use clear glass for good effect but make sure that the clothes inside the wardrobe are well-organized. Colored glass is likewise effective to complement or contrast your bedroom’s color motif. Art, stained, and etched glass sliding doors double as additional décor. Not to be outdone is the good old mirror glass sliding door with a three-fold function of being a door, a mirror, and of creating a semblance of additional space.

Sliding wardrobe doors are relatively easy to maintain if done regularly. The roller tracks should be cleaned of dirt and other particles by using a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner. The rollers, both top and bottom, should be oiled or waxed for a smoother slide. Any warping or twisting of the frame should be immediately straightened and loose screws tightened. If, after cleaning, the door does not slide smoothly, check if some parts may need replacement. If, after replacing damaged parts, your sliding wardrobe door still does not work, it probably is time to buy a new one!