A wardrobe is a free-standing closet that is traditionally made for storing clothing. They are now used to store anything from clothing and televisions to office supplies. Wardrobes come in finishes ranging from fairly plain to those featuring ornate wood carvings.

Wardrobes are made from three basic materials, metal, wood and plastic. Metal wardrobes are best for industrial storage. Wooden wardrobes work well in an office for the storage of office supplies, files or a television in your waiting room. Plastic wardrobes are generally portable. They are great for organizing closets that are cluttered or for temporary storage solutions. They are not as sturdy as metal or wood wardrobes and will not last nearly as long. Consider the following as you evaluate your wardrobe needs:

1. Purchase metal wardrobes for industrial storage

2. Use portable wardrobes for temporary storage solutions

3. Locate wooden wardrobes for office use

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find metal wardrobe distributors

Metal wardrobes work well for storage in a shop or office. They offer the same storage options as a traditional wood wardrobe. Metal wardrobes are heavy duty and will withstand wear and tear that a wooden wardrobe would not.

I recommend: Global Industrial is a wardrobe provider that sells metal wardrobe cabinets. They carry both pre-assembled wardrobes and those that require assembly. Their wardrobes come with a storage shelf and a garment hanger. A Plus Wardrobe carries deluxe metal wardrobes that have built in shelving and drawer systems. Their wardrobes come fully assembled.

Purchase portable wardrobes

Portable wardrobes offer a great solution for long-term and temporary storage. They are much less expensive than a traditional wardrobe, yet give the same amount of storage space and sometimes even offer more. Portable wardrobes, however, do not have the same durability as a stationary unit.

I recommend: Organize.com is a retailer of portable wardrobes. Their wardrobes are constructed of piping and have an outer covering made from durable canvas or vinyl. Find several different portable wardrobes on their online wardrobe list. Improvements also sells portable wardrobes.

Locate wooden wardrobe providers

Wooden wardrobes are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. They are a great storage option for indoor office space. Wooden wardrobes are manufactured out of solid wood or wood with veneers.

I recommend: Find wardrobe cabinets constructed of wood at Trendir that are earth friendly and non-toxic. Trendir products are made from solid hardwoods. Choose from a variety of styles and finishes. New England Wood Craft sells wardrobes that are available in solid wood, hardwood veneers and plastic laminates. Choose the style of wardrobe and the finish you prefer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When searching for wardrobe information in an online directory, you will want to verify the country of origin. Many wardrobes are manufactured overseas and have to be imported.