Wardrobes have been around as some form of bedroom furniture since the early 17th century. They are just a standing closet in which to store clothes. One of the most popular forms are oak wardrobes.
When they were originally used in Europe it was mainly as furnishings in stately homes and castles where the owners needed space to store their fine clothes. Oak wardrobes were used as oak was around in abundance and was a very strong and durable wood that could withstand all the use that was required of it. Because they were used by nobles they tended to be carved in very ornate designs.
In the United States it was often referred to as a hanging cupboard and then latterly as a tallboy.
It was not until the 19th century that they began to take on the form that we know today. This is the time that drawers and sliding shelves started to be added, the doors were made to reach right down to the floor and mirrors began to be put in the front.
When looking for hanging cupboards you should first decide which size that you want. This will itself probably be determined by how much space you have along the wall and also how many people will be using it. The normal sizes are standard double and triple.
You then need to look at the design of what you want inside. Some are just for hanging clothes, some have drawers and cupboards. You can get wardrobes which are split so that the ladies have an area to hang long dresses on one side whilst storing their coats, shirts, blouses and other shorter items of clothing on the other side.
There is also a choice as to where the drawers are. You can choose to have them inside where the doors will hide them whereas with some styles, the doors only go about three quarters of the way down with the drawers visible and able to be opened separately below.
There have been some famous cabinet makers who have built bedroom furniture over the years. Some of the most famous being Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton.
In more recent years there has been a move towards fitted wardrobes. Initially a woodworker used to come and measure the room and then make them in their factory and then come and fit them but that was replaced by the DIY method of self-assembly. This is where they arrives in several pieces and the buyer is left to put them together, sometimes a thankless task.
As oak hanging closets can be a very attractive piece of furniture it has started to be used for other reasons. These fake wardrobes are often opened to reveal a television set, crockery store or something similar.
We hope that this has been helpful for you and that it has given you some better idea of what you are looking for in your search to buy oak wardrobes.