How Long Do You Keep Your Wardrobes?
Lauren JaquesWhen our bedroom needs an update, we often prioritise things like changing the colour of the walls or treating ourselves to a new duvet set. But, what about our wardrobe?
No, we’re not talking about the contents (sorry, better cancel that shopping spree!) we’re actually talking about the wardrobes themselves.
Investing in a statement wardrobe is a fantastic way to give your bedroom the contemporary makeover you’re looking for and provide you with the extra storage space you need.
We recently surveyed 500 people across the UK to learn more about how often we update our wardrobes, why we replace them, and which type of wardrobes we’d love to have. Here’s what we discovered.
How long do we keep our wardrobes?
Esme 2-Door Wardrobe
Well-built, high-quality wardrobes can last for many years, which may explain why a whopping 40% of those surveyed say they never change their wardrobes! (a)However, if your wardrobes are bursting at the seams or simply no longer fit with your ultra-modern bedroom décor, it might be time for an upgrade.
Our survey revealed that, on average, most people replace their wardrobes every four years. (b) Our results also showed that men were more likely to change their wardrobes more frequently than women. For example, more than 20% of men said they change their wardrobes every one or two years, (c)compared to just 12% of women. (d)
Why do we replace our wardrobes?
Hip Hop 2-Door Hinged Wardrobe
We need more storage
Perhaps it’s not a surprise that the most common reason for replacing our wardrobes, voted for by 1 in 4 people, was because they needed more storage. (e)
For many, wardrobes aren’t just somewhere to keep clothes, they’re also the ‘go-to’ place to hide anything else we don’t want on display, from work laptops to ironing boards. And if you have children, you’ll know your wardrobe often gets filled up with clothes and toys your kids have outgrown.
If you’re like the 26% of parents who say they need more wardrobe space, it might also be time to re-think your children’s bedroom furniture. (f)
We’re moving house
More than 42% of people aged 16 to 34 said their primary motivation for changing their wardrobes was moving house. (g)
Whether you’re moving into student accommodation, sharing a flat with your mates, or moving in with your partner, you might need to downsize or upscale your wardrobe to accommodate your new digs.
We need to downsize
As we get older and our kids have flown the nest, we often take stock and realise we don’t need as much space as we used to. This could explain why more than 52% of adults aged 45 and over say downsizing was the main reason for changing their wardrobes. (h)
Investing in a smaller wardrobe might give you the excuse you need to declutter!
We’re redecorating
1 in 5 of those surveyed said redecorating gave them a reason to replace their wardrobe. (i)
Your old, well-worn wardrobe may have served you fine over the years, but it may no longer suit the modern look you’re going for. Investing in new statement wardrobes can give your bedroom the wow factor you’re looking for, as well as maximising your storage space.
Which type of wardrobes would we prefer?
Built-in wardrobes
More than 58% of those we surveyed aged 45 and over said built-in wardrobes would be their preferred style of closet. (j)There’s plenty to love with these type of wardrobes – you don’t have to worry about building them yourself, and they can be fantastic space savers in smaller rooms.
However, built-in wardrobes can be costly and there are plenty of durable, high-quality alternatives that still offer the same incredible space-saving benefits.
For example, our Lorenzo 2 Door Corner Wardrobe, offers a creative and stylish way to maximise storage, and doesn’t take up too much wall space. This wardrobe comes with both full- and half-length hanging spaces, interior shelves and overhead storage as optional extras options should you want to tailor it to your specific needs.
Or, for something more traditional with a sleek and sophisticated finish, there’s the Lorenzo bedroom furniture collection that features a choice of sliding door wardrobes, stylish bedside drawers and a sophisticated chest of drawers.
Mirrored wardrobes
Wardrobes with mirrored doors are a particular favourite amongst younger adults, with more than 43% saying this would be their wardrobe of choice. (k)
Mirrored wardrobes are a great option for creating the ultimate ‘dressing room’. Having mirrors attached to your wardrobe also negates the need for you to make room for a free-standing mirror.Plus, the mirror’s reflection will help maximise natural light and create the illusion of greater depth – perfect for smaller bedrooms! (1)
The Dorsten 2 Door 1 Mirror Sliding Wardrobe is ideal to maximise space.It comes in different combinations of graphite, biancooakor mirrored doors, to suit any décor. The range also has matching items available, such as a bedside cabinet and chest of drawers to help you complete the look.
Or, if you have a larger bedroom, the Lazio 4 Door Hinged Wardrobe features two full-length mirrors, so there’ll be no squabbling with your other half when you’re trying to get ready!
Sliding wardrobes
With sliding wardrobes, the doors open by sliding to the side on tracks, opening over each other rather than outwards. This means they can be opened and closed without obstructing any other objects in your bedroom.
So, if you’re currently redecorating your bedroom and looking for ways to modernise it and maximise available space, sliding wardrobes could be the solution. In fact, this is probably why this type of wardrobe came as the third most popular amongst those we surveyed. (l)
Our Bergen bedroom furniture collection comes in a variety of sizes and contemporary colours, you can even mix and match with contrasting glass fronts, or include additional accessories to create the ultimate bespoke wardrobe.
Or, for ultimate luxury, our Sicily range comes with sliding and bi-fold options. You could even opt for external lights to make it easier to pick out your outfit during those dark winter mornings!
Standard hinged wardrobes
Hinged wardrobes enable you to open all doors at the same time, making it much easier to get a clearer view of your clothes. This could be why 1 in 7 of those surveyed would opt for this type of wardrobe. (m)
Our Hip Hop wardrobe is perfect if space is limited. It offers you ample internal hanging space, plus you also have the option to include two additional drawers.
Or, for something ultra-flash, go for the Emden 6 Door 6 Drawer Hinged Mirrored Wardrobe. If you usually fight over wardrobe space with your partner, you’ll be pleased to know this wardrobe comes with wide compartments, a height-adjustable hanging rail, two interior storage shelves, and six drawers! And if you’re worried about arguments with your other half over the flat pack assembly - don’t worry! We’ll build this wardrobe for you; all you need to do is point to the room you want it in!
Emden 2-Door Hinged Wardrobe
Whether you’re looking to update your bedroom or simply add more storage, we have an extensive collection of bedroom furniture to suit your needs and budget. Explore our fantastic range of wardrobes, bedside tables, chest of drawers, dressing tables and ottoman storage boxes– and rest assured, each product comes with a free minimum 5-year guarantee for your total peace of mind.
- 197 of 500 people surveyed answered ‘never’ when asked, ‘How often do you usually change your wardrobes?’
- 4.62 was the mean number of years the 500 people we surveyed changed their wardrobes.
- Of the 246 males surveyed, 50 answered ‘every 1-2 years’ when asked, ‘How often do you usually change your wardrobes?’
- Of the 246 females surveyed, 31 answered ‘every 1-2 years’ when asked, ‘How often do you usually change your wardrobes?’
- 78 of 303 people surveyed who say they change their wardrobes, answered ‘more storage’ when asked, ‘What is/has been the main reason for changing your wardrobe?’
- 38 of 142 parents surveyed who say they change their wardrobes, answered ‘more storage’ when asked, ‘What is/has been the main reason for changing your wardrobe?’
- 32 of 140 people surveyed aged between 16 and 34 who say they change their wardrobes answered ‘moving house’ when asked, ‘What is/has been the main reason for changing your wardrobe?’
- 38 of 157 adults aged 45 and above who say they change their wardrobes answered ‘downsizing – getting rid of clothes’ when asked, ‘What is/has been the main reason for changing your wardrobe?’
- 62 of 303 people surveyed who say they change their wardrobes answered ‘redecorating bedroom’ when asked, ‘What is/has been the main reason for changing your wardrobe?’
- 80 of 283 people surveyed aged 45 and above answered ‘built in wardrobe’ when asked, ‘If you could change your wardrobe, what type of wardrobe would you predominantly have?’
- 30 of 140 people surveyed aged 16 to 34 answered ‘mirrored wardrobe’ when asked, ‘If you could change your wardrobe, what type of wardrobe would you predominantly have?’
- 70 of 500 people surveyed answered ‘sliding wardrobe’ when asked, ‘If you could change your wardrobe, what type of wardrobe would you predominantly have?’
- 85 of 500 people surveyed answered ‘standard hinged wardrobe’ when asked, ‘If you could change your wardrobe, what type of wardrobe would you predominantly have?’