1930s Double Wardrobe
A 1930s double wardrobe gives you period presence and generous hanging space, combining sleek Art Deco lines with warm walnut or exotic veneers.
1930s Double Wardrobe
A 1930s double wardrobe brings practical two-door storage into the bedroom while showcasing the bold geometry and streamlined forms of the Art Deco period. These pieces originate mainly from the 1930s and 1940s, capturing a distinct era of domestic design.
The layout typically provides full-height hanging behind twin doors, occasionally supplemented by internal compartments or fitted drawer sections. These wardrobes balance architectural presence with everyday utility, making them central pieces in period bedroom settings.
Materials and Construction
Cabinetmakers of this period relied on solid carcases finished with choice wood veneers to create striking grain patterns on the main surfaces. Walnut and burr walnut provide deep, swirling figures, whilst birch and birds eye maple offer lighter contrast.
Metal and brass components feature prominently in the hardware, including handles, hinges, and key escutcheons that punctuate the polished wood. Bakelite details also appear on fittings, anchoring the items firmly in their interwar material culture.
1930s Double Wardrobe Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 1930s double wardrobe among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The archive and active listings demonstrate that walnut is the predominant timber choice, supplemented by birds eye maple and brass fittings.
Assessing Quality and Execution
The distinction between standard production and exceptional manufacture rests primarily on the selection and matching of the veneer. Grain symmetry across twin doors reveals the cabinetmaker's skill in handling burr walnut or birds eye maple.
Original hardware integrity and the precision of the door alignment further separate fine examples from ordinary utility pieces. Superior execution shows in the crispness of stepped mouldings and the seamless integration of brass and metal detailing.
Waring & Gillow
The 1930s Double Wardrobe Glossary
- Art Deco
- A design style spanning the 1920s and 1930s characterised by streamlined forms, geometric symmetry, and modern industrial materials. It dominates the aesthetic of these wardrobes.
- Burr Walnut
- A highly decorative wood veneer taken from the knotted growth of a walnut tree, prized for its swirling patterns. It forms the primary visual draw on many front panels.
- Compactum
- A multi-functional bedroom cabinet combining hanging space with internal drawers and shelving. It shares the architectural vocabulary of the standard double wardrobe.
- Veneer
- A thin slice of figured wood applied over a stable secondary timber carcase to create decorative surfaces without excessive weight. Skillful application ensures longevity and visual depth.
1930s Double Wardrobe: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1930s double wardrobe?
A 1930s double wardrobe is a two-door bedroom storage piece built during the interwar period, typically defined by Art Deco styling.
These items rely on veneered surfaces like walnut or maple to create striking geometric patterns across the front facade.
How do I care for walnut veneer?
Walnut veneer requires protection from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent warping and fading over time.
Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth and occasional application of appropriate furniture wax maintains the polished finish.
Are these wardrobes dismantled for transport?
Most wardrobes from this era were constructed as solid carcases and generally do not dismantle easily.
Buyers must check doorway dimensions and stairwell clearances carefully before arranging delivery for these large items.
How do I distinguish Art Deco from earlier styles?
Art Deco furniture discards Victorian and Edwardian ornamentation in favour of clean lines, symmetry, and architectural setbacks.
The emphasis shifts to the natural grain patterns of exotic woods and the inclusion of contrasting metal or Bakelite hardware.