Edwardian Double Wardrobe
An edwardian double wardrobe provides generous bedroom storage with classic proportions and period timber.
Edwardian Double Wardrobe
An edwardian double wardrobe is a large two-door storage piece designed for hanging garments, often incorporating lower drawers or internal compartments.
The version most commonly met on this page is constructed from mahogany, frequently featuring boxwood inlay or decorative satinwood banding in the Sheraton Revival style.
These pieces balance substantial internal capacity with refined exterior styling, making them practical for modern bedroom organisation.
How they were made
Cabinet makers utilised solid timbers such as mahogany, oak, and pine for the primary carcass and internal framing, applying figured veneers to the principal door panels.
Decorative detailing relied on precision craftsmanship, incorporating boxwood inlay, carved woodwork, and cast brass hardware to finish the exterior surfaces.
Some wardrobes retain faint traces of old lavender scent tucked away inside the drawer corners.
What varies in quality
The standard of timber selection divides standard utility pieces from finer examples, with figured mahogany and burr walnut commanding greater visual depth.
The complexity of the joinery and cabinetry work, seen in serpentine or bow fronted profiles and precise inlay, determines the overall refinement of the piece.
maples and co·harris lebus·wylie lochhead
The Edwardian Double Wardrobe Glossary
- Compactum
- A multi-functional wardrobe combining hanging space with linen shelves and multiple internal drawers. This configuration offers exceptional storage versatility.
- Inlay
- A decorative technique where contrasting woods or materials are set into recesses flush with the surface. Boxwood and satinwood are typical examples.
- Serpentine
- A furniture front curving outward at the centre and inward at the sides in an undulating line. This shape requires advanced cabinet making skill.
- Cornice
- The moulded projection sitting atop the main body of the wardrobe. It provides a finished architectural transition to the ceiling.
- Plinth
- The heavy horizontal base block supporting the wardrobe structure. It elevates the doors clear of the floorboards.
Edwardian Double Wardrobe: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a compactum and a standard wardrobe?
A standard wardrobe focuses primarily on full-length hanging space behind two full-height doors, occasionally featuring a single base drawer. A compactum integrates segmented storage into the footprint, including linen shelves, smaller drawers, and hanging sections.
This compartmentalised interior makes compactums useful for storing folded garments alongside suits and coats.
Can these wardrobes fit modern clothes hangers?
Period wardrobes are often shallower than contemporary furniture, meaning standard modern wooden hangers may prevent the doors from closing fully. You may need to utilise narrower vintage hangers or front-facing hanging rails.
Checking the internal depth before purchase ensures your garments will hang without bunching against the back panels.
How do I care for polished mahogany surfaces?
Maintain the timber by applying a traditional beeswax polish sparingly and buffing it with a soft cotton cloth to remove dust. Avoid placing the wardrobe in direct sunlight or near radiators, as extreme temperature changes cause timber to warp and split.
Regular light maintenance preserves the rich colour and grain pattern of the original French polish or wax finish.