When it comes to finding the correct mode of storage, there might be some terminology confusion. If you’ve got a short closet, does it fall under the cabinet? Also, where do one term end and another begin? If it’s part of the walls and is short, does it still count as a cabinet?
While all of these questions might seem quite silly for some, some people still ask this question. As a result, we’re going to delve into the subject and give you the technical definitions of the two.
What is a Closet?
The technical North American term tells us that it is a tall, recess wardrobe with a door. While the definition is pretty simple, those who might confuse it with cabinet might be referring to those disconnected from the wall.
Wardrobe is the word in this case. When your closet is a separate unit, people refer to it as a wardrobe. Whether you refer to wardrobes or closets, you are typically using these to store your clothing.
Closets are almost an entirely separate room. What makes a closet different from a room is the size. But a walk-in closet is much larger, but its poles and storage racks are for clothing items.
What is a Cabinet?
Cabinets are cupboards with shelves or drawers connected to a wall. These drawers are typically best for storing kitchenware. These include cups, plates, or bowls.
The difference between a cupboard and a cabinet comes from its attachment to a wall. Cupboards aren’t required to be connected to a wall and can be freestanding. So if you have freestanding shelves in your kitchen (which is pretty uncommon), you have a cupboard.
Cabinets are also much smaller and typically take up a fraction of the space of wardrobes or closets. As a result, it’s pretty easy to pick out the two on size comparison.
Other Interesting Terms Often Confused With Closets
Below is a shortlist of additionally interesting words that people commonly confuse with closet:
- Armoire – The difference in design between an armoire and a wardrobe is minuscule. However, armoires are more narrow and typically have lockable doors because they were for storing firearms. Think of the word “armory,” and you get the idea.
- Chiffarobe – A chiffarobe is an archaic term that refers to a place to store clothing. It’s similar to a wardrobe with few distinguishing features.
- Almirah – It is an Indian word that refers to freestanding storage. These can fall somewhere between wardrobe and cupboard, making them more confusing. People often use them in the storage of anything.
Final Thoughts
While it’s pretty blatant to see the differences between a cabinet and a closet, there are many interchangeable words for storage place. In this case, you can simply think of closets as wardrobes built into a wall.
Regardless of what closet you need, our team at Superior Closets can help you find the right fit. We also have a closets and cabinets gallery, so we work on both sides of the spectrum for your custom home needs.
