Cabinets & Shelving

For hanging clothes, check usable height and depth with the door closed, not just outside dimensions. For books or tableware, find the permitted load per shelf and whether its position is adjustable. A deep shelf does not make small items easier to find. Pull-out drawers give access to the back but add mechanisms that must suit the intended use. Hinges, partitions and runners all reduce usable dimensions.

Hinged doors reveal much of the interior but need a clear swing area. Sliding doors avoid that arc, although they generally leave part of the cupboard covered and their tracks need cleaning. Open shelving offers straightforward access while keeping contents visible and exposed to dust. Measure drawers fully extended and check that a nearby door will not prevent their use.

Overall load capacity and the limit for each shelf are not interchangeable. Check both and follow the stated distribution, placing heavy items where the instructions specify. A tall unit should not be considered stable simply because it looks heavy. Confirm anchoring requirements and a system appropriate to the wall; seek qualified advice if its construction is unknown.

• Do not use shelves or drawers as steps.
• An included fixing kit is not necessarily compatible with every wall.

Check whether a wardrobe can be assembled upright or needs to be raised from the floor, and what ceiling clearance the documentation requires. Consider access for moving it without straining joints. Assess replacement shelves, hinges and runners before expanding a furniture range. Follow the finish's cleaning instructions and avoid persistent moisture on edges or unsealed areas; different boards do not respond identically.