Wardrobe vs. Closet: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 18, 2023
A "wardrobe" is a freestanding piece of furniture for storing clothes, while a "closet" is a built-in space or room for storing clothes and other items.
Difference Between Wardrobe and Closet
A "wardrobe" typically refers to a large, freestanding piece of furniture designed for the storage of clothing and often accessories. Often resembling a large cabinet, a wardrobe can be a centerpiece of a bedroom, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It may have various compartments, drawers, and sometimes a mirror. In some cultures, especially in European contexts, wardrobes are more common than closets, given the age and construction of many homes.
Muazma Batool
Oct 17, 2023
On the other hand, a "closet" is an enclosed space or a room, often built into the design of modern homes, meant for storing clothing, shoes, and other personal items. Closets can vary in size, from small alcoves to walk-in spaces that are large enough to step inside. They are typically fitted with rods for hanging clothes, shelves, and sometimes drawers. In American homes, closets are a staple, especially in bedrooms, but they can be found throughout a house, serving various storage needs.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
It's also worth noting that the term "wardrobe" can extend beyond just the physical furniture. In some contexts, it can refer to a collection of clothing and accessories that someone owns. For instance, someone might refer to their "summer wardrobe," indicating the set of clothes they wear during the summer months.
Muazma Batool
Oct 17, 2023
Conversely, the term "closet" can have metaphorical meanings. The phrase "coming out of the closet" doesn't have a literal association with the storage space but instead refers to someone revealing a personal truth, often related to their sexuality, to others.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
In sum, while both wardrobes and closets serve the primary function of storing clothing, their design, cultural prevalence, and additional connotations can vary. Wardrobes are standalone pieces of furniture, while closets are built-in spaces within a structure.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Wardrobe vs. Closet Comparison Chart
Definition
A freestanding piece of furniture for clothes storage.
An enclosed space or room built into a home for storing items.
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Oct 17, 2023
Mobility
Can be moved from one place to another.
Fixed, part of the home's structure.
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Oct 17, 2023
Cultural Prevalence
More common in European homes, given older architectural designs.
Standard in American homes.
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Oct 17, 2023
Extended Meanings
Can refer to one's collection of clothes (e.g., "winter wardrobe").
Can have metaphorical meanings (e.g., "coming out of the closet").
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Oct 17, 2023
Typical Features
Compartments, drawers, and sometimes mirrors.
Rods for hanging, shelves, and sometimes drawers.
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Oct 17, 2023
Wardrobe vs. Closet Definitions
◉Wardrobe
A large, freestanding piece of furniture for storing clothes.
She bought an antique wardrobe for her bedroom.
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Sep 17, 2023
◉Closet
A cabinet or enclosed recess for linens, household supplies, or clothing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
A person's entire collection of clothing.
Her wardrobe consists mainly of designer pieces.
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Sep 17, 2023
◉Wardrobe
An official robe or garment.
The judge donned his official wardrobe before entering the court.
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Sep 17, 2023
◉Closet
A state of secrecy or cautious privacy
Two days before the election, the candidate suddenly came out of the closet and denounced the proposed law.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
Garments considered as a group, especially all the articles of clothing that belong to one person.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
To enclose or shut up in a private room, as for discussion
closeted themselves with their attorneys.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
Being so or engaging only in private; secret
a closet proponent of a tax increase.
a closet alcoholic.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
The department in charge of wearing apparel, jewelry, and accessories in a royal or noble household.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
(obsolete) A room for keeping clothes and armor safe, particularly a dressing room or walk-in closet beside a bedroom.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
A small room within a house used to store clothing, food, or other household supplies.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
(figuratively) A governmental office or department in a monarchy which purchases, keeps, and cares for royal clothes.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
(obsolete) A private room used by women to groom and dress themselves.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
A room for keeping costumes and other property safe at a theater; a prop room.
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◉Wardrobe
(figuratively) The department of a theater, movie studio, etc which purchases, keeps, and cares for costumes; its staff; its room(s) or building(s).
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
A movable cupboard or cabinet designed for storing clothes, particularly as a large piece of bedroom furniture.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
(archaic) The private residence or private council chamber of a monarch.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
A tall built-in cupboard or closet for storing clothes, often including a rail for coat-hangers, and usually located in a bedroom.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
(obsolete) A pew or side-chapel reserved for a monarch or other feudal lord.
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◉Wardrobe
The contents of a wardrobe: an individual's entire collection of clothing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
(figuratively) A secret or hiding place, particularly the hiding place in English idioms such as in the closet and skeleton in the closet.
The closet can be a scary place for a gay teenager.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
(obsolete) A private chamber, particularly one used for sleeping or (euphemism) urinating and defecating.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
(intransitive) To act as a wardrobe department, to provide clothing or sets of clothes.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
A room or apartment where clothes are kept, or wearing apparel is stored; a portable closet for hanging up clothes.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
Wearing apparel, in general; articles of dress or personal decoration.
Flowers that their gay wardrobe wear.
With a pair of saddlebags containing his wardrobe.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
closeted, secret (especially with reference to gay people who are in the closet)
He's a closet case.
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May 03, 2023
◉Wardrobe
The department in charge of wearing apparel, jewelry, and accessories for a play, film, etc.
The wardrobe team ensured actors had their costumes ready for the scene.
Lucas
Sep 17, 2023
◉Wardrobe
A room or set of rooms where clothes are kept.
The castle had a spacious wardrobe next to the royal chambers.
Henry
Sep 17, 2023
◉Closet
(transitive) To shut away for private discussion.
The ambassador has been closeted with the prime minister all afternoon. We're all worried what will be announced when they exit.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
(transitive) To put into a private place for a secret interview or interrogation.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
(transitive) To shut up in, or as in, a closet for concealment or confinement.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
A small room or apartment for retirement; a room for privacy.
A chair-lumbered closet, just twelve feet by nine.
When thou prayest, enter into thy closet.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
A small apartment, or recess in the side of a room, for household utensils, clothing, etc.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
To shut up in, or as in, a closet; to conceal.
Bedlam's closeted and handcuffed charge.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
To make into a closet for a secret interview.
He was to call a new legislature, to closet its members.
He had been closeted with De Quadra.
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
(of information) given in confidence or in secret;
closet information
this arrangement must be kept confidential
their secret communications
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May 03, 2023
◉Closet
A small room or space built into a house, for storage.
She organized her closet, arranging shoes by color.
Lucas
Sep 17, 2023
◉Closet
A state of secrecy or cautious privacy.
He kept his art hobby a secret, painting in the closet away from prying eyes.
Henry
Sep 17, 2023
◉Closet
A piece of furniture or cabinet in which clothes or goods are stored.
The linen closet held towels and bed sheets.
Lucas
Sep 17, 2023
◉Closet
A state of denial or non-acknowledgment.
After years of struggle, he finally came out of the closet.
Olivia
Sep 17, 2023
Wardrobe vs. Closet Frequently Asked Questions
Can the word closet be used metaphorically?
Yes, for example, "coming out of the closet" refers to revealing a personal truth.
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Oct 17, 2023
How is a closet typically different from a wardrobe?
A closet is an enclosed built-in space or room in a house meant for storage.
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Oct 17, 2023
What are some additional features of a wardrobe?
Wardrobes can have compartments, drawers, and sometimes mirrors.
Jonathan
Oct 17, 2023
Do all homes have closets?
While common in American homes, not all global residences have built-in closets.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
What is the primary purpose of a wardrobe?
A wardrobe is a piece of furniture designed for storing clothes and often accessories.
Muazma Batool
Oct 17, 2023
In what context is a wardrobe used in films?
The wardrobe department handles apparel and accessories for on-screen talent.
Henry
Oct 17, 2023
Can the term wardrobe refer to something other than furniture?
Yes, it can also mean a person's collection of clothing.
Muazma Batool
Oct 17, 2023
Are wardrobes movable?
Yes, as a piece of furniture, wardrobes can be moved.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
How do you choose between a wardrobe and a closet for storage?
It often depends on the home's design, space availability, and personal preference
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Can a closet be found outside of a bedroom?
Yes, closets can be located throughout a home for various storage needs.
Lucas
Oct 17, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
