The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lucy Pevensie pushes her way through a wardrobe's forest of hanging fur coats into a land of magic and enchantment, where the White Witch rules an eternal winter with no Christmas.
Why chose a wardrobe as the gateway to this wondrous world?
The mystery of wardrobes
The term "wardrobe" dates back to the late 14th century and originally meant a private chamber. Its etymology, French, literally translates "to guard garments." The first wardrobes held kings' clothing and cash used to pay royal household expenses.
By the 17th century, some mansions had incorporated wardrobes into the bedroom paneling while other English citizens utilized the large, often heavily carved ornate furniture as clothes storage. This use was a vast improvement over Geoffery Chaucer's definition - wardrobe as lavatory!
The industrial revolution increased mass production of many items, including furniture, and in the 19th century, growing wealth meant that more people owned more than one or two outfits. The wardrobe became a common part of a bedroom suite that also included a dresser, washstand, dressing table and bed.
Twenty-first century wardrobe wonder
By the late 20th century, the wardrobe as stand-alone furniture grew nearly extinct. The reach-in, and later, walk-in closets had arrived, relegating the wardrobe to museums and older homes built before people required expansive closet space.
While today's closets don't offer cloaked hiding spaces or doorways to mysterious lands, the closets create their own magic. These "garment-guards" offer hideaways and hooks, bins and baskets - a marvel for children playing hide-and-seek and adults seeking better organization.
Bella Systems Philly works wardrobe magic
Invite Bella Systems Philly to create a closet of enchantment where you need it most. We'll use our 3D imaging software to design a miniature world to guard your garments and accessories. Celebrate Christmas every day with organized, neatly stored clothes and extras.