Antique Wardrobe - Doesn't Fit Upstairs!

Schmetterling

Hello,

I wonder if anyone can give me some advice as it seems I've been very stupid. I bought a beautiful antique wardrobe on ebay and had it delivered this week. I knew that it split into three (top plinth, middle (actual wardrobe) and bottom drawer). However, I didn't get my calculations right as the middle wardrobe section will not get up my stairs due to the turn at the bottom of the stairs.

The way I see it, I have three potential options: 1. Dismantle it. 2. Split it into two pieces. 3. Sell it immediately (it's taking up all the space downstairs in my tiny house now).

Problem with option 1 - it's ancient and I can't see an easy way of taking it apart. I think I would need an expert and have contacted some but not heard back so far and no idea how much it would cost for them to take it apart and put it back together again, if that's even possible without really damaging it. Also, it would mean potentially having to do this again in a couple of years if and when we move.

Problem with option 2 - I guess this is blasphemy when it comes to antiques, but would be the best option in that we would be able to get it up and down easily now and for future moves. However, I guess the likelihood for damage would be high. Again, I assume I'd need a professional with delicate saws and whatnot instead of me with the saw we have! No idea of cost or if it's even possible without splitting the wood.

Problem with option 3 - I already sold my original wardrobe so this leaves me with no wardrobe and making probably a huge loss as I'd need a quick sale on ebay. Also, I had been searching for months and this is the only one so far which was the right colour, size, shape, style, etc. I can't even begin to describe how gutted I am!

Does ANYONE have any advice? I need to know if option 2 is possible at all as if it could be turned into a tongue and groove type thing in two halves it would solve all my problems. Otherwise, option 1. Last resort option 3.

Please help me!

stebiz

Like you say you've made a !!!! up. You won't be able to dismantle or cut it up without making the wardrobe look unsightly or unstable - unless you have it done by somebody who knows what they are doing. That will come at a cost.

Much better to count your losses and resell.

Mark_Mark

How big is the bedroom window?

Will it fit through with the window removed?

Norman_Castle

Dissasembly and reassembly is the best option but takes skill and patience to do without damage. It really depends on how it is constructed. If this is done make sure it is reassembled in a way it can be taken apart again without damage. Splitting it into two is an option which may be easier long term but again takes skill to do properly. Furniture restoration isn't cheap so consider alternative wardrobes before paying to convert this one.

Prothet_of_Doom

I would contact all your local furniture restorers, and go and visit with photos, and get them to quote.

beetlebug1

if you have sash windows upstairs would the wardrobe fit through the window with the sashes out?

Ellidee

Schmet if you could dismantle some of the bannister would it help ? Just a thought.

DaftyDuck

Since it sounds like the corner is the main problem, does just taking the doors off help? Photos of the problem area may help us.

Ask advice from friends.... it's the kind of problem that many heads - and hands - may help solve. They'll enjoy the laugh anyway...

I changed a staircase - completely moved - without thinking of furniture that might be trapped. Luckily, I hadn't trapped any, but I was more foolish than you.

macman

I'd start with the bedroom window option.

Gloomendoom

My wife bought a bath that is four inches too wide to fit through the bathroom door.

Good luck finding a solution.

DaftyDuck

Gloomendoom wrote: »

My wife bought a bath that is four inches too wide to fit through the bathroom door.

Good luck finding a solution.

Plumb bath in, in the front garden? A little vegetation for privacy - strictly no cacti allowed!



Sorted.