French Wardrobe in Carved Teak with Ivory and Gold Mouldings

A breakfront is the oldest solution to the oldest problem in large furniture: how to stop something wide from looking like a wall. Step the middle forward and the eye reads three volumes instead of one plane.

How far forward is not a matter of taste. It is set by the cornice.

The cornice on the wings projects outward from their front face by a certain amount. If the centre section steps forward by less than that projection, the wing cornices run into the side of the centre section before they have finished their own moulding - and the junction becomes a muddle that no amount of carving will rescue. The moulding appears to be swallowed by the piece.

So our master Indian artisans set the break deeper than the cornice projects, always, and then a little deeper again, so there is a clear return of the cornice moulding on each side of the centre. That return is what makes the breakfront read: you see the moulding turn a corner, travel back, and turn again.

The rule is simple to state and it is the difference between three sections and one confused one. Decide the cornice first, then the break.

Material: solid teak carcass, doors and frame, hand-carved. No veneer, no engineered board.

Configuration: six doors in three sections, with the centre pair stepped forward as a breakfront and arched at the head.

Carving: moulded panel surrounds on every door with carved cartouches top and bottom, carved crest over the centre, gilded corner sprays, shaped carved apron along the base.

Base: short cabriole feet with a shaped apron between, rather than a plinth to the floor.

Finish: hand-applied ivory ground with gilded mouldings and carving, sealed for durability.

Interior: planned to your requirements - long and short hanging, shelving, drawers, shoe storage, lockable compartments, mirrors.

Sizes: custom sizes made to order - final measurements confirmed in writing before production, including access dimensions.

Warranty: 20 years on the solid teak carcass and joinery; lifetime cover against termite damage.

A breakfront has more exposed corners than a flat-fronted wardrobe - the two steps between centre and wings produce four extra vertical arrises, and the cornice returns above them project on three faces. All of those are protected individually before anything else is wrapped.

All doors are secured closed and braced so nothing can swing or work against its hinges. A soft, clean non-abrasive layer goes against the ivory ground first, since a pale finish shows a rub at once.

Foam is shaped around the carved crest, the door cartouches and the shaped apron rather than pressed onto them, and the short cabriole feet each receive their own protection.

The carcass enters a rigid outer crate with cushioning on every face, protection at all eight corners plus the breakfront arrises, and strapping that prevents movement.

This multi-layer protective packaging is why we guarantee dent-free arrival.

Delivery is free across India - no freight charge, no distance surcharge, and no difference between a metro address and a smaller town, whatever the size of the wardrobe.

Because every wardrobe is made to order, we confirm your finished dimensions and your access dimensions - doorway widths, stair turns, lift size - in writing before production begins. A breakfront is well suited to knocking down where access requires it, because the piece already divides naturally into three sections; the cornice and apron are fitted on site so their runs stay continuous.

Once complete it is packed as described and dispatched with a carrier used to handling large carved furniture. You are contacted ahead of delivery so someone can be present.

Arrival is guaranteed dent-free. If any transit damage has occurred, photograph it while the delivery team is present and contact us - we will resolve it.

The solid teak carcass and its joinery carry a 20-year warranty from the day the wardrobe reaches you - the frame, the door construction and hinging, the breakfront junctions, the cornice returns and crest joints, and the carved apron and feet.

Lifetime cover against termite damage applies for the life of the furniture rather than a fixed term. Because the piece is seasoned solid teak throughout - carcass, doors, backs, apron and internal fittings - there is no board core anywhere for insects to reach, and the timber's own oils deter them.

If a warranty issue arises, send us photographs and we will assess and repair or replace. Door alignment is covered, including the arched centre pair where the two halves of the arch have to meet exactly. Carved elements are re-cut from solid teak and the ivory ground and gilding matched to the surrounding surface. Both warranties apply anywhere in India.