Our name, Almirah, comes from a Portuguese word derived from the Latin armarium,meaning ‘free-standing cupboard’.

As wooden almirahs, we were rendered in regional styles that ranged from plain to ornate, depending on the user’s status. Different from present-day closets, we were used for storing all kinds of household items and were often shared by several members of the family.

By the 1960s, our wooden versions were replaced by steel ones that were sturdier, rodent-proof and better withstood the vagaries of tropical climate. Our double-doors units, later clad with mirror, became a staple in middle class homes and enjoyed eminence for decades to come.

Up until the 1980s, the colour palette was restricted, and we were used as storage primarily for valuables. Shelves were more common than hanger rods and built-in lockers were de jure. As western attire gained preference, the design of our interior changed to suit the modern householder - Storwels with hanging rods and larger spaces; Slimline versions and units with sliding doors were designed. Besides saving space, these allow style-conscious couples to coordinate us with the colours of their room.

In the ever-shrinking city apartments of today, we are finding favour in the form of built-in cupboards.