How do I fix this old wardrobe?

Try repositioning the hinges.

An easy, lazy fix would be to push the wardrobe into the position where it works Then screw a brace in to the wall that keeps it in the desired position.
You can say you are doing it for earthquake protection.

I would get a woodworker or handyman to come in and rehang the doors. I doubt you’ll fix it satisfactorily yourself. Someone might need to plane down the bottoms of the doors as well. It shouldn’t cost too much.

Is it possible the sides were installed upside down; changing the spacing ?

@kritiper I thought that was a good place to start, so I checked it out yesterday. Unfortunately, the hinges are not so much hinges in the modern way I’m used to. I did find some screws that needed tightening, so thanks for the tip – but all my experimenting didn’t change the position of the doors.

@LuckyGuy Good thought, but the floor is made up of wooden boards that are slightly uneven and the wardrobe is almost as fragile as it is heavy. I can’t move it, and even moving it with help would be unsafe.

@janbb You know, I would, but…I am just so curious now. I want to know how this wardrobe works and why it stopped “performing”. I have some unexpected time this week. I still might end up making that call, but I want to give it a few days.

@Tropical_Willie Not the doors themselves – there’s carvings and a mirror, so it’s clear which side is up. But I’ll check carefully tomorrow to see if anything else might have been turned around in setting it up.

One thing I’ve learned: a strong headlamp is great for this type of project. I can see into tiny gaps and I keep finding unexpected screws.

Repositioning, not merely retightening. It may require replacing the hinges if worn, or drilling new screw holes a bit higher to lift the doors.

Did you ever fix the wardrobe?

Yes! It’s so satisfying. It opens and closes beautifully.

Tightening the screws eventually did help for two of the doors, just not the one with the mirror. That one, we gave up on. My dad came over with a sander and took just a smidge of wood off at the bottom. Sort of an unconventional solution, but it looks and feels great now. There’s no gap at the top of the door, so it does seem to be inserted correctly. I wonder if there’s a chance the wood expanded slightly?

Anyway, it’s all good now and I’m very happy with it!

Yay! Love when old things get a little love to keep on shining.