Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 18th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak, Paint
1960s North American Campaign Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1890s Chinese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Elm
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
2010s American Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Early 19th Century French Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
2010s Estonian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
2010s Estonian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1970s Philippine Bohemian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Rattan, Glass, Wood
20th Century Gothic Revival Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
2010s German Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Walnut
Early 18th Century Belgian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Maple
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
19th Century Swedish Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
2010s Estonian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Metal
1850s Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
1960s Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
19th Century English Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Other
Early 19th Century German Folk Art Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Mid-19th Century Hungarian Folk Art Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine, Paint
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 1900s Hungarian Jugendstil Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Beech
1770s German Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
Mid-19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Copper
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak
1890s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Paint, Wood
19th Century Renaissance Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Late 19th Century Hungarian Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 17th Century French Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
1970s Italian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Iron
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Antique and Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires for Sale on 1stDibs
When shopping for antique and vintage wardrobes and armoires for your home, there are several things to keep in mind, not least of which is question number 1:
What is the difference between an armoire and a wardrobe?
The difference between an armoire and a wardrobe is actually simple: An armoire is merely an ornate wardrobe. A wardrobe is a tall, streamlined storage cabinet that usually has some combination of drawers, shelves and hanging rods.
Antique and vintage armoires, on the other hand, are freestanding, heavy wooden structures that typically feature decorative metal hinges and pictorial carvings. Armoires are large cabinets that aren’t outfitted with the varied storage features that wardrobes now commonly have. Armoires often have one or two doors and a hanging bar and allow for quick access. Whether a minimalist mid-century modern wardrobe or grandiose Victorian-era armoire is the right fit for you, both are highly functional furnishings and can be a smart storage solution.
Armoires have been around since medieval times, and initially they may have housed weapons and armor. In their early days, armoires were often adorned with elaborate carvings and lavish paintings, particularly in Renaissance-era France. During the 18th century and later, armoires were widely known as “presses” for hanging clothes, and they were so large that they swallowed up the room where they stood.
In today’s modern homes, an antique armoire can be a striking, architectural work of art amid comparably unadorned furnishings. Whether you’re using your piece in the kitchen for cookware or as a food pantry, in the bedroom for clothes or in the living room as a media console, it will likely become a lovable focal point.
The evolution of the armoire can be seen in today’s corner wardrobes, which may rest on an asymmetrical base to account for corner placement, and even mirrored wardrobes, which feature a mirror affixed to the inside panel of one of the doors for convenience. Contemporary wardrobes commonly feature additional sliding trays and drawers and hanging space for clothing or linens, and the cabinet doors make them ideal for concealing televisions and computer monitors when such devices aren’t in use.
When choosing the right wardrobe or vintage armoire for your home, it’s good to have the following in mind: What are you planning to store in it? How much of what you’re storing will need to be housed in it? It should be big enough to accommodate your needs. What is the size of the room where your wardrobe or armoire will live? A large new piece of furniture in a modest space can easily become a hindrance if you have to navigate your way around it during your daily routine, so be mindful of the area you'll need in order to move freely.
Whether you are looking for an antique walnut armoire or a simple contemporary wardrobe, find the right piece for your home today on 1stDibs.