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What is the difference between a wardrobe and a cupboard?

1 Answer
What is the difference between a wardrobe and a cupboard?
The difference between a wardrobe and a cupboard is that a wardrobe is a very tall structure that is typically located in a closet or bedroom. Wardrobes usually contain clothing and shoes, while a cupboard, even though it is a versatile type of case piece, is usually found in a kitchen or pantry and is used for food storage. 

Although both are types of storage cabinets, a wardrobe is generally much larger than a cupboard. A wardrobe is a tall, streamlined cabinet that usually has some combination of drawers, shelves and hanging rods. You won’t find any hanging rods in a cupboard.

Cupboards have long been staples in interior design as reliable case pieces, which have been a vital part of the home for centuries. Cupboards appeared in the Middle Ages and by the 17th century had eclipsed the chest in popularity as a piece of furniture for storage. New techniques in woodworking allowed furniture manufacturers to build pieces that were more complex than simple chests.

Find a collection of antique and vintage storage furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 11, 2024
Shop for Mauri Almari Furniture on 1stDibs
Pair of Model 61046 Drop Table Lamps, Mauri Almari, Idman Oy, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 61046 drop table lamps, design Mauri Almari, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Brass frame, wooden slat shades. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent w...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Chandelier, Mauri Almari, Idman Oy, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern chandelier, designed by Mauri Almari, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shades. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Wall Light, Mauri Almari, Idman Oy, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Wall light, designed by Mauri Almari, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Brass frame with gorgeous leaf details. Milk glass shades. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wea...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mauri Almari, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Mauri Almari
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and beige opaline glass wall lights designed by Mauri Almari and produced by Idman, Finland, c. 1950s. The brass socket, arm, and backplate present with moderate oxi...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

1950s Mauri Almari Glass & Metal Wall or Ceiling Lamp for Itsu
By Mauri Almari, Itsu, Paavo Tynell
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s Mauri Almari glass and metal wall or ceiling lamp for Itsu. Produced in Finland in the early 1950s and in the manner of Paavo Tynell. An elegant set executed in thick opaline ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1950s Perforated Metal Diabolo Plug-In Wall Lamp Attributed to Mauri Almari
By Itsu, Paavo Tynell, Mauri Almari
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s Perforated Metal Diabolo Plug-In Wall Lamp Attributed to Mauri Almari. A rare and elegant design executed in sculptural black painted perforated metal with attractively patin...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

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