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.

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