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Why is it called an armoire?

1 Answer
Why is it called an armoire?
Why it is called an armoire likely relates to the original purpose of the furniture. When armoires first emerged during the Middle Ages, people often stored armor and weapons in them. In Latin, the name for an armor storage chest is "armonium," so the term armoire may have come from that. Although people now use armoires to store clothing, home theater systems and other items rather than suits of armor, the name persists. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of armoires.
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
Shop for Wardrobes and Armoires on 1stDibs
Folk Art Pine Bridal cabinet, dated 1794
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This characterful pine cabinet from the rural south of Germany, dated 1794, is a special piece with a romantic history: it was once given as a wedding gift. The cabinet is hand-paint...
Category

Antique 1790s German Folk Art Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Italian Wardrobe in Teak with Brass Details
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe, teak, maple, brass, Italy, 1950s This exquisite large Italian wardrobe from the 1950s is a striking example of mid-century design. This piece is crafted in rich teak wood ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Monumental Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Oak with Diamond Shaped Colored Panels (560cm/220in)
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large wall unit/shelve unit, oak, lacquer, Italy, 1950s It is rare to encounter a piece as striking and monumental as this Italian wall unit from the 1950s. With an impressive width...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Guillerme & Chambron Highboard in Oak with Carved Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wardrobe, oak, France, 1960s This grandiose armoire is a good example of excellent woodwork by virtue of the well-designed construction based...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Oak

Italian 18th Century Painted Wardrobe
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An 18th century painted wardrobe from northern Italy, displaying a particular Tyrolean-Germanic folk art style of marriage furniture, hence the charming illustrations to celebrate th...
Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Folk Art Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Iron

Alpine Blue Floral Painted Wardrobe
Located in Vo', Veneto
Alpine Antique Painted Wardrobe Hand‑painted antique wardrobe with floral panels, suitable for those looking for painted European furniture and furnishings linked to Alpine and Centr...
Category

Antique 1790s Italian Louis XVI Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Fir

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