Early American Armoire
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Early American Armoire For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Early American Armoire?
Finding the Right Wardrobes-armoires for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.
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