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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.
- What is an armoire?3 Answers1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 20191stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
An armoire is a tall wardrobe.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021An armoire is basically a decorative wardrobe. They are freestanding, heavy wooden structures that typically have decorative metal hinges and pictorial carvings. Armoires are made for quick access and often have one or two doors and a hanging bar. On 1stDibs, find a wide collection of antique and vintage armoires from top sellers. - 1stDibs ExpertOctober 31, 2023The purpose of an armoire varies depending on its design. Some feature hanging rods for clothing and accessories. Others have large inner shelves that can accommodate a television and other components of home theater systems. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage armoires.
- Are armoires outdated?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Although opinions may differ, many people don't believe that armoires are outdated. In fact, people have begun to use armoires in new ways. Where once the storage furniture's primary purpose was storing hanging clothing in bedrooms, the armoire now functions as a home for TV entertainment centers in living rooms, an organizer for coats and accessories in hallways and mudrooms, a place for storing dinnerware and serveware in dining rooms and even as a freestanding pantry in kitchens. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of armoires.
- What is a French armoire?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A French armoire is a type of wardrobe that serves many purposes, unlike a closet, which is used only to store clothes. They are movable and have hanging space for clothes and they’re larger than a regular closet. On 1stDibs, shop antique and vintage French armoires.
- What is an armoire dresser?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021An armoire dresser is essentially a huge cupboard that, as a mobile closet, is most commonly used to keep clothes tidy and out of the way. When it comes to storage, the average armoire includes a little bit of everything, from plenty of hanging space to shelves and drawers. For antique, vintage and new armoire dressers, shop on 1stDibs.
- What is an armoire used for?1 Answer
- Why is it called an armoire?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024Why 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 ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between a dresser and an armoire is in the shape and the type of storage that the furnishings provide. Dressers are usually wide, short casegoods that feature drawers for storing clothing, lingerie and accessories. Armoires are typically taller and narrower than dressers, and they usually provide a large storage area for hanging or stacking items hidden behind two doors. Some armoires also have lower drawers, but others don't. Find a wide range of dressers and armoires on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024To spell armoire furniture, write A-R-M-O-I-R-E. You pronounce the word "ARM-wahr." The word armoire comes from the Old French term for cupboard, amarie. Its root is the Latin word armarium, which refers to a closet for storing tools. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of armoires from some of the world's top sellers.
- How tall is the average armoire?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023The average armoire is around 60 inches or 5 feet tall. However, the sizes of pieces can vary widely, so some may be smaller or larger. If you need an armoire of a certain height to fit your space, check the dimensions before purchasing. On 1stDibs, find a variety of armoires from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021The best jewelry armoire is a matter of preference, but a suitable jewelry armoire can keep all your jewelry organized. A standing or wall-mounted jewelry armoire will be a sophisticated addition to your bedroom furniture and will serve as a dynamic storage solution. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary jewelry armoires from the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The original purpose of an armoire was storing arms like swords and axes. Today, many people use armoires in bedrooms and closets to store hanging clothing and accessories. They can also house televisions and entertainment systems in living rooms, dens and other spaces. Explore an assortment of antique and vintage armoires on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
An armoire is a type of wardrobe. A wardrobe is a tall storage cabinet that usually has some combination of drawers, shelves and hanging rods. An armoire is freestanding, usually wooden and has one or two doors plus a hanging bar.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
An armoire is a type of wardrobe.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023The difference between an armoire and a chiffarobe comes down to the kinds of storage that these two types of case goods feature. An armoire usually has a rod inside that can be used for hanging clothing and accessories. A chiffarobe, also called a chifferobe, features a hanging rod plus a set of drawers for organizing folded clothing and smaller items. Explore a variety of armoires and chiffarobes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
An armoire needs to be at least 24 inches deep to hold clothes on standard hangers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An armoire is a large wardrobe. Originally, it was a place for storing tools and weapons, hence the name coming from the same root as the English “armory.” On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique wardrobes from some of the world’s top sellers.
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