Wabi Sabi Armoire
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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 example of wabi-sabi?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wabi-sabi is the practice of finding the beauty in imperfections. Examples include flowers growing through cracks in the ground, or a broken ceramic bowl made whole again with its imperfections showing through. You’ll find a variety of wabi-sabi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One important aspect of wabi-sabi is the beauty in imperfect things, so a good example of wabi-sabi would be asymmetrical or even crude vessels and furniture. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of wabi-sabi furniture and other objects from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is wabi-sabi furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wabi-sabi furniture refers to tables, seats and other furnishings that reflect a specific Japanese design philosophy. It involves creating minimalist furniture that has a focus on appreciating the imperfections found in nature. On 1stDibs, find a collection of wabi-sabi furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The primary principle of Wabi-Sabi is to appreciate the imperfections found in nature. As a result, Wabi-Sabi emphasizes asymmetry, roughness, simplicity and the use of natural materials and finishes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of pieces based on Wabi-Sabi principles.
- What is wabi-sabi pottery?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wabi-sabi pottery refers to earthenware vessels that embody the principles of a Japanese philosophy called wabi-sabi. Proponents of the idea believe that household objects should emphasize function over form, so that they satisfy needs but do not cause people to attach too much meaning to worldly possessions. There is also a focus on finding the beauty in imperfection and simplicity. On 1stDibs, find a collection of wabi-sabi pottery.
- Is Wabi-sabi a design style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Wabi-sabi is technically not a design style, but it has influenced design. The term Wabi-sabi refers to a philosophy that emphasizes accepting imperfection and celebrating the impermanent beauty of nature. This concept has inspired many interior design trends, such as using organic and sustainable materials, selecting upcycled and repurposed pieces and integrating furniture and decorative objects that are unfinished, unpolished and unglazed. Shop a collection of pieces inspired by Wabi-sabi on 1stDibs.
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