Wardrobes and Armoires
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Nutwood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1840s European Early Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Early 20th Century Qing Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
20th Century British Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Burl
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
Mid-20th Century Belgian Industrial Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
19th Century French Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Pine, Beech
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Walnut
18th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-20th Century North American French Provincial Wardrobes and Armoires
Cherry
Mid-18th Century Welsh Georgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1920s Hungarian Rustic Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine, Paint
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
2010s Italian Other Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
2010s Italian Other Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Cherry
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Bauhaus Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel, Chrome
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Ceramic, Oak
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Chestnut
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
Late 18th Century Austrian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1920s English Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany, Oak
1780s Austrian Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fir
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
1970s Italian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Bauhaus Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
2010s Canadian Bohemian Wardrobes and Armoires
Birdseye Maple, Oak, Walnut
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1870s English Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1910s French Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1880s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Birdseye Maple, Cherry
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
2010s German Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century English Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Other
2010s German Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
18th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
20th Century British Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1920s European Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Macassar, Walnut
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Ash, Walnut
Antique and Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires for Sale on 1stDibs
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.