Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 18th Century English Chippendale Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Leather, Birdseye Maple
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Bronze
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Poplar
18th Century Italian Louis XIV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Paint, Wood
2010s Indian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Late 20th Century Philippine Wardrobes and Armoires
Rattan
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Cherry
2010s Danish Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1970s Danish Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-18th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Wood
17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
2010s Australian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Early 19th Century Baltic Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Birdseye Maple
2010s Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Oak
2010s Polish Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Fabric, Wood, Pearwood
1960s Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Wardrobes and Armoires
Plywood, Lacquer, Paint
1760s English Georgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood, Oak
1950s European Industrial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Bronze
1950s Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Nickel
19th Century English Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Hardwood
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
1870s English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
2010s Polish Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-20th Century Austrian Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
1760s English George III Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood, Walnut
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
18th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut, Lacquer
1990s American Rustic Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood
Late 19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
2010s Polish Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary European Wardrobes and Armoires
Aluminum, Silver Leaf
1880s German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Ash, Cherry
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany, Softwood
2010s American Wardrobes and Armoires
Stainless Steel
1730s German Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1990s Wardrobes and Armoires
Cord, Braid
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
20th Century British Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
20th Century Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
17th Century French James II Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
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.