Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Rosewood
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Nutwood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Spruce, Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
2010s British Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Steel
17th Century Dutch Renaissance Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
18th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1890s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak, Walnut
2010s Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Early 19th Century Belgian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary European Wardrobes and Armoires
Gold Leaf
1880s Italian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
2010s Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1800s Belgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
20th Century British Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
17th Century German Other Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century British Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
17th Century French Louis XIV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Breccia Marble, Bronze
20th Century French French Provincial Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
2010s American Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 18th Century Belgian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Ash
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
18th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble
1880s Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
2010s Lebanese Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Boxwood
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Ash
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Birdseye Maple
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Ultrasuede, Beech, Walnut
Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Elm
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.