Wardrobes and Armoires
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
18th Century and Earlier Swedish Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wrought Iron
18th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1930s French Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Ebony, Macassar, Mirror
1940s French Directoire Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Vermeil, Silver
1810s American American Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
18th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Birch
19th Century Dutch Georgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
18th Century and Earlier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
18th Century and Earlier French Directoire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Cherry
Early 20th Century Wardrobes and Armoires
20th Century French Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 18th Century English Chippendale Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
1740s Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
1930s French Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
1790s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1950s American Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1760s French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
1750s French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wrought Iron
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
1950s Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
19th Century French Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Iron
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Ash, Cherry, Fruitwood
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Damask, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Regency Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1830s Austrian Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fir
Early 1800s Austrian Neoclassical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fir
1980s Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
1820s German Regency Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Leather
Late 18th Century Austrian Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fir
1830s Swiss Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fir
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak, Padouk
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1970s French Bohemian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Bamboo, Rattan
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1890s European French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
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.