Wardrobes and Armoires
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1820s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1810s Regency Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Cherry
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century Austrian Folk Art Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century French Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century European Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine, Lacquer, Paint
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1950s American Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
19th Century Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1850s Spanish Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-19th Century Austrian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Bronze
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1820s German Regency Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1810s German Regency Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
19th Century English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1870s French Neoclassical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1800s Swiss Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1840s Italian Louis Philippe Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Poplar
19th Century English Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Hardwood
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Late 19th Century Scottish Georgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut, Hardwood, Paper
1950s Chinoiserie Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Linen
1890s Chinese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Elm
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
19th Century English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1880s English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Satinwood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Bronze
Early 19th Century Belgian Neoclassical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Walnut
1890s French Directoire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Iron, Nickel
Early 19th Century German Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
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.