Wardrobes and Armoires
1920s Argentine Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Hide
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires
Lacquer
Early 20th Century Scottish Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Javanese Rustic Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1950s Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Bamboo, Oak
Early 20th Century Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1950s English Victorian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Hardwood
1950s Industrial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Steel
Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Wood
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1900s Czech Art Deco Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 20th Century Spanish Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Metal, Wrought Iron
1920s French Victorian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1950s Austrian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Aluminum
1950s European Industrial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1920s European Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1920s Polish Baroque Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Coconut
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Spanish Rustic Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 20th Century Indian Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1950s Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Textile, Wood
1910s Scottish Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Walnut, Glass, Oak
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Wrought Iron
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood, Oak
1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Tin
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1900s Slovak Vienna Secession Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bentwood
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wrought Iron
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1910s European Art Nouveau Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Pine
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
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.