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Wardrobes and Armoires

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Wardrobes and Armoires For Sale
Style: Art Deco
Style: French Provincial
English Art deco gentlemen's Walnut compactum wardrobe
Located in Chelmsford, GB
Original walnut compactom deep door gentleman’s fitted wardrobe model Y This iconic British made and designed wardrobe is in fantastic original condition The interior is fully fitt...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Gentlemen's Compactom Wardrobe
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Compactom wardrobe with the beautiful interior where there is a place for every piece of clothing. The outside of the cabinet is finished with walnut wood, which is beautifully laid ...
Category

1910s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Two Door Burl Walnut Armoire
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Two Door Burl Walnut Armoire, part ebonized and with chromed metal fittings, possibly British, circa 1930s. 74" H x 32" W x 20" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Wardrobe 19th Century
Located in Buxton, GB
This beautiful freestanding wardrobe from the 19th century is crafted from solid wood. This antique piece features carvings, iron work decorative plaques with a working lock. The solid wood finish has been stripped back give it a rustic look that will complement any home decor. Measuring 121cm in length, 238cm in height, and 54cm in width, this rectangular wardrobe has two doors and four shelves. Its antique charm is enhanced by the fact that it was manufactured in 1820 and is of the Normandy style. Own a piece of history with this stunning antique French wardrobe...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

1920's Art Deco Birds Eye Maple Wardrobe
Located in London, GB
A spectacular original Art Deco birds eye maple and walnut wardrobe. This was made in England, it dates from the 1920-30’s. This is one of the most...
Category

1920s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Walnut

British Art Deco Wardrobe in Burr Walnut, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An 1930s Deco walnut wardrobe Featuring a hanging rail to one side shelves and drawers to the other Very similar in style and quality to Waring and Gillow
Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Walnut

British Art Deco Burr Walnut Linen Cabinet, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An impressive quality 1930s Deco dome topped burr walnut linen cabinet Featuring a shelf and internal drawers Very similar in style and quality to Waring and Gillow.
Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Walnut

British Art Deco Burr Walnut Compact Wardrobe, circa 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An Art Deco walnut compact wardrobe featuring a skyscraper style front Complete with unique red bakelite and brass handles - circa 1930's Fitted out with a clothes and shoe rail
Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Functionalist Wardrobe by Jindřich Halabala for UP Zavody, 1950´s, Czech.
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This wardrobe was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1950´s. It was part of a complete bedroom suite by Jindrich Halabala. In excellent condition, fully renovated. It´s made of...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Pine

19th Century Belgian Oak Cabinet
Located in High Point, NC
The commanding presence of this 19th-century Belgian cabinet is accentuated by its gracefully molded cornice, adorned with carved decorative elements a...
Category

18th Century Belgian French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

French Deco Sycamore Armoire
Located in Denton, TX
French Art Deco Sycamore three door Wardrobe. Storage on both sides for hanging clothing. Inside left door measures: 21.25 D x 28 W Inside right door measures: 21.25 D x 49.5 W.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Metal

British Art Deco Burr Walnut Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An impressive quality 1930s Deco dome topped burr walnut wardrobe Very similar in style and quality to Waring and Gillow This wardrobe separates into 2 pieces from the leg base.
Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Tall 19th Century Armoire in Walnut, Czechoslovakia
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful and fully restored armoire. Produced in the end of 19th century in Czechoslovakia. Fully made of walnut wood. The armoire stands on four ball-like legs made of wood. The st...
Category

Early 1900s Czech Art Deco Antique Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

1800s Louis XIV Oak Armoire
Located in High Point, NC
Grand proportions and beautiful panelling make this antique oak armoire a magnificent find. Made in France circa 1800 in the style of Louis XIV, th...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Cabinet Attributed to André Sornay in Oregon Pine from the 40s French
Located in Lyon, FR
Imposing Art Deco cabinet from the 50's attributed to the French designer André Sornay. Structure in solid and veneered Oregon pine, with two beautiful solid brass handles. This armo...
Category

1950s French Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

18th Century Louis XV French Provincial Carved Armoire or Wardrobe France 1700s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Standing at nearly nine feet high, this rare solid wood armoire or Buffet de château originating from the 18th century is an excellent example of French furniture during the 1700s. With a wonderfully rich patina, this large beautiful piece features intricate carvings throughout. The most unique feature is the bonnet with a bas relief which shows a carved Vanitas scene of a child resting upon a skull and book above a pair of intricately carved double doors. It can be used as a wardrobe or large moveable cupboard with doors and shelves for storing clothing or even perhaps a media cabinet. Rare, Louis XV period armoires such as this are the epitome of French Provincial furniture. They are increasingly difficult to find in this condition, especially with their original hardware, for it was often removed and melted down for ammunition during the unrest of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This armoire or cabinet is monumental in size and weight. The main case of the piece is rectangular in shape. The bonnet cornice top or domed crown sits snuggly on top of two large scalloped paneled hinged doors. The double doors are elaborately carved with center medallions and open to reveal the inside which includes adjustable shelves and drawer for storage. This wardrobe sits upon 2 cabriole legs in the front and two block legs in the back. Looking underneath the piece, at the bottom, you can see that the wood has been laid out and crafted in a way that resembles a cross. (See photos) Definitely a religious piece. It also features bow tie joints. Original grain can be seen and mortise and tenon joints. This wardrobe exhibits historically accurate carvings with lovely symbolic details throughout and vividly demonstrates the excitement of the period. The center cartouche at the top of the bonnet is embellished by a vanitas theme carved child resting in repose on a bed with a book, and a skull without a jaw underneath. This is commonly known as Vanitas or Memento Mori in Latin, meaning "Remember You Will Die". This sentiment is the Medieval Latin Christian theory and practice of reflection on mortality, especially as a means of considering the vanity of earthly life and the transient nature of all earthly goods and pursuits. It also resembles Eros. Traditionally, the skull represents death, evil, fear, and mortality, but it can also symbolize the complete opposite: protection, power, and gratitude toward life. Which points to the French custom of a father's gift to his newborn daughter. The crafting or purchase of an armoire carved with symbols of plenty and happiness stayed with her throughout her life and was used to store her trousseau in her own home once she married. Regardless of its symbolism, the skull stands as a constant reminder that no one can escape death. For example, the appearance of skulls on some Christian rosaries is said to reflect the Latin expression Memento Mori, meaning ‘remember that you shall die.’ Below this beautiful figural carving are two large domed doors also with intricate carvings The carvings are very well-articulated and in wonderful condition for the age. A serpentine apron features a beautifully carved rocaille (Rococo shell) cartouche and foliate. Original hand forged mountings and double-bolt locking mechanisms characterize this brilliant 18th-century furnishing and tell the story of the time period. The two massive doors feature a beautiful, intricate steel locking mechanism stamped with the Fleur de Lys which signifies that the piece was crafted either for the nobility or royalty. The first armoires appeared in France during the latter half of the 17th century and were most often the dominant feature of the home. These large cupboards were used to hold a family’s belongings from linens to clothing to silver and even food. Originating in France, the French provincial style was born of the ornate Louis XV and Rococo. However, it was crafted by furniture makers in the provinces, outside of the cities. By nature, its beauty relies more on form, function and available materials, and less on ostentatious decorative elements, such as gilding or intricate marquetry. Pieces of this time period were carved with great artistry and skill, yet were made to be functional and long-lasting. One of the most significant features of fine Provincial armoires are the locks and hinges. Because these cupboards were a very important part of the household, little expense was spared in outfitting them with the finest hardware. Long ornate hinges and elaborately scrolled escutcheons were an integral part of the overall design of the armoire. Often, the hinges, lock, and key cost more to produce than the armoire itself. The expense of such a grand armoire was enormous and it often served as an indication of a family's wealth and social standing. As their wealth and possessions grew, armoires were added to the household and it was not unusual for a wealthy family to have several armoires. This beautiful piece could be used as an armoire, wardrobe, linen chest, cabinet or storage cupboard. Or perhaps as a TV entertainment center...
Category

18th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Iron

Oak Art Deco Amsterdam School Armoir or Wardrobe by Nv. Dijst Amsterdam, 1920s
By NV. Dijst Amsterdam
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wonderful and rare Art Deco Amsterdam School armoir or wardrobe. Striking Dutch design from the twenties. Solid oak with solid Macassar ebony knobs on doors and drawers. This armo...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Glass, Macassar, Oak

Exceptional Hand-Painted Wardrobe from Early 19th Century
Located in Sofia, BG
Beautiful hand-painted wardrobe from early 19th century in great condition. There are two doors, three shelves inside and two elegant drawers on the bottom as well. This lovely piece is a part of a full bedroom set...
Category

Early 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Swedish Art Deco Neoclassical Carved Armoire Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Intricately hand-carved cabinet of various woods including walnut, mahogany and dark flame birch. Carved inset doors feature mythological figures. Features two locked drawers with ke...
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Birch, Mahogany

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.

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