Wardrobes and Armoires
1810s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1890s Dutch Gothic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1870s German Baroque Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
1890s English Industrial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
19th Century French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
19th Century European Gothic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1820s Belgian Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1840s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1890s Polish Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Cedar
1830s French Louis XIV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Swedish Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Mid-19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
Early 1800s Dutch Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-19th Century German Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
1890s Polish Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1950s Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Textile, Wood
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Aluminum
1890s British Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Birch, Maple, Burl
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
1880s French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 19th Century Dutch Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century European Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Spruce, Cherry
Mid-19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
1870s French Louis XIV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1870s English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1880s Danish High Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak
1880s French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
19th Century English Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Satinwood
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1830s English William IV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Other
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Poplar
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1870s Scottish Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1800s European Georgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
19th Century Spanish Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Softwood
19th Century Irish William IV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1880s Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Cedar
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak
Early 1800s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wrought Iron
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.