Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1870s French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Ceramic, Oak
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Late 19th Century Dutch Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1890s Polish Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Spruce, Cherry
Late 19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Cedar
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1890s Polish Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Mid-19th Century Swedish Rustic Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1830s English William IV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Other
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
1870s British Indian Ocean Territory Anglo Raj Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Rosewood, Teak
1890s British Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Birch, Maple, Burl
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Rosewood
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Other
1890s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak, Walnut
1860s English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Beech, Walnut
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Aluminum
19th Century Irish William IV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Brass
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Cedar
Mid-19th Century Renaissance Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Oak
Early 1800s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1870s Scottish Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Mid-19th Century German Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
Early 1800s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1880s Danish High Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak
1880s Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1830s French Louis XIV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
19th Century Unknown Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Pine
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Ormolu
1890s British Arts and Crafts Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Ebony, Oak
1840s Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Ormolu
Late 19th Century British Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Ormolu
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Elm
1890s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Poplar, Walnut
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.