Wardrobes and Armoires
19th Century Italian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Ormolu, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Brass
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany, Softwood
Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Nickel
1830s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 1800s French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
19th Century German Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century Unknown Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
19th Century French Other Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1820s French Restauration Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood, Walnut
19th Century Unknown Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1810s Austrian Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century Czech Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
1830s European Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
1840s English Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine, Paint
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Carrara Marble, Bronze
1950s Austrian Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 19th Century European Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century German Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Oak
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bamboo, Glass, Wood, Rosewood
19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century Chinese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1890s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Elm
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Elm, Mirror
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Mid-19th Century Dutch Renaissance Revival Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
1810s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1800s Belgian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century Chinese Ming Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
19th Century American Late Victorian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Spruce, Cherry
1890s French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Cherry, Walnut
19th Century Russian Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, 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.