Wardrobes and Armoires
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Walnut
Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
18th Century Dutch Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Ormolu
2010s Italian Rococo Wardrobes and Armoires
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Wood
18th Century French Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Other
18th Century French Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
18th Century European Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Other, Iron
1810s Austrian Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 19th Century Austrian Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 18th Century Austrian Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Other
1790s German Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Gesso, Pine
Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Mahogany
19th Century French Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1750s Italian Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century French Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Iron
19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
2010s German Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
20th Century French Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
1890s Chinese Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Elm
1890s Dutch International Style Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
18th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1910s French Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 18th Century German Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
Early 1800s French Louis XV Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Poplar, Walnut
19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Brass
19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Brass, Ormolu
Late 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1720s German Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
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.