Wardrobes and Armoires
1970s American Space Age Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Belgian Industrial Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1940s English Industrial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires
Lacquer
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1960s German Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1960s German Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Beech, Fir
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
1960s German Industrial Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Aluminum
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Metal, Wrought Iron
2010s British Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Steel
1970s German Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Aluminum
2010s Indian Other Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Ash
1930s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
1980s Philippine Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Bone
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Wardrobes and Armoires
Aluminum
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary German Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
2010s French Neoclassical Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
2010s European Wardrobes and Armoires
Marble, Aluminum, Steel
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Bamboo
2010s American Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
18th Century and Earlier French Country Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
2010s Italian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
1870s French Regency Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron, Enamel
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
19th Century French Antique Wardrobes and Armoires
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal, Steel, Chrome
2010s American Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Nickel
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.