Sarah Morris is an avid writer specializing in home decor and product reviews. She covers furniture products and more for Chosen Furniture.
What is an Armoire?
An armoire is a tall, ornate cabinet made of rich wood like mahogany or oak. It has doors that conceal shelves, drawers, and hanging space for storing clothes and other household items. Unlike simpler wardrobes, mainly for storing clothes, armoires offer versatile storage options in an elegant, decorative piece.
Different Types of Armoires
Armoires come in various types and styles, each designed to serve different purposes and suit diverse needs. Here are some common types of armoires:
Traditional armoires – These classic armoires feature carved wood doors that open to reveal drawers and shelves and hang rods for clothing storage. Many have intricate designs carved into the doors and sides. They bring an old-world, elegant look to a bedroom or other room.
Modern armoires – Their clean lines and minimal ornamentation give them a more contemporary look than traditional ones. They may incorporate glass doors rather than wood, showcasing their contents. The more streamlined design allows them to blend into modern décor seamlessly.
Vintage/Antique Armoire – Reflects a specific historical style or period. It is often characterized by ornate detailing, carved woodwork, and antique finishes.
Craft Armoire – They are designed for crafters and hobbyists, providing specialized storage for art supplies, sewing materials, or other crafting tools. Features compartments and drawers suitable for organizing different crafting products.
Jewelry armoires – Smaller and more delicate than traditional armoires, jewelry armoires provide a place to store and organize jewelry. Tiny drawers, hooks, and specialized storage areas accommodate rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. These petite armoires sit nicely on a dresser top or vanity.
Wardrobe Armoire – Designed primarily for storing clothing, including hanging items like shirts, dresses, and suits. It often includes a combination of hanging rods, shelves, and drawers for versatile storage.
TV Armoire – This is specifically designed to house television and related entertainment components. Typically includes compartments for DVD players, gaming consoles, and storage for DVDs or other media.
Linen Armoire – They are designed for storing linens, towels, and other bedding-related items. It may include shelves, drawers, and compartments tailored for the storage of different types of linens.
Children’s Armoire – Scaled-down versions designed for children’s rooms. It may include adjustable shelving, hanging rods, and additional drawers for kids’ clothing and accessories.
Kitchen Armoire/Pantry – Functions as a standalone pantry in the kitchen for storing non-perishable food items, dishes, and kitchen supplies. It may have adjustable shelves and drawers to accommodate various items.
Office Armoire – It functions as a compact office space, often including a desk, storage for office supplies, and space for a computer. It is ideal for small spaces where a dedicated home office is not feasible.
These are just a few examples, and there can be variations and combinations of these types to meet individual preferences and needs. When choosing an armoire, it’s essential to consider the intended use and the features that best suit your requirements.
Why Is an Armoire Important?
An armoire is like your home’s superhero furniture – it does it all in function and style! Boasting a spacious interior and innovative storage solutions, this organizer is the ideal choice for efficiently managing a diverse range of belongings, from clothing to household items. Unlike regular closets, it’s not afraid to go big, providing plenty of space for all your belongings.
But here’s the real magic: armoires aren’t just about utility. They’re crafted with care, featuring beautiful details and intricate carvings that turn storing your things into a visual delight. Your fancy crystal glasses, china, and elegant clothes aren’t just tucked away – they become part of the armoire’s décor, like mini art pieces.
And talk about stealing the show – an armoire naturally becomes the room’s star. Its eye-catching appearance, size, and meticulous detailing anchor the entire space. It’s not just storage; it’s a statement. But it’s not just a pretty face – armoires are the unsung heroes of organization. With shelves, drawers, and hanging rods, they’re like your personal storage maestro, helping you keep everything neat and easy to find.
When you want a bit of privacy, close those armoire doors. This designated space is optimal for safeguarding personal items, ensuring they remain discreet and shielded from unauthorized access – particularly suitable for articles not intended for open display on shelves.
And let’s remember the seasoned armoires that have been around the block. Antique or vintage armoires aren’t just furniture; they’re time machines with their own stories. They can hold historical or sentimental value, adding depth and personal connection to your space. The armoire is your trusty sidekick, ready to adapt and shine in any corner of your living space, whether after practical storage or a touch of elegance.
Pros of Armoires
- Versatile pieces of furniture that can be used for various purposes, such as storing clothing, linens, and electronics or serving as an entertainment center
- Typically feature doors that can be closed, providing a neat appearance by concealing the contents and reducing visual clutter in a room
- Often have a decorative and stylish design, adding a touch of elegance or rustic charm to a room’s décor
- For rooms with limited space or no built-in closets, an armoire can serve as a space-saving solution for storage needs
- Some come with wheels or casters, making them easy to move around when rearranging furniture or cleaning
- It comes with adjustable shelves and removable drawers, allowing customization based on individual storage requirements
- It can be a practical substitute for storing clothing and personal items in homes without built-in closets.
Cons of Armoires
- They can be bulky and may take up much floor space, making them less suitable for smaller rooms
- Some armoires may not have as much hanging space as traditional closets, which can be a drawback for individuals with a large wardrobe of hanging clothes
- Retrieving items from the back may be less convenient, especially if the design does not allow for easy access to the entire interior
- Some giant armoires may require assembly upon purchase, and disassembling them for moving or storage can be a complex task
- High-quality products can be relatively expensive compared to other storage solutions
- Solid wood items can be heavy, making them challenging to move or reposition without assistance
- The specific style of an armoire may only suit some people’s tastes, limiting its compatibility with different interior design preferences
What are the Standard Dimensions of an Armoire?
The average dimensions of a full-size traditional armoire are about 72-84 inches high x 36-48 inches wide x 24 inches deep. However, sizes vary considerably from petite jewelry armoires to large and grand traditional ones. The standard French-style armoires brought to North America by early settlers tended to be around eight feet tall.
How Much Weight Can Hold?
Most hardwood products can handle several hundred pounds of weight on their shelves and hanging rods. The exact weight capacity depends on wood type, joinery, hardware, shelf thickness, etc. Many can safely accommodate the average weight of folded linens and clothing stored. But extra heavy or bulky items may require reinforced armoires.
What’s the Difference Between an Armoire and a Wardrobe?
While armoire and wardrobe are sometimes used interchangeably, an armoire is considered a more elegant, ornately decorated cabinet than a simpler wardrobe mainly focused on clothing storage. The word armoire comes from the French word for armory, referring historically to a place to store armor.
How Much Do New Ones Typically Cost?
Prices for new products vary widely from around $150 for a basic IKEA style one to $5,000 or more for high-end designer armoires made of fine exotic wood with custom carving and finishes. Expect to spend $800 to $2,500 for a good quality wooden armoire from most furniture stores. Antique armoires passed down through generations are the most valuable.
What are Some Tips for Organizing?
Recommendations for effectively using storage space include installing extra shelves and drawers if needed, hanging shoe bags on the inside of doors, adding hooks on the walls and backs of doors, incorporating bins and baskets to hold smaller items, and lining shelves and drawers as needed for smooth sliding. It also helps to clean out and rearrange contents regularly for optimal organization.
More Reads
- Wikipedia: Armoire
- Add Storage with an Armoire
- How to Find the Perfect Armoire Style
- Armoire Ideas on Pinterest
Sarah Morris is a passionate home décor expert, a how-to reviewer of furniture products, and a fact checker for Chosen Furniture. She is passionate about all types of design and prefers traditional, rustic, and modern. She has over ten years of writing and editing experience, covering the kitchen, living room, outdoor decor choices, and more.
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