Armoires

An armoire is a tall, freestanding cabinet with doors, traditionally used for clothing storage. It generally encloses hanging space and shelves, and may include drawers or a mirror. In contemporary homes, armoires are also used as multipurpose cabinets or TV enclosures.

The term comes from French, originally referring to a chest for storing arms. Over time, the meaning broadened to cover a larger cabinet used for clothes and other household items.

Armoires appeared in European furniture, especially France, during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. They evolved in style from ornate carved forms to neoclassical and later industrial designs, remaining common in bedrooms, parlors, and storage spaces into the modern era.

Antique armoires are typically crafted from solid woods such as oak, walnut, or mahogany, with paneled doors, metal hinges, and carved ornament. Modern examples may use veneers, plywood, or MDF, often with simpler lines. Some include mirrors on the doors or a built-in dresser compartment.

Variants include two- or three-door wardrobes, corner armoires, TV armoires, and armoire wardrobes with drawers. They are used worldwide, though regional terminology varies; in some contexts “armoire” and “wardrobe” are interchangeable.