larmoire

Larmoire, or l’armoire in French, refers to a tall freestanding cabinet used primarily for storing clothes and household items. In English-language contexts the term armoire is commonly used, but the French form remains widely recognized in discussions of furniture history and European interior design. An armoire typically features one or more doors and an interior arrangement of shelves, a hanging rail, or drawers, and may include a mirror on the inside of a door or on the exterior.

Originating in Europe in the late Middle Ages and becoming prominent in 17th and 18th century French interiors, armoires evolved from practical storage chests to freely standing cabinet pieces that formed part of coordinated furniture suites. They were often crafted from hardwoods such as oak or walnut and could be richly carved or veneered, reflecting the stylistic preferences of the period, from Baroque to Rococo. With industrialization in the 19th century, armoires came in a wider range of sizes and finishes, including simpler, mass-produced forms alongside antique, hand-crafted examples.

Design variations encompass two- or three-door configurations, with interior layouts that adapt to wardrobes, dressers, or general storage needs. Materials commonly include solid wood, veneers, or combinations with metal hardware, including brass fixtures. In modern interiors, armoires are used not only as traditional clothing wardrobes but also as storage units, media cabinets, or decorative focal points, sometimes incorporating contemporary hardware and finishes to suit various architectural styles.

See also: wardrobe, dresser, built-in closet.