Invented by the French in the 17th century, armoires (pronounced aarm-waarz) are hefty, freestanding wardrobes. Since their inception, armoires have been statement-making pieces, carved out of high-quality wood like oak and intricately embellished.
Although armoires are undeniably antique in nature, long gone are the days when they were considered old-fashioned. Throughout the centuries the armoire has been endlessly reinvented. Keep an eye out for antique Chinoiserie, vintage wicker, and Art Deco burl wood variations that have stood the test of time.
If you have an ever-expanding wardrobe, look to an armoire to lend style and an abundance of storage space. Of course, the bedroom isn’t the only place you can station an armoire. An armoire can be utilized in endless ways around the home and imbue any space with serious architectural clout. Here are a few places to consider using an armoire in your home.
Living Room
One of the most trafficked places in a home, the living room is a perfect spot for an armoire. Given their ample storage space, armoires are perfect for holding board games, toys, or a television. To make an immediate visual statement, set your armoire opposite a door. Placing a show-stopping armoire in an entryway’s direct line of vision will set the tone of elegance for the entire room.
Bedroom
Closet armoires are perfect for storing clothes, linens, and blankets. Again, you can also use one to house a television—an especially enticing proposition if you’re intent on making your bedroom a technology-free sanctuary. If you prefer your bed to be the focus of the room, place your armoire on the same wall as the doorway or along an adjacent wall.
Entryway
Dropping an armoire in an entryway is an ingenious way to create storage for shoes, coats, purses, and other items. A grab-and-go location also makes it easy to collect whatever you need before heading out the door. Just be sure to allow plenty of space between your armoire and your door’s swing path.
Kitchen
Use your armoire to store dinnerware, tableware, and items for get-togethers. Place it next to appliances, tucked in a lonely corner, or opposite your main kitchen area. An armoire is also a perfect unconventional hutch for your china.
Bathroom
Extremely versatile, armoires are great additions in bathrooms too. Store towels, robes, toiletries, and bath mats in your closet. To avoid mold and mildew, just be sure to place your armoire far enough away from your shower or bath.
Shop Armoires & Wardrobes >>
Lead image: Design by J. Fisher Interiors / Photo by Whit Preston
