With their imposing size and ornate detailing, armoires command attention in any room of the home. But besides being beautiful furniture pieces, what exactly are armoires and how are they used in home decor?
Today I’ll unpack everything you need to know about armoires to decide if one of these statement-making cabinets deserves a spot in your home. We’ll explore what defines an armoire, look at its key features, and discuss how they can be incorporated into your space. From providing ample storage to serving as an elegant focal point, armoires offer form and function.
By the end, you’ll see why these freestanding wardrobes have remained go-to furniture pieces over the years. Their versatility as storage solutions and accent pieces makes armoires a design staple well worth considering. So if you’re ready to learn all about the power of armoires, let’s dive in!
What is an armoire? A large, free-standing cabinet with doors that typically houses clothing, composed of wood with ornamental carvings and a quality finish to serve as a display piece. Its interior contains features like shelves, drawers, and rods to neatly store garments, while the doors conceal contents and lend a sense of privacy. An armoire’s ample storage capacity and portability on casters make it a versatile, movable alternative to traditional built-in closets.
You can use an armoire in different parts of your home but they are most commonly found in the living room and in the bedroom.
What is an Armoire Used For?
What are armoires used for? These large, tall cabinets or wardrobes are used for storing clothing, usually made of wood. Armoires are typically used for the following purposes:
- Storage – Armoires provide a significant amount of storage space for clothes, especially larger or special occasion items like dresses, suits, coats, etc. The large double doors allow easy access to the contents.
- Organization – The interior of an armoire often contains shelves, drawers, rods and hooks to neatly organize and store various types of clothing and accessories. This keeps items tidy and easier to find.
- Display – Many armoires are designed with ornate carvings or finishes, allowing them to function as display pieces or furniture accents when the doors are left open.
- Privacy – Closing the doors hides the contents from view, keeping clothing and personal items private. This makes armoires useful for storing clothes in a bedroom or walk-in closet.
- Portability – Armoires are often placed on casters or wheels, making them easy to move around as needed. This distinguishes them from traditional built-in closets.
The large storage capacity, organizational features, attractive designs, and portability make armoires a functional furniture piece for conveniently storing clothes and keeping them organized, displayed, and private within a bedroom or other living space. They are a useful alternative to closets.
Armoires are tall and not too wide. They typically have two long doors which open like a closet. Inside, you may have shelves for storage or rods for hanging clothing. Armoires are one of the best ways to make use of your square footage because they are so tall and don’t waste any upper space!
History of Armoires
Armoires date back to the 17th century when they were created by the French for storing armory and other belongings. Back then, closets were not part of dwellings, so armoires were necessary for storing items.
Now that built-in closets are commonplace, armoires serve other purposes. One newer way to use an armoire is to store your TV inside it. It helps to hide the TV when not in use, but easily opens up so the TV can be seen by everyone in your living room.
Common Types of Armoires
There are several common types of armoires found in homes across the country.
Wardrobe
A wardrobe armoire is meant for holding clothing or linens. There could be a rod hanging at the top or just large open shelves.
Mirrored Armoire
A mirrored armoire is great for dressing in the morning. There could be a mirror on the inside of the cabinet doors, or completely covering the outside.
TV Armoire
A TV armoire is mostly empty inside except for a major shelf for holding your TV. These armoires are great for hiding your TV from sight when it’s not in use. Be sure to make sure a media hole is included in the back of your armoire before you decide to use it to hold your TV so that cables can pass through!
I love armoires because they are some of the most versatile and abundant storage solutions you can purchase for your home! I hope this article helped you find the right armoire for your home!
