Armoire vs. Wardrobe — What's the Difference?
An armoire is typically a tall, freestanding cabinet with doors that hide shelves and drawers, used for storing clothes. A wardrobe is similar but often includes a larger area for hanging clothes.
Difference Between Armoire and Wardrobe
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Key Differences
An armoire is a type of furniture that serves primarily as a storage space for clothes, traditionally featuring a combination of shelves and drawers inside. It is often crafted from wood and may have ornate designs. On the other hand, a wardrobe is generally larger and includes a space specifically designed for hanging clothes, such as dresses and coats, making it more suitable for longer garments.
While an armoire can also include space for hanging clothes, its design is usually more varied, potentially including specialized storage for jewelry or other personal items. Wardrobes focus more on practicality and maximizing hanging space, and they may include sliding doors to save space.
Armoires are considered a piece of statement furniture that can add aesthetic value to a room due to their often elaborate designs and finishes. Whereas wardrobes tend to be more utilitarian in design, focusing on functionality and maximizing storage space within a bedroom or other living spaces.
The term "armoire" originates from French and is commonly used in settings that emphasize traditional or antique furniture. In contrast, "wardrobe" has a more straightforward, modern appeal and is used widely in both contemporary and traditional home setups.
Armoires may also be adaptable to different uses, such as being repurposed into an entertainment center or a computer workstation. Meanwhile, wardrobes are typically designed with a single purpose in mind: organizing and storing clothing.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
French
Old French (warderobe)
Design
Often ornate, versatile use
Functional, simple, often with sliding doors
Storage Type
Shelves and drawers, sometimes a hanging rod
Primarily hanging space, sometimes with additional shelves or drawers
Use
Storage for clothes, can be repurposed
Primarily for clothes storage
Size
Typically tall and freestanding
Can be larger, accommodating more hanging items
Compare with Definitions
Armoire
A tall cabinet, often made of wood, with doors, shelves, and drawers.
The antique armoire in her bedroom was filled with beautiful linens.
Wardrobe
A large, tall cabinet or closet used for storing clothes, typically equipped with hanging rods.
His wardrobe was meticulously organized, with suits and shirts neatly arranged.
Armoire
A freestanding piece of furniture used for storing various items, traditionally clothes.
He stored his collection of vintage sweaters in a classic armoire.
Wardrobe
Primarily designed for practical storage with minimal decoration.
She preferred the minimalist design of her new wardrobe, focusing purely on functionality.
Armoire
Sometimes designed with intricate carvings or decorations.
The armoire’s hand-carved details made it the centerpiece of the living room.
Wardrobe
Can be built into a room or freestanding in larger sizes.
The master bedroom featured a built-in wardrobe that spanned an entire wall.
Armoire
Can be adaptable for different home uses, including as an entertainment center.
They converted an old armoire into an entertainment center for their flat-screen TV.
Wardrobe
Often includes features such as sliding doors to save space.
Their modern wardrobe had mirrored sliding doors that made the room look bigger.
Armoire
Often features a combination of hanging space and drawers.
Her armoire was perfectly organized, with drawers for accessories and space above for hanging dresses.
Wardrobe
Sometimes part of a bedroom set matching other furniture.
They bought a bedroom set that included a bed, two nightstands, and a matching wardrobe.
Armoire
A cupboard or wardrobe, typically one that is ornate or antique.
Wardrobe
A wardrobe or armoire is a standing closet used for storing clothes. The earliest wardrobe was a chest, and it was not until some degree of luxury was attained in regal palaces and the castles of powerful nobles that separate accommodation was provided for the apparel of the great.
Armoire
A large, often ornate cabinet or wardrobe.
Wardrobe
A tall cabinet, closet, or small room built to hold clothes.
Armoire
A type of cupboard, cabinet, or wardrobe - originally used for storing weapons.
Wardrobe
Garments considered as a group, especially all the articles of clothing that belong to one person.
Armoire
A large wardrobe or cabinet; originally used for storing weapons
Wardrobe
The costumes belonging to a theater or theatrical troupe.
Wardrobe
The place in which theatrical costumes are kept.
Wardrobe
The department in charge of wearing apparel, jewelry, and accessories in a royal or noble household.
Wardrobe
(obsolete) A room for keeping clothes and armor safe, particularly a dressing room or walk-in closet beside a bedroom.
Wardrobe
(figuratively) A governmental office or department in a monarchy which purchases, keeps, and cares for royal clothes.
Wardrobe
(figuratively) The building housing such a department.
Wardrobe
(obsolete) Any closet used for storing anything.
Wardrobe
A room for keeping costumes and other property safe at a theater; a prop room.
Wardrobe
(figuratively) The department of a theater, movie studio, etc which purchases, keeps, and cares for costumes; its staff; its room(s) or building(s).
Wardrobe
A movable cupboard or cabinet designed for storing clothes, particularly as a large piece of bedroom furniture.
Wardrobe
A tall built-in cupboard or closet for storing clothes, often including a rail for coat-hangers, and usually located in a bedroom.
Wardrobe
Anything that similarly stores or houses something.
Wardrobe
The contents of a wardrobe: an individual's entire collection of clothing.
Wardrobe
(figuratively) Any collection of clothing.
Wardrobe
Any collection of anything.
Wardrobe
(obsolete) A private chamber, particularly one used for sleeping or (euphemism) urinating and defecating.
Wardrobe
Badger feces, particularly used in tracking game.
Wardrobe
(intransitive) To act as a wardrobe department, to provide clothing or sets of clothes.
Wardrobe
A room or apartment where clothes are kept, or wearing apparel is stored; a portable closet for hanging up clothes.
Wardrobe
Wearing apparel, in general; articles of dress or personal decoration.
Flowers that their gay wardrobe wear.
With a pair of saddlebags containing his wardrobe.
Wardrobe
A privy.
Wardrobe
A tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
Wardrobe
Collection of clothing belonging to one person
Wardrobe
Collection of costumes belonging to a theatrical company
Common Curiosities
How does a wardrobe differ from an armoire in terms of design?
A wardrobe tends to have a more utilitarian design with a focus on maximizing hanging space, while an armoire might be more ornate and versatile.
What types of clothes are best stored in a wardrobe?
Wardrobes are best for hanging items like dresses, coats, and suits, due to their design that maximizes hanging space.
Are armoires typically more expensive than wardrobes?
Due to their ornate designs and versatile uses, armoires can sometimes be more expensive than the more utilitarian wardrobes.
What is the average height of an armoire compared to a wardrobe?
Armoires and wardrobes vary in height, but both are typically tall to accommodate various storage needs.
What is the primary function of an armoire?
An armoire is primarily used for storing clothes and personal items, often featuring a mix of shelves and drawers.
Is it common for armoires to have decorative designs?
Yes, armoires often feature decorative designs and detailed carvings, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
What materials are commonly used to make wardrobes?
Wardrobes are commonly made from a variety of materials including wood, metal, and sometimes plastic for more affordable options.
Can an armoire be used for purposes other than storing clothes?
Yes, armoires can be adapted for other uses, such as entertainment centers or home office setups.
Are wardrobes more modern than armoires?
Yes, wardrobes are often associated with more modern, minimalist designs compared to the traditional and sometimes antique designs of armoires.
Can wardrobes be custom-built to fit specific spaces?
Yes, wardrobes can be custom-built to maximize the use of specific spaces in a home, often as part of a bedroom's built-in furniture.
Can wardrobes have sliding doors?
Yes, many modern wardrobes have sliding doors to save space and add to the minimalist design.
Do wardrobes need to be assembled?
Many wardrobes come flat-packed and require assembly, especially those made from synthetic materials designed for easy home setup.
What era are armoires most associated with?
Armoires are often associated with historical periods when ornate furniture was popular, such as the Victorian era.
How does one choose between an armoire and a wardrobe?
The choice depends on personal style preferences, space available, and specific storage needs for clothing and other items.
How do maintenance needs differ between an armoire and a wardrobe?
Maintenance can vary depending on the material but generally, ornate armoires may require more careful cleaning to preserve decorative details.
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