Wardrobe vs. Chifforobe — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 10, 2024
A wardrobe is a tall cabinet for clothes storage, while a chifforobe combines wardrobe space with drawers.
Difference Between Wardrobe and Chifforobe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A wardrobe is a furniture piece primarily used for hanging clothes. Traditionally, it consists of a tall structure with doors that open to reveal a space for hanging garments, often equipped with a rail or hooks. A chifforobe, on the other hand, is a combination of a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. It integrates the features of both furniture pieces, offering a section with a rail or hooks for hanging clothes and another section with drawers.
Some wardrobes also have shelves or drawers at the bottom for additional storage, but their main function is to provide a space for hanging clothes to keep them wrinkle-free. This design of chifforobe allows for a more versatile storage solution, accommodating not only hanging garments but also folded clothes, accessories, and other personal items.
The wardrobe's simplicity and singular focus on hanging storage make it a staple in homes for organizing and protecting clothes. It suits those who need ample space for hanging dresses, suits, and other garments. Wardrobes can vary in size, style, and material, fitting different décor themes and space requirements. Chifforobes offer a comprehensive storage solution by combining the functionalities of a wardrobe and a dresser. This makes them particularly useful in spaces where saving floor space is a priority, or for individuals who prefer to have a single piece of furniture for all types of clothing storage. Chifforobes can also vary in design, from antique and traditional to modern and minimalist, catering to a wide range of tastes and interior designs.
Both wardrobes and chifforobes are essential for organizing clothes, but the choice between them often depends on individual storage needs, available space, and personal style preferences. While wardrobes cater to those with a significant number of hanging garments, chifforobes serve those looking for an all-in-one solution for storing both hanging and folded clothing.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Hanging clothes storage
Combined hanging and folded clothes storage
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Composition
Mainly a hanging space, sometimes with shelves or drawers
Divided into hanging space and drawers
Space Requirement
Generally requires more vertical space
Requires more floor space for the dual functionality
Suitability
Ideal for those with many hanging garments
Suited for those needing both hanging and folded garment storage
Design Variability
Wide range of sizes and styles
Combines features of wardrobes and chests, offering diverse designs
Compare with Definitions
Wardrobe
Can include bottom drawers/shelves.
The wardrobe also had shelves at the bottom for shoes and bags.
Chifforobe
Available in various designs.
The antique chifforobe added a charming touch to their vintage-themed decor.
Wardrobe
Essential for wrinkle-free garment storage.
She preferred a wardrobe to keep her silk blouses and dresses wrinkle-free.
Chifforobe
Suitable for diverse storage needs.
The chifforobe was perfect for storing both her professional attire and casual wear.
Wardrobe
Tall furniture for hanging clothes.
The oak wardrobe held all of her formal dresses and suits.
Chifforobe
Combines wardrobe and chest of drawers.
The chifforobe in the guest room provided visitors with ample storage space.
Wardrobe
Often features a rail or hooks.
His wardrobe was equipped with a sturdy rail for heavy winter coats.
Chifforobe
Offers versatile clothing storage.
His chifforobe had enough drawers to store all his sweaters and jeans neatly.
Wardrobe
Varies in style and material.
The minimalist white wardrobe complemented her bedroom's modern look.
Chifforobe
Saves floor space with dual functionality.
Their small apartment benefited from a chifforobe's space-saving design.
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.
Chifforobe
A chifforobe (), also chiffarobe or chifferobe, is a closet-like piece of furniture that combines a long space for hanging clothes (that is, a wardrobe or armoire) with a chest of drawers. Typically the wardrobe section runs down one side of the piece, while the drawers occupy the other side.
Wardrobe
A tall cabinet, closet, or small room built to hold clothes.
Chifforobe
A tall piece of furniture typically having drawers on one side and space for hanging clothes on the other.
Wardrobe
Garments considered as a group, especially all the articles of clothing that belong to one person.
Chifforobe
A piece of furniture consisting of a wardrobe combined with a chest of drawers
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
What is the main difference between a wardrobe and a chifforobe?
The main difference is that a wardrobe is primarily for hanging clothes, while a chifforobe offers both hanging space and drawers.
Who might prefer a wardrobe?
Someone with many hanging garments, like dresses or suits, might prefer a wardrobe for its ample hanging space.
Are there modern designs available for both furniture pieces?
Absolutely, both wardrobes and chifforobes come in a range of designs, from traditional to modern, to fit different interior decors.
Can chifforobes be used for other types of storage?
Yes, the drawers in a chifforobe can also store accessories, linens, or even non-clothing items, making it versatile.
What materials are used for wardrobes and chifforobes?
They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and engineered wood products.
Who might benefit from a chifforobe?
Those requiring organized storage for both hanging and folded clothes, especially in limited space, would benefit from a chifforobe.
Do wardrobes come with built-in mirrors?
Some wardrobes feature built-in mirrors on the inside or outside of the doors for convenience.
Can wardrobes and chifforobes be customized?
Yes, both can be customized in terms of size, style, and internal configurations to meet specific storage needs.
Is assembly required for these furniture pieces?
Depending on the purchase, some wardrobes and chifforobes may require assembly, while others come pre-assembled.
How do I choose between a wardrobe and a chifforobe?
Consider your clothing storage needs, available space, and personal style preference to decide which is more suitable.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
