Armoires vs Wardrobes: What are the Differences?

More often than not, when people are asked to picture an armoire vs. a wardrobe, they picture the same piece of furniture. If wardrobes and armoires are so similar, what distinguishes one from the other? As we’ll see below, it all comes down to differences in appearance and function. Before we explore what differentiates a wardrobe from an armoire, though, let’s take a quick look at the history of each piece so that we can gain a better understanding of each piece’s context.

What is a wardrobe?

The word “wardrobe” comes from three Old French words: warderobe, wardereube, and garderobe. “Warder” means to keep or to guard while “robe” means garment; etymologically speaking, then, a wardrobe was designed specifically to hold and guard the clothing within.

The very first wardrobe more closely resembled a chest than a wardrobe as we think of it today; it was also referred to as a press, made of oak and used only by people with money and power, like royalty or nobility. Over time, the wealthy desired a neater way to store and organize clothes, so the chest eventually developed into a standing closet, complete with doors, drawers, and whatever other features nobles needed or desired. Wardrobes became popular because they allowed for more space in the bedroom, which was considered a luxury to those living in Medieval Europe.

Today and throughout history, a wardrobe is almost always exclusively used to store clothes and accessories. It functions very similarly to a traditional closet, so people who have limited living or closet space may desire a wardrobe to give themselves more room and flexibility in their bedroom. Some common features found in modern wardrobes include mirrors installed on the interior doors and small shelves for storing shoes and jewelry. Many people use their wardrobe as a place to get ready in the morning, especially if their particular wardrobe features a full-size mirror that allows them to view themselves.

What is an armoire?

The word “armoire” also stems from the French language, possibly as a blend of two Old French words: armaire and aumoire. Armaire could come from the Latin word armarium, which referred to a cabinet used to store things like weapons and armor. Just like the name entails, an armoire was originally used not to store clothes, but tools, shields, helmets, and more. The first armoires appeared in 17th century France, but they have remained one of the most exquisite pieces of furniture that you can own.

Armoires have always been tall and wide, but they usually sat directly on the floor because they weren’t originally designed with feet. Additionally, the first armoires were very simple in design, but over time, they became more ornate and featured more intricate details than before. Some armoires could be considered pieces of art, featuring painted interiors, embossed marquetry, and elegant carvings. Regardless of all the changes armoires have undergone, their large statures and ornate features have allowed them to remain the centerpieces of every home they grace, no matter what homeowners use them to store.

Today, most houses have built-in closets, so external storage for clothes alone isn’t really necessary. Some armoires are used to store clothes, but many homeowners have converted their armoires into entertainment centers, office desks, and extra storage spaces.

So, what are the differences between an armoire and a wardrobe?

An armoire is a wardrobe that is wider and more ornate than a wardrobe, which tends to be slimmer and simpler in appearance than an armoire. An armoire will typically be made of deep, rich woods like mahogany and feature intricate carvings, while you can find wardrobes made out of fake wood or plastic for a lot less money. Additionally, armoires have shelves, drawers, AND hanging rails, while the focus of a wardrobe is the hanging rails from which to hang clothes.

In terms of function, an armoire is often used for multiple purposes and to store a multitude of items, while wardrobes are strictly for clothes and linens. As mentioned above, some armoires are converted into entertainment centers or home office desks, but others still use them to store china in their dining rooms or books in their living rooms. The ways you can use an armoire are nearly limitless, and while you can certainly also get creative with a wardrobe, wardrobes offer less room which means you can store less inside of them.

Now you know: all armoires are wardrobes, but not all wardrobes are armoires. If you’re having trouble telling which kind of piece you have in your home, try standing in front of it and spreading your arms out wide: do your hands reach either side, or is the piece too wide for you to touch the edges? If it’s too wide and features a lot of intricate details carved within the wood, it’s probably an armoire.