Antique Armoires, and Why They're Awesome.

Few pieces add a regal feel to your decor like antique armoires. A versatile type of furniture, an armoire can bring a sense of elegance to your room, while also providing the practical benefit of ample storage space for anything you choose, be it clothes, linen, jewelry, or even weapons. At EuroLuxHome.com, we have a wide selection of these sturdy, time-tested pieces, and over the years, we've learned the finer points of the style. Hopefully by the end of this post, you'll be an expert on them too.

What exactly is an armoire?

The first thing to understand is that the term can mean a lot of things. An armoire is essentially a large cabinet or wardrobe. Most feature at least one paneled door on the exterior. Many of the pieces we carry also feature a shelf for more storage space. Antique armoires are generally crafted from sturdy wood such as walnut, oak, or mahogany. This structural integrity is why so many of these pieces last long enough to become antique, as most of our armoires were created circa the 19th century. 

Depending on the antique piece, you may also find a few with a glass door, giving the piece the ability to be used to display valuables. For those who wish to use them as a wardrobe, some armoires also contain a beveled mirror. Many people also use them as a bookcase, perhaps even adding a shelf to create more room. With the versatility of this style, chances are that every home could put one to good use.

Many of these pieces could be used as storage cabinets, many featuring a chest of drawers. Some folks use this one-of-a-kind furniture as a wardrobe armoire.

Where should I place my antique armoire?

Depends on what you want the piece to do! We've had customers place them anywhere from bedroom to dining room to living room. Many customers use them as an antique wardrobe, giving a rustic charm for their bedroom that can't be matched by a traditional linen closet. As mentioned before, the storage space provided by an old armoire lets you store more clothes than you could reasonable wear. Some of our armoires also contain a drawer to build on this benefit. Sturdy, quality wood enhances the decor of a bedroom while also serving a practical purpose.

Antique armoires are also a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their dining room decor. Some feature a mirrored door, which can create a sense of more space in the room as you dine with guests. We've even seen people use them as cupboards Pieces that feature a glass door and shelf allow for the display of valuables, such as dishes or fine china. The ability of an antique armoire to blend with other pieces of antique furniture while providing more storage space ensures that your beautiful piece is also practical.

What are the different styles of antique armoire?

There are too many to count, so we'll just discuss the common styles, and the styles we carry at EuroLuxHome.com. Our personal favorite is the antique French armoire. Simply put, the French have a certain knack for creating antique furniture. These pieces feature immaculate carvings, demonstrating an elite attention to detail. A standard antique French armoire features 2 or more wooden doors, and sometimes a glass door. The wood used to make these pieces is usually oak or walnut-something sturdy. However, we have also carried antique French armoires crafted from mahogany.

Another popular style of antique armoire is the classic Farmhouse style. These pieces are all about rustic charm. They tend to be less dramatic than other types, creating a more home-style atmosphere. Like other armoires, these usually feature one or more wooden doors, with the capacity to have a glass door as well, depending on the craftsmen. These pieces usually feature a wood finish, making it perfect for any cottage. Other styles include French Provincial, Art Deco, French Country, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Rococo, Louis Philippe, and Louis XV style. No matter which you choose, it is sure to demonstrate master craftsmanship.

From cabinet door to pediment, you can't do much better for your home than by picking up your own antique armoire. This style of antique furniture is timeless, and provides the boost to your decor and storage space that interior designers drool over. We have a wide selection of these beautiful pieces on our website here, so check it out!