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Armoire is a free-standing, tall cabinet with doors that hide the shelves and drawers. In this, there will be a space for hanging the clothes. Note that these are primarily placed in the bedroom in the place of closets, as it provides enough storage to put your essentials. You can consider putting your clothes and even significant items like tapestries, linen, rugs, weapons, and armor. Interestingly, the French devised this piece of furniture in the 17th century. The name came from the Latin word “armorium,“ a chest for storing the armor. To get your hands on the highest-rated armoires, have a look at the following products.
Buying Guide for Armoires
An armoire is a large free-standing cupboard that works as a wardrobe. Most people confuse it with a closet, but a closet is a designated space in your house for storing items. In contrast, a wardrobe like an armoire is a piece of furniture built as per your requirements. You can get them in different patterns and sizes. Generally, an armoire has a lot of hanging space other than just boasting the shelves and drawers for storage.
Suppose you plan to buy an armoire to add a vintage vibe to your bedroom or any other area within your house. In that case, the following buying guide will tell you all the essential information to achieve your goal:
What Are the Different Types of Armoires Available?
Below are the different types of armoires available in the market that you can buy as per your needs:
Wardrobe
This type is made for holding the clothes, and it is best for suits, bulky seasonal items like overcoats, and dresses. It will also have a clothing bar or a removable clothing rod.
Jewelry
It allows you to store your precious jewelry in one place. This type will also provide you with a different number of storage options that are made for rings, bracelets, and necklaces. You can get this in wall-mounted or free-standing design.
TV
It enables you to open the doors of your armoire when you want to see the television. Later, you can hide your tv behind closed doors when you don’t want to watch it. Some manufacturers provide a tv/wardrobe in combination to use it for different purposes as per your need.
Computer
Like the tv, a computer armoire enables you to put a computer within your bedroom. It is designed to quickly place a monitor, peripherals, CPU, printer, and speaker. You can hide your computer behind the doors when not in use.
What Are Different Materials Used For Making Armoire?
Now, we will look at the different materials used for the construction of the armoire:
Plywood
This material is widely used for wardrobe boxes and kitchen cabinets. It is a material made from thin layers or piles of wood veneers that are glued together. It is best for low moisture areas like the living room.
Solid wood
Provide a very refreshing shine and looks great with all the design themes. You will have to polish it to retain its look timely, so this is an expensive option compared to others but very durable.
Wood-plastic composites
It is made with wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastic. WPC is pre-laminated and best for partitions, kitchen, flooring, and furniture. More importantly, it requires less maintenance and is water-resistant.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
This material is widely used in making bedrooms, living room units, and crockery shelves. MDF is made by breaking down the softwood or hardwood residuals into wood fibers. It is an affordable and green option that is denser and stronger in contrast to particleboard.
What Are the Uses of the Armoire?
Below are some of the actual uses of the armoire:
It is ideal for adding an elegant look to your bedroom and vintage flavor to an area.
- It allows you to keep your clothes organized without any mess.
- You can use it for storing your jewelry, accessories, toys, linens, and many other items.
- Use it in your dining area for storing the crockery, cutlery, and much other tableware.
- Get it in different sizes, styles, and finishes to match it well with the overall look of your room.
- It is very portable, and you can quickly move it around your house as per your desire.
What Factors To Consider When Buying an Armoire?
Following are some of the significant factors to keep in your mind when purchasing the armoire:
Know your space
You have to be aware of the space in your bedroom or any area where you want to place the armoire. Correctly measure the room to get the correct size; otherwise, you will face problems putting it in your desired area.
Storage space
How much space do you need to store your items? You have to ask this question to yourself when buying an armoire. The things can be clothes, accessories, linens, or anything. Moreover, keep your future storage needs in mind to make purchases accordingly.
Kind of storage space
Consider buying the armoire with shelves, drawers, hanging space, or a combination of things that will work best for you as per your requirements.
Style
You can pick a fancy Parisian apartment, french chateaux, or even a standout piece to match it well with the rest of your room. The selection depends on your choice!
Compare Our Favorite Armoires
Sauder Armoire
– Best Overall
Get this armoire for your bedroom or any other place in a vintage oak finish. It is made from engineered wood, a composite of post-milling leftovers and high-quality trimmings.
Sustainable ways of manufacturing are used for the production as the remaining wood waste provides a different variety of sustainable uses like animal bedding. More importantly, it is an excellent way to add more storage in any room within your house.
Key Features
- It has two-panel doors and a garment hanging rod to store your clothes
- The lower drawer has smooth metal runners for easy closing and opening
- Instant and easy assembly due to the patented T-slot drawer system
- Properly tested for better stability to reduce tip-over accidents
South Shore Armoire
– Runner Up
It is available in chocolate color with a brown finish. It comes in a versatile design with framed doors and drawers with a streamlined edge that provides the wardrobe with a traditional style.
The style will be perfect for adults, kids, or any other room. Moreover, it has adjustable storage shelves and large drawers with metal slides to store clothing, linen, toys, sweaters, and much more.
Key Features
- You get a five years warranty that covers all defects on furniture parts and artistry
- The assembly is effortless; you don’t need any additional tools for any work
- A metal rod behind the wardrobe provides a full-length hanging space for longer clothes
- It is made with an eco-friendly, non-toxic laminated particleboard
Hives and Honey Armoire
– Honorable Mention
This jewelry armoire is 40 inches tall and has seven pull-out drawers, and an anti-tarnish felt. Moreover, it also has ring tools, divided compartments, necklace hooks in each compartment, and two side panel doors.
It is going to be the best storage for keeping your jewelry safe. The shape is rectangular, and you get a classy walnut finish for a great vintage look.
Key Features
- Has a top lid that can be opened to get access to the vanity mirror
- Seven spacious drawers
- The locking lids are present to keep your precious items hidden and safe
- Side doors have eight double-tiered hooks for keeping necklaces tangle-free
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SONGMICS Armoire
– Also Consider
It is available in dark brown color, and the material used for construction is done using a wooden surface and MDF frame along with velvet lining.
A mirror will help you do your final touch-up in the morning or when attending any function. Also, you can raise the mirror and get access to your favorite jewelry items. Moreover, it has four compartments, right drawers with different sections, and ten ring rolls.
Key Features
- Different sections allow you to store things like bracelets, sunglasses, watches, and more
- It has antique bronze knobs, which help to pull out the drawers with great ease
- Two side doors have sixteen hooks to hang the necklaces tangle-free
- Anti-tipping straps prevent the armoire from tipping over and wobbling
Armoire FAQs
Q: What makes an armoire and a wardrobe different?
A: An armoire is a vast piece of furniture that is more ornate than a wardrobe. Generally, it has shelves along the hanging rails. In comparison, wardrobes are designed for more hanging space.
Q: For what purpose was the armoire used in the past?
A: An armoire was a two-door cupboard that was movable, had shelves, drawers, and hanging space. It was used for storing the arms and armors.
Q: How deep should an armoire be for hanging clothes?
A: It should be at least 24 inches deep with the door closed to be used as standard hangers.
