While armoires and wardrobes may seem similar at first glance, there are several notable differences between these two storage solutions, and you can find them all here.

What Is the Difference Between an Armoire vs. Wardrobe?

A wardrobe has a simple design and is primarily used as an external closet to store clothes, while an armoire is a special type of wardrobe that can serve a number of purposes. The name “armoire” may have come from the Latin word “armorium,” meaning a chest for storing armor. Traditionally, armoires were actually used to store weapons and armor, hence their bigger and heavier statures.

Armoire vs. Wardrobe Sizes

Armoire: Armoires have always been more notably ornate and quite large. Antique-style armoires can be very expensive since they are often carved, embossed, or delicately crafted.

Wardrobe: The simplistic design and smaller size of wardrobes means they typically offer less storage space than an armoire. For this reason, they are also usually more budget-friendly.

Armoire vs. Wardrobe Designs

Armoire: Armoires come in an array of designs. People often use armoires in their homes not only for storing clothes, but also as entryway pieces for coats and shoes – or even displays in family rooms. The craftsmanship of the armoire usually includes several doors, drawers, and shelves for a versatile way to store items and provide a formal and tidy look from the outside.

Wardrobe: Wardrobes use a simple design of hinged doors that cover an open interior featuring a mounted rod for you to hang your clothes from. Some newer wardrobes include a few drawers, though this is less common.

Armoire vs. Wardrobe Storage

The different types of armoires and wardrobes each have notable strengths that are better suited for certain areas of a home.

Armoire: A wardrobe armoire functions as a piece to hang clothing and coats – these are often used as external closets. Non-hanging armoires have shelving inside to store books, decor, plates, linens, and more non-clothing items – these can be used in several different rooms. For your living area, armoires can be used as media cabinets made for housing your television, gaming console, or other forms of entertainment.

Armoires with shelves are typically better for storing larger items or for creating a decorative space, while drawers are more suitable for storing small items of various shapes and sizes. A mixed unit with shelves and drawers gives you the versatility to store everything from blankets to DVDs.

Wardrobe: Wardrobes are used solely for storing clothes via hangers – this typically includes dresses, shirts, and pants. Items like sweaters and undergarments that need to be folded would be better stored in a dresser or chest.

Armoire vs. Wardrobe Door Type

Depending on how often you're accessing your armoire, the doors can make a huge difference in how you use it. Units with hinged doors primarily function as storage to conceal away items, while doors that slide on a track offer easy access to both sides of the piece. Some units even feature an installed mirror to make your space appear larger – and save you the trouble of finding room for a floor or wall mirror. Similarly, the straightforward designs of wardrobes will typically feature a set of standard hinged doors.

Tip!

Learn more about armoires with our guide What Is an Armoire? Finding the Perfect Armoire Style for You.

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