The Lion, the Witch, and the Antique Armoire: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Furniture for Your Home

When it comes to antique malls, tchotchkes, wall art, and vintage clothing will always be popular. But the real treasure trove? Finding the perfect antique armoire for your home. With a little help from us, you can discover what makes these sturdy, stylish pieces of furniture stand the test of time and get a closer look at the different antique wardrobes produced in each design era.  

What is an Armoire?

Armoires are just one of the many words used to describe a large, freestanding closet-style piece of furniture. These designs typically feature some combination of drawers, shelves, and hanging rods to accommodate and organize clothing. Depending on the region you’re buying in and where they were made, antique armoires are also often called:

• Dressers

• Wardrobes

• Hutches

Why You Need an Antique Armoire

Unlike the mass-produced modern furniture we’re surrounded with today, items like antique wardrobes were designed with durability in mind. Made with high-quality wood and superior craftsmanship, antique armoires are built to last a lifetime (or more!) of use. When you buy one, you’re likely investing in a future family heirloom the next generations will adore for years to come.

If you’re searching for ways to add more storage to your spaces, there’s no better option than an antique wardrobe. With hinged doors that help conceal whatever items are inside and ample space, you can store just about anything within an antique armoire. Clothing, linens, books, and other household items can be kept easily accessible in your home without necessarily being put on display for all guests to see.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re decorating your guest room or revamping your home office. Why settle for a dime-a-dozen white Ikea shelf when you could ooh and ahh over intricately carved details, timeless shapes, and rich wood hues of an antique wardrobe?

What Makes an Antique Armoire Valuable?

As you shop for your very own antique armoire, it’s important to note exactly which factors impact the collectible’s value. It doesn’t matter whether it was crafted in the Rococo era or in the mid-century modern years—the value of a vintage or antique wardrobe is based on:

• Materials: armoires made from premium hardwoods (such as walnut, cherry, and mahogany) will always fetch a higher price than flimsier materials

• Rarity: rarity increases the value tremendously, especially if it’s a one-of-a-kind design crafted by a famous furniture maker

• Condition: while antique wardrobes don’t necessarily need to be in mint condition, too much surface damage and dents will significantly lower the value

• Craftsmanship: signs of skilled artisans and high-quality construction, such as hand-planed surfaces and dovetail joints, indicate a higher value

• Historical significance: if an antique armoire was made by a sought-after artisan or owned by someone of note, the design skyrockets in price

How Can You Tell an Armoire’s Age?

When you do come across an antique armoire in your favorite Indiana vendor mall, identifying the age will help you understand if you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck. Start by searching for a maker’s mark or embossed label on the back panel, shelf surfaces, and inner doors for any relevant information. If you find one, it will likely have a production date, country of origin, or, if you’re lucky enough, a brand or artisan name, which makes it easy to trace.

If you can’t find a maker’s mark, taking a closer look at the antique wardrobe’s style can help you narrow it down to certain eras. These pieces of antique furniture originated in medieval Europe and have reflected the trending shapes and embellishments of each style era since. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know all of this off the top of your head—there are plenty of online forums and reference books to aid you as you shop.

Dive Deeper into the Different Design Eras of Antique Armoires to Find Your Perfect Fit

Functional, beautiful, and enduringly popular, antique armoires have remained a popular way to spruce up the home for hundreds of years. Because of that, there are countless styles to choose from. It’s just a matter of finding the one that speaks to you. The eras include:

Antique Wardrobes from the Georgian Era (1714 to 1830)

Antique wardrobes in the Georgian era were greatly influenced by Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods. With paneled doors, sturdy mahogany drawers, and symmetrical designs, these armoires took a step away from excessive ornamentation and encouraged refined, proportional pieces.

Antique Armoires from the Queen Anne Period (1880-1910)

Reflecting the preference for the simple and elegant designs of the time, Queen Anne armoires were made from lighter woods and included domed roofs and curved panels. Though the decoration was restrained, these pieces sometimes feature subtle fan or shell motifs.

Antique Wardrobes from the Victorian Period (1837-1901)

The artisans crafting antique armoires in the Victorian era were inspired by the Greek, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, prioritizing elaborate embellishments and grandeur. These designs were extra-large and featured mirrors and ornate carvings.

There are more Victorian wardrobes to be found at Algonquin antique malls than there are from any other era. With endless variations in styles and woods used (including rose, walnut, and pine), there’s sure to be one perfect for your home.

Antique Armoires from the Art Nouveau Era (1880s-1890s)

Furniture makers in the Art Nouveau era designed armoires with the flowing lines, organic curves, and elaborate nature-inspired details popular during that time. With whiplash curves bending back on themselves and intricately carved details and inlay work featured wherever possible, antique wardrobes from this period are more than functional—they’re art.

Antique Wardrobes from the Art Deco Era (1919-1939)

Art Deco was an era of geometric forms, opulent designs, and sleek, modern forms—and that’s especially true for the antique wardrobes from this time. With streamlined shapes, visually pleasing symmetry, and luxurious woods and inlays used to bring the design to life, these vintage armoires remain some of the most popular designs found at Melbourne vendor malls. Keep an eye out for the iconic chrome hardware, fluted glass, and high gloss lacquer finishes of this period!

Let us be the first to tell you—antique armoires could be the secret to making your house a home. With a little background knowledge on some of the most popular design eras, you’re ready to take to the aisles of your local America’s Antique Mall and start your search for antique furniture today.