The alternative title to this blog post was “That’s Armoir-e” to the tune of the Dean Martin song “That’s Amore.” What can I say? I just love them.
Armoire | Pendant Light | Leaf Branch | Jules Lagoon/Brick Rug | Loafers
For years, built-ins have been the “gold standard” that people are looking for in a home. Yes, you can add so much value to your house by putting in built-ins because it stays with the house. However, a stand-alone armoire is so charming and functional — I love using them in my home. Just like in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, there’s something kind of magical about these moveable closets.
I often hear people wish that they had extra storage in their home. “There’s no closet, there are no built-ins…” But I’ll let you in on a secret: Storage is a retail product. It’s so much work (and sometimes a lot more expense) to build something in. Bypass all of that, and buy storage by getting an armoire or wardrobe.
In our home, we use armoires and wardrobes for several different things. We bought one from Wayfair that was less than $500 to add storage to the playroom for games. We just stained it to make it more the style we wanted.
I scouted out a more pricey antique one that holds court over the laundry room. It was a linen press in its former life, but it has added so much richness and character to the laundry room. We keep all of our sheets divided by shelves — king, queen, twin — with extra blankets in the drawers.
Armoire (vintage) | Wallpaper | Stone Tile | Marble Tile
In Faye’s room, we actually ripped out her closet in a very controversial move and added an armoire and a dresser. The change has been amazing. I think she has more storage than ever with both of those furniture pieces, and her room feels a lot more open.
I’ve seen them used in family rooms for blankets. You can also use one in a dining room or open kitchen floor plan for dishes and table linens. They’re such a great standalone piece, like when furniture also feels like a sculpture.
The one thing I always pay attention to when buying an armoire is height. You have to decide if you need breathing room around it and what kind of storage space you want. For Faye’s room, where we replaced the closet with an armoire, I went with a 72″-tall armoire as she wouldn’t have been able to reach the rack if it was taller. In the laundry room, I went with a taller armoire as I liked how it filled the room and was closer to the ceiling.
Also, think about what kind of storage you need. In Faye’s room, I was looking for a hanging rod in the wardrobe, while for the laundry room I was looking for more shelves to maximize the linen storage space. If it’s in a mudroom, you may want more cubbies for shoes. Just little things to consider.
Armoire | Medium Bin | Large White Bin | Wallpaper | Wood Hangers
If you’re looking to increase your storage space, an armoire or wardrobe is the perfect home decor choice.
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
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I’m on the hunt for the perfect bar armoir!!! Need the doors to slide away though
Is that a steamer to the left of the armoire?
Yes, it’s a steam closet.
Any recommendations for a long hanging armoire (grown women’s dresses!)
My hubby and I have held on to a once-used wardrobe for years – it’s been in storage – and we wondered many times if we shouldn’t just get rid of it, but now we have added a sunroom to the back of our house, and we are going to haul that thing in and use it for picnic-ware & outdoor dining storage. I have a massive Longaberger basket that belonged to my mom (also in storage). I will put it on top – I can see it now. I can’t tell you how excited I am – the best part is that we don’t have to spend more money!
A lot of designers in America always talk about bringing in a “European” vibe into their houses. THIS is typical European. There are no build-ins in European houses and those armoires bring in all the charm.
I was going to say the same thing! Closets are a very American home feature. I love them but an armoire does add a lot of character.