Antique Chinese Armoire
1920s Chinese Ming Antique Chinese Armoire
Lacquer
1890s Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Chinese Armoire
Lacquer
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Wood
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Antique Chinese Armoire
Oak
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Armoire
Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Fruitwood
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Cedar
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Bronze
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Wood
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Brass
19th Century French Antique Chinese Armoire
Metal
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Early 20th Century English Antique Chinese Armoire
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
19th Century Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Iron
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Bronze
1870s Chinese Ming Antique Chinese Armoire
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
19th Century Taiwanese Antique Chinese Armoire
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Wood, Paint
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Lacquer
19th Century French Antique Chinese Armoire
Oak
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Bamboo
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Armoire
Oak
- 1
Antique Chinese Armoire For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique Chinese Armoire?
Finding the Right Wardrobes-armoires for You
When shopping for antique and vintage wardrobes and armoires for your home, there are several things to keep in mind, not least of which is question number 1:
What is the difference between an armoire and a wardrobe?
The difference between an armoire and a wardrobe is actually simple: An armoire is merely an ornate wardrobe. A wardrobe is a tall, streamlined storage cabinet that usually has some combination of drawers, shelves and hanging rods.
Antique and vintage armoires, on the other hand, are freestanding, heavy wooden structures that typically feature decorative metal hinges and pictorial carvings. Armoires are large cabinets that aren’t outfitted with the varied storage features that wardrobes now commonly have. Armoires often have one or two doors and a hanging bar and allow for quick access. Whether a minimalist mid-century modern wardrobe or grandiose Victorian-era armoire is the right fit for you, both are highly functional furnishings and can be a smart storage solution.
Armoires have been around since medieval times, and initially they may have housed weapons and armor. In their early days, armoires were often adorned with elaborate carvings and lavish paintings, particularly in Renaissance-era France. During the 18th century and later, armoires were widely known as “presses” for hanging clothes, and they were so large that they swallowed up the room where they stood.
In today’s modern homes, an antique armoire can be a striking, architectural work of art amid comparably unadorned furnishings. Whether you’re using your piece in the kitchen for cookware or as a food pantry, in the bedroom for clothes or in the living room as a media console, it will likely become a lovable focal point.
The evolution of the armoire can be seen in today’s corner wardrobes, which may rest on an asymmetrical base to account for corner placement, and even mirrored wardrobes, which feature a mirror affixed to the inside panel of one of the doors for convenience. Contemporary wardrobes commonly feature additional sliding trays and drawers and hanging space for clothing or linens, and the cabinet doors make them ideal for concealing televisions and computer monitors when such devices aren’t in use.
When choosing the right wardrobe or vintage armoire for your home, it’s good to have the following in mind: What are you planning to store in it? How much of what you’re storing will need to be housed in it? It should be big enough to accommodate your needs. What is the size of the room where your wardrobe or armoire will live? A large new piece of furniture in a modest space can easily become a hindrance if you have to navigate your way around it during your daily routine, so be mindful of the area you'll need in order to move freely.
Whether you are looking for an antique walnut armoire or a simple contemporary wardrobe, find the right piece for your home today on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.
When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.
Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture. 
Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.
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