One common misconception about an armoire and a wardrobe is that the two pieces are the same. While both pieces are for storage purposes, each comes with its unique features and offers diverse benefits.
Therefore, as a first-time buyer, you want to know what each piece means and what to expect from it before making a purchase.
As an overview, an armoire has more detailed designs than a wardrobe and has a larger size with more storage capacity. Plus, while a wardrobe is commonly used in the bedroom, an armoire is versatile enough to be used in different parts of the home, such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
The cost implication of these two storage pieces is another factor that separates them. A wardrobe is more budget-friendly than an armoire.
This piece explains the key differences between an armoire and a wardrobe. It helps guide your decision in picking the right piece between a wardrobe and an armoire.
Table of Contents
What Is a Wardrobe?
Although there are custom wardrobes with larger sizes, wardrobes come in smaller sizes with simple designs. They are mostly sought after by homeowners looking for budget-friendly storage options since they are affordable.
The basic design of wardrobes focuses on functionality with less attention to aesthetics. A wardrobe features hinged doors that open to the inside to expose a simple rod to hang clothes. However, many wardrobes also come with shelving to store accessories and essentials, but this extra storage is small.
Features of a typical wardrobe include:
- Minimalist style with clean lines purely for functionality
- A space for hanging clothes with less focus on additional storage
- Small sizes, which are excellent for smaller bedrooms
What Is an Armoire?
Armoires come with complex details and are symbols of craftsmanship, which is why they are typically crafted by skilled artisans. With this outstanding design, an armoire often becomes the focal point of any bedroom.
Key features of an armoire include:
- Sections include hanging rods, closed shelving, and drawers
- While the primary purpose is for clothing, you have ample storage solutions to store other items
- It is pre-installed
Wardrobe Vs Armoire: Which Is Better?
Feature | Wardrobe | Armoire |
Size | Compact piece | Large and bold piece |
Design | Simple and modern style | Details and rustic style |
Storage | Limited storage with no drawers or shelving | Includes drawers |
Price Range | Can cost between $100-$300, depending on the size | Price range starts from $300 |
Ideal Room Size | Takes small rooms | Larger rooms |
Use Cases | Ideal for hanging clothes only | Great for storing clothes, shoes, and other items |
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Armoire vs Wardrobe: Size
One main feature that sets an armoire and a wardrobe apart is their sizes. An armoire is generally larger than a wardrobe, which explains why the former often becomes the focal point of the room. The bold design of an armoire also helps in adding personality.
However, it is worth noting that the large size of an armoire only makes it an option for a large room. Therefore, you will find a wardrobe more valuable and efficient if you own a small room. A wardrobe is a compact piece that does the basic job of hanging clothes.
Armoire vs Wardrobe: Design
A wardrobe comes with a sleek, simple design, while an armoire features details. Hence, your choice between a wardrobe and an armoire also depends on your personality and home design.
If you are a lover of minimalism, your eyes should be on a wardrobe, but if you want in-depth designs, an armoire will make a better choice for your room.
Armoire or Wardrobe: Storage Features
Another significant difference between a wardrobe and an armoire is in their storage offerings. A wardrobe’s priority is a hanger to hang clothes, while an armoire extends its storage options to hanging racks, drawers, and shelves.
Therefore, wardrobes are popular in homes that only need limited hanging storage, while families who cherish extended capacity favor armoires.
That said, you can discuss your storage needs with your wardrobe designer to include drawers and shelves, but expect them to come in smaller sizes than you would get from an armoire.
Armoire or Wardrobe: Price Range
As highlighted earlier, wardrobes are more affordable than armoires. Since they offer limited storage facilities, wardrobes are less expensive and ideal for homes on a low budget.
The price range for an average-sized wardrobe ranges between $100-$300, while $300 is the base price of the average armoire.
Armoire or Wardrobe: Ideal Room Size, Suitable for small rooms
Another significant difference between a wardrobe and an armoire is their ideal room size. Wardrobes are ideal for compact rooms where floor space is a concern. With their compact size, wardrobes take up less space in the room, leaving more room for other pieces. Conversely, an armoire requires more space and is only ideal for large rooms.
Armoire or Wardrobe: Use Cases
Although there are custom models with more storage solutions, wardrobes are typically used for hanging clothes and are commonly found in the bedroom. Armoires, on the other hand, offer flexible applications, such that they can be used in the living room, kitchen, and entryways.
How We Guide Our Customers
When a customer contacts us to ask about the right storage solution for their home, we ask them a couple of questions to guide their selection.
- What is your budget?
- In which room will the furniture be used?
- How large is the room?
- What are your storage needs?
Their answers to the questions will determine what we recommend for them. For example, if a customer needs a storage piece for a small bedroom, our recommendation will lean toward buying a wardrobe. If they need the piece for another room, say the living room, and they have a high budget, our specialists will recommend an armoire.
Best Places for an Armoire
One great benefit of armoires is their versatility to fit into any room, unlike wardrobes that only find a place in the bedroom.
The best rooms to place your armoire include:
Bedroom
Yes, the number one place that comes to mind when discussing armoires is the bedroom. They function in the bedroom to store clothes, blankets, and other bedroom essentials. An armoire can also store your TV when you wish to keep anything tech out of sight.
While you can place your armoire wherever you desire in your bedroom, try placing it on an adjacent wall to the doorway. This helps prevent your armoire from taking over the position of the center feature from your bed.
Living Room
Another room in the home where armoires are found is the living room. Since the living room is a room for activities, it needs a large storage space to store items. Thankfully, this room is large enough to accommodate the large size of an armoire.
With an armoire in your living room, you can store items like toys, board games, and a television.
Regardless, when placing your armoire in your living room, create a strong visual impact by positioning the storage piece opposite a door.
Entryway
The entryway is a great place to place your armoire. When positioned in this part of the home, it is to create storage for items like shoes, purses, coats, and other essentials. With this, users can easily take their items when coming out.
Avoid obstruction by placing your armoire a few meters away from the door’s swing path.
Kitchen
Consider an armoire in the kitchen as a storage option to store kitchen items like tableware and dinnerware. You can also store items for hosting in your armoire.
The best place to place an armoire in your kitchen remains a corner of the room, but many owners also position their armoires opposite the main kitchen areas.
Bathroom
Armoires are used in many modern homes as storage for bathroom items. When used in the bathroom, armoires store items like towels, toiletries, and bath mats.
Notwithstanding, you want to be careful with your armoire placement in the bathroom to avoid moisture splashing on it. This is to prevent the risk of mold and mildew, while adding style to your bathroom.
The best approach is to place the piece away from the shower or bath.
Armoire vs Wardrobe: Which Should I Buy?
Honestly, picking between a wardrobe and an armoire is not a one-size-fits-all decision. When making your choice, you will have to weigh the features of the two sides and factor in your personal preferences.
Consider these factors to pick between a wardrobe and an armoire.
Understand Your Style
Your first task in deciding between a wardrobe and an armoire is to know your style. Do you want something simple but functional, or do you want a piece that adds to your room’s aesthetics?
If you seek a minimalist design, choose a wardrobe. On the other hand, if you prefer a sophisticated design that details your personality, an armoire will work better for you. With an armoire, you can choose your artisan carvings and painting pattern, while a wardrobe is simple in design.
Consider Your Space
Before you go on to buy your choice of wardrobe or armoire, it makes sense to measure your room space. Do you have enough floor and height space to accommodate a wardrobe or an armoire?
Once you have established the position to place your furniture, measure the height and width, and ensure they are enough to take your wardrobe or armoire. You also want to measure the doorway and stairs to ensure they can allow the passage of your furniture when delivered.
Choose based on Your Storage Needs
Your storage needs play a huge role in making the right choice between a wardrobe and an armoire.
Again, if your aim is to hang clothes, consider purchasing a wardrobe. However, if you need more storage to store other items, like your shoes, board games, and TV, you will get a better offering from an armoire’s drawers and shelves.
Don’t Follow the Crowd
One mistake you can make in your selection between an armoire and a wardrobe is to think you need what other people around you are buying. Keep in mind that everyone has their unique needs and preferences, and other people’s needs might not be what you need.
Therefore, always go for what meets your storage needs and preferences, instead of copying others.
FAQs
What is the difference between an armoire and a wardrobe?
The main differences between an armoire and a wardrobe are in the prices, sizes, and designs. Wardrobes are cheaper, smaller, and have minimalist designs.
Can an armoire be used for clothes?
Yes, armoires are used for multipurpose storage, and hanging clothes is one of them.
Are wardrobes cheaper than armoires?
Yes, wardrobes are less expensive than armoires because they are smaller and require less design labor.
Patronize a Known Supplier
Whether you choose to buy a wardrobe or an armoire, your supplier has a say in your experience using your furniture. Professional furniture suppliers, like George’s Furniture, supply quality furniture pieces to homes and offices. You can also discuss your taste with your supplier for a custom wardrobe or armoire.
If you are looking for where to buy high-quality furniture, browse our catalog of quality furniture products to select the stylish piece that meets your needs and fits your home.
