Armoires Travel From Ancient Rome to High-Style Storage
Go ahead, be possessive — this beautiful furniture piece with a rich history gives your treasures a proper home
I'm a Houzz Contributor, interior decorator (http://www.elementsofstyle.com.au) and associate member of the Design Institute of Australia, living and working in Melbourne, Australia. Our homes reflect how we see ourselves, so I strive to make each of my client's spaces balanced and harmonious for them.
I'm a Houzz Contributor, interior decorator (http://www.elementsofstyle.com.au)... More »
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How we store our possessions, especially our treasures, requires careful consideration. One storage solution, the armoire, has served people well for hundreds of years, and for good reason. Its evolution from ancient Rome through the time of King Louis XIII and the Victorian era has turned it into a flexible and practical piece. These days it's easy to find an armoire to suit any room or solve any storage problem.
Roman roots. Now found in homes, auction houses and antiques stores all over the world, the armoire came from rather humble beginnings. Nomadic Roman soldiers needed transportable storage for their weapons (arms); they developed and carried crude timber storage boxes called armoriums.
By the 14th century, most Western Europeans owned small chests — called caskets — or larger coffers to hold jewelry and valuables. As smaller towns started to prosper, people felt more settled and secure enough to display their possessions. Eventually, the coffer was turned on its side and put on legs.
By the 14th century, most Western Europeans owned small chests — called caskets — or larger coffers to hold jewelry and valuables. As smaller towns started to prosper, people felt more settled and secure enough to display their possessions. Eventually, the coffer was turned on its side and put on legs.
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Fixed armoires. There were two types of armoires in the 14th century. The fixed armoire was simply a recess in a stone wall with wooden doors. Although some might not categorize this as actual furniture, at the time these were widely used and documented as armoires — particularly in churches and monasteries.
This armoire is such an eye-catching piece of furniture. It appears to be a grounded, solid piece while also bringing a light, airy feel into the space.
This armoire is such an eye-catching piece of furniture. It appears to be a grounded, solid piece while also bringing a light, airy feel into the space.
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by SO/DA Inc.
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| Freestanding armoires. Freestanding armoires, with single or double doors and enclosed drawers, were also popular in the 14th century. These easily transported storage solutions were usually considered the property of the landowner, although there is evidence that some were the personal property of the home owner. Medieval armoires were constructed to be functional, practical pieces of furniture. Sometimes medieval armoires had paint or gilding on them, but not often. This armoire is a simple refined design that links the table and the mantel together, grounding the room and giving it structure. |
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Renaissance armoire styles. The early Renaissance saw the emergence of the behaut-deux corps (two-door cabinet), so the armoire went out of favor for a time. But the reign of King Louis XIII brought the armoire back to life, and this piece began to dominate the furniture market again. The new designs were made in sturdy timbers, like walnut, and had raised diamond patterns, geometric shapes and moldings at both the top and bottom.
This magnificent hand-painted antique Bavarian armoire shows similar strength and moldings.
This magnificent hand-painted antique Bavarian armoire shows similar strength and moldings.
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| Manufacturing changes. French designers in the 19th century created armoires with Gothic and Renaissance flourishes, like columns and carvings of vegetation, as the appetite for these styles continued unabated. Since domestic doorways were smaller than those of the castles of the 17th century, these craftsmen had to get creative. The need to construct the armoire, dismantle it and reassemble it in its new home started a whole new approach to cabinetry manufacture. This Asian-inspired armoire with its traditional shape sits comfortably in this contemporary setting, since its carved timber fretwork harmonizes with the fixtures around it. |
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by Branca, Inc.
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| Upgrading to glass doors. The bibliothèque (literally "library"), an armoire with glass doors, was also popular during the 19th century. Used mainly in libraries and offices to display books back then, the bibliothèque now appears everywhere from sitting rooms to dining rooms to kitchens, showing off precious mementos. This glorious antique glass armoire uses different timbers and patterns to recall a time gone by, creating a lovely talking point. Do you have a beautiful armoire? Please share a photo and tell us where you found it. |
Ideabook published on Feb. 21, 2013.
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Now that my husband and I have been blessed to retire to a lake home large enough to hold all our kids, their spouses, and the grandkids, I have begun "collecting" these wonderful pieces!
Many people decide to part with them rather than move them, so you will be amazed what you find - check estate sales, garage sales, and of course, Craigslist!
We just picked up our 5th one in a little over a year, as well as another one for one of our sons - he says it's the nicest piece of furniture they own! A beautiful piece from Room & Board for pennies on the dollar!
I have 4 armoires, 2 are art decoish, one is oak that is beautiful but interestingly made to come apart in panels for moving, and one is a modern traditional style desk. They are so useful giving more vertical enclosed storage.
It seems strange to me that so many Houzzers have put so much effort into having gorgeously decorated homes and then make the tv the focal point of so many rooms. My tv is hidden away in an armoire that is only opened if I am actually watching tv.
And just a few year ago, my mother gave me her lovely modern three-door cherry desk-armoire. It fit perfectly, with less than an inch to spare on either side, into the south end of my enclosed front porch. Open it's a busy and cluttered catastrophe; closed (5 seconds max) I look like a decent housekeeper.
Here are a few pics we haven't put up on our projects board or website yet:
tks