3 Reasons to invest in an antique armoire
You say “wardrobe, cupboard or closet,” we say “armoires and Dutch bombe cabinets.” But we are not going to quibble over terminology because when it comes to statement pieces, hero pieces, accent pieces or conversation pieces – antique and vintage armoires are simply awesome and tick every box. An artisanal celebration of form and function, these period pieces – in all shapes and sizes – are a must-have in every home.
Simply defined, an armoire is a large cabinet or wardrobe with panelled doors – in wood, glass or mirrors – featuring shelves, hanging space and draws. Antique armoires are handmade from solid wood – oak, walnut, mahogany, ash, rosewood etc – and have a longstanding reputation for their craftsmanship and decorative detailing.
As a collector or lover of antique furniture and vintage pieces, an armoire is that one piece that adds the practical wow factor and is a great addition to modern spaces.
If you still need persuading, here are 3 reasons to inspire you to add an antique or vintage armoire to your home:
#1 They are so functional
A vintage or antique armoire is hands down one of the best purchases you can make when it comes to decor investment pieces. Not only will they hold their value, but they also tick the sustainability box and offer a variety of functional storage solutions over the long term.
No matter what you want to store, an armoire puts its best foot forward in every room of the house – from books, linen and clothing to toys, dinner services, silverware and even pantry staples.
#2 They are so versatile
It might sound like we are beating the same drum, but there are so many reasons to recommend an armoire. Their unique versatility lies in the various styles that you find with each telling a different story; adding a bespoke element to your design scheme. There is one that is just right for every style of home.
One of our favourites is a classic and timeless antique French armoire. You have so many options to choose from – French Provincial, Art Deco, French Country, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Rococo, Louis Philippe, and Louis XV styles. The romance associated with French furniture and the ornate inlays and decorative embellishments make these highly desirable. (And then you might as well add a chandelier to complete the French chic aesthetic).
A conversation about armoires is not complete without shining the spotlight on Dutch bombe cabinets and Dutch cupboards. These 18th and 19th-century ‘armoires’ create a grand presence in any room. Dutch cabinet makers were the first to include marquetry, parquetry, linefold decoration, lacquered panels and veneer over carved oak pieces. Another mark of Dutch furniture craftsmen was their artisanal inventiveness and high standard of construction.
Showcasing an antique Dutch bombe cabinet or linen press/armoire in your home is the epitome of a functional and versatile hero piece. The upper part of the cabinet generally has an arched moulded cornice centred by carved scrollwork with doors enclosing shelves and drawers. The lower part has a bombe design – two short and two long drawers – inlaid with floral marquetry and raised on ball-and-claw feet.
#3 They are so beautiful
The visually interesting elements, decorative hardware and different woods all contribute to antique and vintage armoires excelling in the beauty category. Because they take up more vertical space than horizontal space, they are ideally suited to smaller footprint spaces; adding a timeless and beautiful decor element to any contemporary house, townhouse or apartment.
Armoires are the one timeless piece of antique furniture that interior designers gravitate towards to boost your decor statement and solve your storage issues. One of these highly sought after pieces deserves a place in your home and will complement any space.
The Crown Collection
As the largest emporium of curated and handpicked antique and vintage items in South Africa, The Crown Collection needs to be your first stop when sourcing the perfect armoire to furnish your home.
But whatever vintage accessory or piece of furniture you are looking for, The Crown Collection is a treasure trove of antique delights. Visit us at our studio at 10 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, or indulge your passion for antiques by shopping online. (We deliver nationwide).
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