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European Armoires

Many believe it was an inventive Frenchman who turned the chest on its side, creating the first armoire. Replacing easily-transportable medieval trunks as stay-at-home storage pieces, the earliest armoires had regal origins in the castles and stately palaces of European nobility. Until the end of the 13th century, the French armoire was primarily decorated with hand-painted door panels and elaborate hinges. Beginning in the 14th century, armoires began developing a more architectural look, with gracefully sculpted bodies enhanced by gilding and lavish embellishment.

In the Renaissance era, French armoires, like all furniture of the period, were heavily influenced by Italian furniture-making. It wasn't long before European armoires spread across the world and began taking on myriad forms.

One of the most important pieces of furniture in continental homes from the 17th through 19th centuries, armoires still have a prominent place in many residences throughout Europe and around the world.


Quick Facts

  • In the 18th century, the French armoire was considered one of the most valuable possessions of an estate.
  • In November 2003 at Skinner, a painted Italian Provincial armoire sold for below its estimate, only reaching $881
  • A British Arts & Crafts Movement Smee and Cobay Armoire rendered in oak (circa 1900) sold at Skinner in 2013 for $3,690

Recommended Items at Auction

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French Louis XV Style Kingwood Veneer And Marquetry Inlaid Armoire, Ca. Early 20th C.
Feb 13, 11:00 AM EST
French Louis XV Style Kingwood Veneer And Marquetry Inlaid Armoire, Ca. Early 20th C.
by DuMouchelles
Est: $4,000- $6,000
$3,0000 Bids
MERCIER BROTHERS LOUIS XV STYLE CARVED WALNUT BOMBE ARMOIRE, 103"H
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
MERCIER BROTHERS LOUIS XV STYLE CARVED WALNUT BOMBE ARMOIRE, 103"H
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $800- $1,200
$6000 Bids
LARGE LOUIS XVI STYLE MAHOGANY MIRRORED BREAKFRONT ARMOIRE, 101"H
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
LARGE LOUIS XVI STYLE MAHOGANY MIRRORED BREAKFRONT ARMOIRE, 101"H
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$8000 Bids
FRENCH LOUIS XV STYLE CARVED WALNUT MIRRORED ARMOIRE, 104"H
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
FRENCH LOUIS XV STYLE CARVED WALNUT MIRRORED ARMOIRE, 104"H
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $300- $500
$2000 Bids
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE REVIVAL CARVED WALNUT & IRON WARDROBE
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE REVIVAL CARVED WALNUT & IRON WARDROBE
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $600- $800
$5000 Bids
ITALIAN FIGURED WALNUT AND GREEN GLASS FIVE DOOR ARMOIRE C 1950. TWO DOORS OPENING TO CLOTHES BARS
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
ITALIAN FIGURED WALNUT AND GREEN GLASS FIVE DOOR ARMOIRE C 1950. TWO DOORS OPENING TO CLOTHES BARS
by Kamelot Auctions
Est: $800- $1,200
$8000 Bids
A Victorian mahogany wardrobe,
Mar 04, 10:00 AM GMT
A Victorian mahogany wardrobe,
by Sworders
Est: £500- £1,000
£4000 Bids
FRENCH PINE MIRRORED ARMOIRE WITH FAUX BAMBOO TURNINGS
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
FRENCH PINE MIRRORED ARMOIRE WITH FAUX BAMBOO TURNINGS
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $500- $1,000
$4000 Bids
Fairmont Designs French Entertainment Armoire
Feb 15, 10:00 AM MST
Fairmont Designs French Entertainment Armoire
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$100 Bids
French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Bed And Armoire, Ca. Early 20th C.
Feb 13, 11:00 AM EST
French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Bed And Armoire, Ca. Early 20th C.
by DuMouchelles
Est: $5,000- $8,000
$3,7500 Bids
Alessandro Guerriero (b.1943) for Galerie Italienne  Unique ‘Bad Room’ armoire, 2004 
Feb 18, 10:00 AM GMT
Alessandro Guerriero (b.1943) for Galerie Italienne  Unique ‘Bad Room’ armoire, 2004 
by Roseberys
Est: £1,000- £2,000
£7000 Bids
Walnut Victorian Wardrobe Or Armoire With Single Mirror Door And Burled Accent 21"X45"X83"
Mar 01, 10:00 AM EST
Walnut Victorian Wardrobe Or Armoire With Single Mirror Door And Burled Accent 21"X45"X83"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids

Sellers Who Sell European Armoires


Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery

DuMouchelles

DuMouchelles

Swisher Bros. Auction

Swisher Bros. Auction

Nadeau's Auction Gallery

Nadeau's Auction Gallery