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What is an Armoire?
There
tends to be a general misconception that the term 'armoire' is simply
the French word for 'wardrobe'. In fact there is no literal translation
of the word armoire into English, the closest translation would be 'shelved cupboard'. Armoires are found throughout Europe, but specifically in France, Belgium, Austria and Germany.
Exterior of Painted Henri II Style Vintage French Armoire
Interior of Painted Pine Louis Philippe French Armoire with original shelves
In their essence, French armoires
are really large multifunctional cupboards. If you peak through the
windows of many traditional French homes you'll see huge armoires
inhabiting dining rooms, kitchens, hallways and bedrooms. Basically they
serve a use in every room of the house, which is why they are such
terrific pieces to own. In the kitchen they can be used as larder
cupboards, in dining rooms they serve as great storage for plates and
serving bowls and in bedrooms and on landings they serve to store
clothes, bedding and other linens.
What are the different types of French armoire?
Under
the umbrella term armoire many styles exist. These mostly represent
different eras and different areas of production. Perhaps the most
familiar style to British buyers is the often reproduced 'Louis' style.
'Louis' Style French Armoires:
These pieces are made to emulate the style and opulence of the French
court of Louis XVI and his queen Marie Antoinette. They usually have
double mirror doors, stand on decorative scrolled feet and have a domed
shaped cornice, often with a large crest. This style probably epitomises
what most people think of when they visualise French furniture, in
particular, armoires. However, it isn't that typical of true French
furniture and much of what is seen on the market today is mass produced
in countries such as China and India for the UK and American market. Any
real armoires surviving from Louis' reign are now worth a small
fortune. The Louis armoires that we find in France, such as the two
pictured below, date from the early to mid 20th century and are French
'revivial' pieces, made to emulate the original 18th century styles.
These vintage pieces tend to be of far higher quality than the new ones
being produced today.
Small Louis Style French Armoire
Large Louis Style French Armoire
Louis Philippe Style French Armoires:
In the style of furniture popular during the reign of Louis Philippe I
(1830-1848). Known as the 'Citizen King', Louis Philippe was a popular
figurehead. Noted for not leading the usually lavish lifestyle of a
royal, furniture named after him is beautiful for its simplicity. These
pieces epitomise elegance and tend to be less ornate and more refined
than other styles. Armoires are recognisable by their wide cornice, tall
body and raised feet. Like the Louis style, these are much imitated,
but originals tend to be beautifully constructed and cleverly fully
knockdown.
Louis Philippe Style French Armoire
Interior of a large provincial French armoire
Provincial French Armoires:
Provincial furniture was made in the provinces, as opposed to the
furniture made for the King and court in Paris. Court fashions often
took a while to filter to the provinces, and as result French provincial
furniture displays an array of overlapping styles. Most notable are
pieces showing the influence of the countryside, with simplified carving
representing wheat sheaves and foliage. Provincial French furniture is
often highly rustic in finish and style but beautifully made. Large
armoires such as the one pictured below are fully knockdown and held
together with chunky, hand made wooden pegs.
Original Provinicial Armoire
Art Deco French Armoires: The
Art Deco movement first appeared in France during the 1920s. Reflecting
a new modern era, Deco embraced geometric forms such as rectangles and
zig zags. French Deco furniture is often quite chunky, with chunky feet,
geometric lines but also strong floral motifs that are far bolder and
heavier than previously seen.
Painted Art Deco Armoire
Henri II Style French Armoires:
Also known as French Renaissance, Henri II furniture is notable for its
size and solidity. Armoires tend to be huge and rectangular in
composition, with heavy carving, dark wood and large bun feet. They are
notable for their often elaborate cornices with large finials and
crests, and show a strong Italian influence in their carving and design.
Armoires have either solid wooden doors, such as the piece pictured
below, or glass mirror doors.
Henri II Style Armoire
Breton French Armoires:
Breton furniture is highly distinctive. Often made of heavy, dark oak
and highly carved, with fretwork a notable feature. Squares and
rectangles predominate, with intensely carved human figures and faces,
animals, plants and ships wheels. Maritime motifs predominate,
reflecting Brittany's close association with the sea. Armoires are often
shorter than other styles and many come as bedroom sets with matching
beds and pot cupboards.
Why should I buy an original French Armoire rather than a modern reproduction piece?
When
there are so many reproduction armoires on the market it's tempting to
ask why buy originals? Possibly one of the most unrecognised points is
that often the real thing is far cheaper! Many repro armoires retail at
far higher prices than antique and vintage ones, despite often being
quite poorly made. French armoires of all styles tend to exhibit
exceptional craftsmanship. As well as being beautiful and practical,
they will never devalue (unless you ill treat them!). French furniture
never goes out of vogue and purchasing an authentic armoire is a solid
investment as well as a beautiful storage solution.
How can I tell a real French armoire from a reproduction one?
As
with most antique and vintage furniture we can age pieces according to
their construction and their apparels. Look at feet, hinges, handles,
keys and locks and such give aways as depth and wood patternation. Most
authentic French armoires will fully knockdown, that is, disassemble
completely. Antique French armoires, pre-1900 will often knockdown into
very small constituent parts are held together using a mix of wooden
pegs and inbuilt large screws. Very old armoires will have pegs only.
More modern armoires (post 1930) will usually be held together with
large removable screws and will knockdown into less pieces, often with
intact bases, cornices, sides and back panels.
Who Are We?
Dazzle Vintage Furniture is an online boutique specialising in authentic French armoires, antique mirrors and decorative accessories. We personally source all our items in France, scouring flea markets, fairs and antiques shops in Brittany and Provence.
WEBSITE: http://www.dazzlevintagefurniture.com
TWITTER: @DazzleVintage
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dazzlevintagefurniture
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DazzleVintageFurniture
Dazzle Vintage Furniture is an online boutique specialising in authentic French armoires, antique mirrors and decorative accessories. We personally source all our items in France, scouring flea markets, fairs and antiques shops in Brittany and Provence.
WEBSITE: http://www.dazzlevintagefurniture.com
TWITTER: @DazzleVintage
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dazzlevintagefurniture
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DazzleVintageFurniture
