The first thing to consider when buying an armoire is what you will predominately be using it for. Today, armoires are designed to hold and store a variety of items, including clothing, bedding, linens, televisions and computers.



An armoire can be a large or compact piece of furniture. The second thing to consider before purchasing one is where you will be putting the armoire. Measure the intended space; you don't want to end up with an armoire that's too big or too small. When measuring, also take into account that an armoire usually has doors that open outward. If you are buying one for a small room or a narrow hallway, consider purchasing an armoire with wrap-around or sliding panel doors.

Decide if you want to be able to move the unit around the room or even from room to room. This will limit your choice of armoire to smaller sized units that include casters or ones that can be easily lifted.

Types of Armoires:

Standard Armoires:

Standard armoires usually resemble a cabinet with doors and come in a wide range of styles, sizes and materials. They will include a combination of storage types, such as drawers, a place to hang clothes, cubbies and adjustable shelves. A standard armoire is ideal for storing clothes, accessories, bedding and linens, while smaller armoires are perfect way to store additional towels and accessories in a bathroom or guest bedroom.

TV Armoires:

Electronic equipment of any kind can be disruptive to a room's ambience, especially in a bedroom. A television armoire will allow you to watch TV when you wish, but hide it from view when it's not in use. When purchasing a TV armoire, consider the following:

- check to see if there is easy access that will allow you to connect your television and/or other components without too much difficulty

- make sure that your TV will be able to fit on the shelf properly; most manufacturers will list the maximum size of television the armoire will hold

- many television armoires come with drawers: wide, deep drawers will be better for stowing clothes, bedding, etc.; narrower drawers will be more practical for holding DVD's, CDs, VHS tapes, extra cords and the remote control

Computer Armoires:

As with TVs, computers can also be intrusive, creating a sense of clutter with all of their different components and wires. A computer armoire will conveniently hide everything out of sight, while maintaining the existing decorative flow of the room. Designed to house all things computer related, computer armoires typically include a pull-out keyboard tray and compartments for the CPU, printer and monitor. Many types of computer armoires might incorporate organizational tools such as cubbies, a CD holder or a cork/white board. Since computer armoires are available in a variety of configurations, you're sure to find the one that will perfectly fill all of your requirements.

Wardrobe Armoires:

While standard armoires can be used for clothes as well, wardrobe armoires are specifically designed to hold various types of clothing and accessories. They generally tend to be taller than other types of armoires. High quality wardrobe armoires are configured to create an air-tight environment for your clothes, while allowing them to breathe and protecting them from harmful sunlight and humidity. Typically, a wardrobe armoire has a clothing rod, adjustable shelves and drawers. Depending on the manufacturer, wardrobe armoires can include a mirror, lined drawers intended for jewelry or other delicate items and removable shirt partitions.

Jewelry Armoires:

Jewelry armoires are generally freestanding, designed to hold a medium to large jewelry collection. Typically, they have a number of stacked drawers for storing jewelry and side doors complete with hooks for hanging necklaces. A quality jewelry armoire will include several different storage options to specifically accommodate various types of jewelry such as rings, bracelets, etc. Usually the drawers of a jewelry armoire are lined to better protect your valuables from scratches and other damage. A jewelry armoire that includes a mirror or has a lock increases its functionality.

A well designed armoire is a resourceful piece of furniture. No matter what kind of armoire you are considering to buy, I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights that will help make the decision a little easier.