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