ARMOIRES / BONNETIERES

Armoires are defined as tall cupboards or wardrobes with shelves, hooks, hanging space, and sometimes drawers — most often seen in a two-door style but also designed with four doors, divided horizontally at the center by a pull out shelf or drawer. Built with peg construction in order to be dismantled and reassembled, armoires were originally designed to store arms or armor in late 16th century France (the name comes from the Latin word "armorium" which was a chest for storing armor). Later armoires were heavily carved in prized woods with elaborate floral and figural motifs characteristic of the province or country where fabricated. Found in nearly every room of the house at one time, French armoires were used to store everything from linens and clothing to silverware, china, cutlery, and even food. While many people continue to use them as originally intended, antique armoires make very effective furnishings for today's modern lifestyle. Visit Lolo French Antiques et More to browse our vast selection of antique armoires.