With every house and apartment being built with at least one closet, most people don't use wardrobes. However, those with extensive collections of clothes still do, and they often refer to it by the name "armoire." How this particular piece of furniture went from something owned only by the rich and powerful to something every person can have is nearly as interesting a story as to how the wardrobe got its name. Does this Spark an idea?
What the Word Means
A wardrobe is simply a standing closet used to hold clothing. The word "armoire" is simply the French word for this particular item of furniture.
What Came Before
Before the wardrobes that we know, clothing was stored more often than not in wooden trunks. It wasn't until a great deal later, once relative luxury was established with the building of palaces and castles, that armoires became more commonly used by the rich and noble.
Where the Name Came From
The name "wardrobe" originally referred to a room in which a wealthy person's clothing would be kept. This separate room, which often had the walls covered by cabinets and standing closets, eventually became synonymous with the articles of furniture until they were both known as a wardrobe.
Size
While armoires come in a variety of sizes now, during their popularity as an item for the wealthy, armoires were built using the rule of 8. Simply stated, the carpenter would consider the armoire large enough if, when it was completed, 8 small men could fit inside it.
Design
Originally a wardrobe was only an open closet where clothing could be hung. As styles progressed and the drawer became more commonly used, we began to see the modern design, two empty areas at either side for full-length clothing and drawers down the center, become the norm.
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