A Farewell to Armoires?

Armoires are probably becoming an extinct species these days. I mean, what once used to be a practical means to store clothes or china or even arms (originally, the French armoires were used to store tools or arms and hence, the name), now everyone has large walk-in closets and built in shelves. So why would anyone need an amoire?

Well, I'll tell you why. To me, they are one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture one could ever own. It's right up there with owning a beautiful piece of artwork. There is just something so elegant about a house that has an armoire in the great room, or foyer or even the bedroom.

It just brings you back to a day when furniture was made with such painstaking detail and carvings were a must. In New Orleans, especially, where there are still a lot of beautiful old mansions and shotgun houses, an armoire is a common household staple. I don't think I've walked into a house (regardless of the number of walk in closets it has) and not seen a beautiful armoire displayed prominently in one of the main rooms. Whether used to hide a TV or children's toys (as in my house) or used as a pantry or to put extra blankets, etc., an armoire is just one of those pieces of furniture that has so many uses. And aside from it's uses, they are just plain beautiful to look at. They add elegance and poise to any room.

I have a love affair with armoires, from the very elaborate ones down to the very plain and simple ones. I can't have enough of them! Even in my bathrooms, I have small one door armoires. So go ahead, invest in one. Not only are they a gorgeous piece of history, but they only go up in value like a beautiful piece of art.



Although simple in structure, this armoire is stunning with its painted surface and intricate artwork (from Fabulous Flea).

An armoire painted in coutry swedish style for a girl's bedroom or home office (from Mitchell Settoon).

An elaborate and breathtaking french armoire in the living room (from Bountiful Home).

A more classic style, this empire style armoire looks regal in the bedroom (from Bountiful Home).

A powder room or master bathroom becomes an important room with an armoire (a Provencal Wire Demi Armoire from stylehive).

Perfect for a little girls' room, this one door french antique armoire was just purchased from my 1st dibs store for a 2 year old girl who just went into remission from a long battle with brain cancer. I could not be happier that this beautiful piece has found a wonderful home with such a strong little girl.

This is one of the most beautiful armoires I have ever seen and had the pleasure to have. Gorgeous carvings and details. It can be seen personally admired at my shop (3652 Magazine Street), or on 1st dibs at http://www.disegnokarinagentinetta.1stdibs.com/.

A more simple one with glass doors to display linens and pillows. Also at my shop. Please inquire if interested.

And finally, my latest masterpiece below. Painted in a gustavian grey with hints of gilding and gesso. It is absolutely stunning!!!! Also part of my collection at disegno Karina Gentinetta.