The Difference

• Both the armoire and the chifferobe are tall, wooden, stand-alone cupboards featuring shelves for storage. They can be moved around as needed, unlike a traditional closet. The most significant difference lies in their configurations. An armoire -- also known as a wardrobe -- typically has two doors that open to a spacious storage area on top, with several shelves lining the bottom half of the cupboard. Armoires sometimes also feature a couple of long drawers underneath the top cupboard. A chifferobe combines into one unit a tall, narrow closet for hanging clothes and a tall, narrow chest of drawers. Sometimes, instead of drawers, a chifferobe will offer a set of narrow shelves. The closet and drawers are situated side by side in this unit.
  
  

History of the Armoire

• The armoire originated sometime before the 16th century in Europe as a cupboard for storing tools or weapons. This French word likely comes from the Latin "arma," which means "tools." André-Charles Boulle, the cabinetmaker to King Louis XIV in the late 17th century, created the most impressive designs to date, with ornate carvings and embellishments befitting a king. The design evolved in the 17th century to feature bold, geometric accents. Today, you can find inexpensive, utilitarian armoire options, as well as more expensive, intricately carved versions.
  
  

History of the Chifferobe

• The term "chifferobe" was coined in the U.S. at the start of the 20th century, when Sears Roebuck debuted in its catalog the combined chiffonier -- a French furnishing featuring drawers -- and wardrobe, or a large movable cupboard used to store hanging clothing. Sears declared the piece a novel invention; it was the first piece of furniture designed to hold both hanging and folded clothing. Residents of the U.S. South seem to use the term most commonly, even today. Various outlets manufacture and sell chifferobes today, both custom and off-the-floor models.
  
  

Uses

• Both the armoire and chifferobe can be used to store off-season clothing or outerwear that doesn't fit into existing closets. Armoires are particularly suited for serving as media cabinets and computer stations, due to the large open space in the middle. You can use the drawers for filing papers or organizing office supplies, files or craft supplies. Place a chifferobe in the guest room to serve as a convenient spot for storing clothing and toiletries for long-term stays, or use it in the play room to hang play costumes and store toys and games. An armoire or chifferobe in the garage could hold a multitude of tools, gardening equipment or sports gear.