Armoires & Wardrobes

Both are tall, freestanding cabinets for clothes. An armoire usually means a more traditional, decorative piece with paneled doors and molding, often with shelves and drawers. A wardrobe usually means a modern, closet-like cabinet designed around hanging clothes, with rods, drawers, pants racks and sometimes lighting. Many pieces are sold as a "wardrobe armoire". Read our wardrobe vs. armoire guide for more.

Standard hangers are about 17–19 in wide, so a wardrobe needs about 22–24 in of interior depth for clothes to hang front to back without catching on the doors. Most Tela and Orbis wardrobes are 23.6 in deep, and Vestia wardrobe closets are 24.8 in. Shallower cabinets work better with a front-facing pull-out rod or shelves.

A single wardrobe is usually about 30–32 in wide, 22–25 in deep and 75–80 in tall. Double or 4-door wardrobes are about 40–63 in wide. With top cabinets, wardrobe sets reach 90–102 in. For example, the Tela Core Wardrobe is 31.5 × 23.6 × 77.1 in, and the Tela Core Grand Set is 100.8 in tall. See how to choose a wardrobe.

Hinged doors open the whole wardrobe at once and suit interiors with drawers, but need about 30–36 in of clear floor in front. Sliding doors need no swing space, which suits tight rooms and narrow walkways, but you only reach half the wardrobe at a time. For most bedrooms with space in front, hinged doors are the more practical choice.

A freestanding wardrobe is the most complete fix: hanging space, drawers and doors in one piece. Add a dresser for folded clothes and under-bed storage for off-season items. In tight rooms, a corner wardrobe such as the Vestia Corner Wardrobe Closet uses space that would otherwise be wasted. More ideas are in our bedroom with no closet guide.

A single 31.5 in wardrobe with built-in drawers, such as the Tela Core or Tela Compact, fits beside a bed or in an alcove. Add a top cabinet to use the height instead of the floor. A light finish and interior lighting make a tall piece feel less heavy in a small room.

Buying is usually much cheaper and faster. A freestanding wardrobe module costs roughly $400–$1,000. A custom built-in closet often costs several thousand dollars once you add design, materials and installation. Freestanding systems also move with you. For full-wall and walk-in setups, see our freestanding closet system guide.

Yes. Tall wardrobes are top-heavy, especially with heavy coats on the rod and the doors open. Secure every wardrobe to a wall stud with the included anti-tip kit, keep heavy items low, and take extra care in children's rooms.