To properly share the history of the chifforobe, we need to take a trip back in time and ponder a question: What did people do with their clothes before the invention of closets?
Centuries ago, clothing was not as abundant as it is today, so there was no need for dedicated storage spaces. However, as clothing production methods and fashionable styles developed, the need for a storage solution arose. Early solutions included woven baskets and wooden chests. Roman soldiers transported their weapons and armor in simple wooden boxes, which later evolved into grand cedar chests used by the wealthy to safeguard their clothing. Eventually, these cedar chests led to the creation of the armoire during the 17th century.
The armoire, also known as a wardrobe, was a tall and standalone wooden cupboard designed to store hanging clothes. It typically featured two doors that opened to a spacious area on top with shelves underneath. By the 18th century, the wardrobe had become the most popular choice for the wealthy to store their clothes.
However, it was in the early 20th century that a revolutionary storage solution arrived on the scene – the chifforobe. Originating in the United States, the chifforobe combined the features of a chiffonier (a French furnishing with drawers) and a wardrobe. It was an original invention because it was the first piece designed to accommodate both hanging and folded clothes. The chifforobe offered a perfect balance of storage space and portability, setting it apart from traditional closets.
In one compact unit, the chifforobe provided a tall closet for hanging clothes along with a chest of drawers or shelves. As closets became more prevalent and popular, the demand for chifforobes gradually declined.
Today, chifforobes serve a variety of purposes:
Reducing bedroom clutter
The Amish Modern Chifforobe Chest of Drawers offers multiple drawers and compartments to keep clothing and accessories off the floor and bed.
As entertainment centers
The Rustic Barnwood Wardrobe features a spacious cabinet behind its wooden doors, making it an ideal choice for housing a television and other entertainment fixtures.
Saving floor space
The Amish Le Chateau Chifforobe combines a wardrobe with 14 drawers, serving as both a dresser and a wardrobe, effectively maximizing space.
For guest room storage
The Amish Pleasant Valley Wardrobe is perfect for storing towels, candles, soaps, and extra blankets in a guest room.
As a playroom closet
The Amish English Shaker Armoire is perfectly suited for hanging dress-up clothes and storing toys and games in a nursery, playroom, or child's bedroom.
As a craft station
The Amish Oberlin Mission Chifforobe, with its various-sized drawers, cabinets, and full closet, offers an excellent solution for organizing craft supplies, wrapping paper, and scrapbooking items.
Chifforobes are particularly popular in apartments and townhouses with limited or no closet space. They provide a charming and space-saving solution. Select from a variety of Amish-made styles and customizable options to create a beautiful chifforobe that combines a closet and dresser perfectly tailored to your home.