Turning an Antique Armoire into Clothing Storage

Armoires were a staple in old homes where closets were small or non-existent. They were a place to store both hanging and folded clothes.

Since those days they become a commonplace item to house your TV. That fad ended with the dawn of the flat-screen TV. Now you can find old armoires on Facebook Marketplace that are well made and cheap.

My armoire was very old when I bought it 40+ years ago. Chances are that it was used in someone’s home to house their wardrobe and I’m going to do the same with mine.

photo of my antique armoire in the primary bedroom

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My Antique Armoire

Over the years, my armoire had been the home to many things. I have had a TV in it at certain points in its life with me. For a long time, it was a linen closet of sorts.

Lately, it had become a catch-all for almost everything I didn’t have a proper home for. Sheets and towels, jewelry, socks, travel supplies, medicine, spare bathroom supplies; you name it, I had it in the armoire.

messy unorganized armoire
Before
Messy unorganized armoire
Before
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

My Dresser

The dresser that I have been using is a built-in that “Handy” made for me several years ago. While it’s functional, it didn’t really hold all of my clothes and they were spilling over into the armoire.

My dresser was also inconvenient to access once I had moved a table and chair in front of it.

armoire with organizers

Making the Switch from Dresser to Armoire

Once I took time to clean out my armoire, I realized that there were a lot of things in there that could be donated or thrown away. Certain things needed to be housed in the bathroom or other places in the house. I’m all about keeping things in the room where they will get used.

Once I had a fresh look at what was in the armoire, it made sense to move my clothes from my dresser into the armoire where they were more easily accessible and put all the armoire items into the dresser as I didn’t need anything from the armoire on a daily basis.

Organized armoire with storage organizers

The Right Storage Solutions

Next on the list of things to do was to find storage solutions for the armoire. I knew that I wanted drawer box storage organizers. Needing to find the right sizes so that I could maximize my space, I took some quick measurements. I was lucky enough to find three different ones that worked well together.

Storage solution with clothes put in them. So easy to see and access what you need.

Things I’m Loving Right Now

Repurposing an Old Armoire

I love that people are embracing using old pieces of furniture and making them new again.

The outside of my armoire has never been touched since I’ve had it. I bought it with my sister at the Kane County Flea Market about 40 years ago.

I’ve considered painting it white but I just love how the wood has fit into every space that I’ve had this armoire.

An old armoire could be used for display and storage or even turned into something unique

  • Home Office Supplies/Work Station
  • Kid’s Toys
  • Craft Supplies
  • Baking & Cooking
  • Collections
  • Bathroom Essentials
  • Dry Bar
  • Cleaning Closet
  • Sewing Center
  • Pet Center
  • Linen Closet
  • Library
Photo Credit Pinterest
Photo Credit Pinterest

Repurposing Old Items

In our disposable world, I love to repurpose old things. I use vintage dishes, silver, glassware, and bowls for dinnerware.

I use old books, photographs, artwork, and more for decor.

desk painted with refreshed hardware in the office alcove
an after photo of my china cabinet makeover with dixie belle chalk paint
AFTER

Recently I upcycled an old desk for my office and a china cabinet for my craft room. Stop by those blog posts and take a peek.

Peace and Love,

A blue background with hand-drawn elements sets the stage. A heart symbol flanked by two lines adds charm, while the text "Lynn xoxo" in cursive whispers a promise to make food prep easier and more delightful.
WELCOME

Meet Me

After years in corporate America, I’ve channeled my interior design degree and passionate creativity into transforming our 1,300 square foot house into a cozy, inviting haven that proves beautiful living doesn’t require massive square footage.

My slight OCD tendencies fuel my love for organizing while my “Handy” husband helps bring my vintage-inspired decorating visions to life in our empty nest, where we entertain, garden, and cook from scratch.

Join me as I share practical wisdom, genuine humor, and professional insights for making the most of every square inch—because I’ve discovered that living large isn’t about the size of your home but how you fill it with style, function, and heart.

MORE ABOUT ME
About the elderly woman: With long gray hair and glasses, she wears a white knit sweater and hoop earrings, her gentle smile radiates warmth against the plain light gray background.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

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A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

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