The Antique Wardrobe and Armoire Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Buy
Large wardrobes and armoires are easy to admire and difficult to move. A careful inspection must include structure, interior alteration and a realistic delivery plan.
Measure the object and route
Record maximum dimensions, including projecting cornice and feet. Measure doors, stairs, lifts and turns. Ask which parts are designed to dismantle and whether specialist assembly is required.
Check the base and stance
Look for lean, twist and uneven doors. Inspect feet and plinth for damp, woodworm, reduction and replaced timber. A heavy cabinet needs a stable, level base.
Operate doors and drawers
Ask the seller to demonstrate hinges, locks and catches. Doors should move without dragging severely or placing strain on the frame. Do not force a key.
Inspect drawers, runners and stops. Compare handles and escutcheons for replacement evidence.
Examine the interior
Wardrobes are frequently converted. Look for redundant shelf holes, later hanging rails, removed slides, modern lining and cut-outs for televisions or cables. Alteration can improve usability but affects originality.
Compare sections
Check whether cornice, doors, carcass and base share compatible timber, construction, colour and wear. Separate antique components can be combined later.
Assess surfaces and mirrors
Inspect veneer, polish, carving, glass and silvering. Original mirror plates may show age but must still be secure. Replacement glass should be recorded.
Plan safe installation
Tall furniture may need wall restraint appropriate to its weight and the building. Use professional movers who understand detachable antique construction. Never drag the wardrobe or lift it by a cornice.
Ask for restoration history, a written condition report and confirmation of included keys, shelves and fittings.
For real furniture restorations and workshop decision-making, [watch and subscribe to Antique Repair Shop on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).
Sources and further reading
- [BADA: How to buy antique furniture](https://www.bada.org/features/how-buy-antique-furniture-andreas-de-jong-de-jong-fine-english-furniture)
- [Sotheby's: Expert's guide to collecting English furniture](https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-experts-guide-to-collecting-english-furniture)
- [Canadian Conservation Institute: Basic furniture care](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects/furniture-wooden-objects-basketry/basic-care-furniture-objects-wood.html)