Buying an Antique Wardrobe

An antique wardrobe must fit both the room and the route into it. Early examples may be too shallow for modern hangers and can have altered interiors.

Identify the form

Presses, armoires, compactums and wardrobes overlap. Identify original trays, shelves, pegs and rail sockets.

What to inspect

• Measure internal depth and rail position.
• Identify dismantling joints and sequence.
• Check doors, hinges and mirror plates.
• Inspect base, cornice and backboards.
• Look for removed trays or modern partitions.

Inspect backs, undersides, interiors, secondary woods, joints, hardware, finish and wear. Check whether separate sections share dimensions, mouldings, construction and surface history.

Authenticity and alterations

A later hanging rail does not change a linen press into an original wardrobe. Top, base and centre sections may be assembled.

Later repairs are not automatically unacceptable, but they should be stable and disclosed. Style is not a date, and a trade name is not proof of original function.

Practical use and access

Measure ceilings, stairs and turns; secure tall furniture against tipping.

Measure the complete delivery route and confirm which components detach. Stabilise structure before use and never lift by doors, arms, cornices, mirrors, marble or handles.

Warning signs

• Unknown dismantling method.
• Overloaded modern rail.
• Loose mirrored door.
• Cut-down base or cornice.
• Sections held by improvised screws.

Care after purchase

Allow gradual acclimatisation, photograph condition and keep the piece away from direct heat, damp walls and intense light. Important surfaces, textiles or structural failures need a conservator.

Sources

Use the [V&A furniture collection](https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/furniture), [V&A construction guidance](https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/furniture-how-was-it-made) and [Canadian Conservation Institute](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute.html) care principles.