To properly share the history of the chifforobe, we have to go back in time and ask ourselves, what did we do with clothing before closets were invented?
Centuries ago, humans had no need for storage dedicated to clothing since they possessed so little of it. As methods for producing clothing and desirable styles developed, the need for a storage solution was born. Some early solutions included woven baskets and wood chests. Roman soldiers used simple wooden boxes to transport their weapons and armor. The wooden boxes evolved into grand cedar chests that the wealthy used to protect their clothing. These cedar chests eventually led to the creation of the armoire during the 17th century.
The armoire, or wardrobe, was a tall, wooden, stand-alone cupboard where hanging clothes could be stored. It typically had two doors that opened to a spacious area on top with shelves underneath. By the 18th century, the wardrobe had become the most popular way for the wealthy to store their clothes.
What is a chifforobe? A chifforobe is a combination of a wardrobe and a chest of drawers, designed to store both hanging and folded clothing in one compact piece of furniture. The name merges the words “chiffonier” (a tall chest of drawers) and “wardrobe” (a cabinet for hanging clothes). This blend made it an ideal solution for smaller homes before closets were common.
The chifforobe was first introduced in the Sears Roebuck catalog at the start of the 20th century. Originating in the U.S., the chifforobe combined a chiffonier (a French furnishing featuring drawers) and a wardrobe (a large movable cupboard used to store hanging clothes). Sears described the chifforobe as an original invention since it was the first piece designed to hold both hanging and folded clothes.
It quickly gained popularity across the southern United States, where homes often lacked built-in closets. The chifforobe’s mix of practicality and charm made it a staple of early 1900s American bedrooms.
The chifforobe was the perfect combination of storage space and was also transportable, unlike traditional closets.
In one combined unit the chifforobe offered a tall closet for hanging clothes along with a chest of drawers or shelves.
Chifforobe vs. Wardrobe vs. Armoire
Feature
Chifforobe
Wardrobe
Armoire
Hanging Space
✔️
✔️
✔️
Drawers
✔️
❌
Sometimes
Common Use
Bedroom storage
Clothing hanging
Decorative storage
Typical Style
Compact & practical
Tall & simple
Ornate & large
As closets were built and became popular, the need for chifforobes declined.
While the word may sound old-fashioned today, the furniture itself remains useful and relevant. Modern Amish chifforobes continue the tradition, handcrafted from solid wood with customizable drawers, doors, and finishes to meet modern storage needs.
Today, chifforobes are often used for the following:
Reducing bedroom clutter
The Amish San Marco Chifforobe offers multiple drawers and compartments to keep clothing and accessories off the floor and bed.
As entertainment centers
The Rustic Barnwood Wardrobe offers a spacious cabinet behind its wood doors that is perfect for housing a television and entertainment fixtures.
The Amish Pleasant Valley Wardrobe is just right for towels, candles, soaps, and extra blankets.
As a playroom closet
The Amish Olde Shaker Armoire is perfect for hanging dress up clothes and storing toys and games in a nursery, playroom, or child’s bedroom.
As a craft station
With various size drawers, cabinets, and a full closet, the Amish Oberlin Mission Chifforobe is the right cabinet for craft supplies, wrapping paper, and scrapbooking items.
Chifforobes are a great choice for apartments and townhouses with no or limited closet space, and are charming space-saving solutions. Select from a variety of Amish-made styles and custom options to create a beautiful closet dresser combo for your home.
What is a chifforobe used for?
A chifforobe provides both hanging space and drawer storage in a single piece, making it ideal for bedrooms without built-in closets.
Why is it called a chifforobe?
The name blends “chiffonier” (a tall chest of drawers) and “wardrobe” (a cabinet for hanging clothes), reflecting its combined storage design.
Is a chifforobe the same as an armoire?
Not exactly. An armoire typically offers hanging space only, while a chifforobe combines a hanging compartment with drawers or shelves.
This blog post was updated on December 28, 2018 with new entryway table designs. It (almost) goes without saying: Your Read more
About the Author
Beth Rice
Beth Rice is a content writer for DutchCrafters Amish Furniture. She is the primary author of Timber to Table blog posts and has spent the last several years researching and providing knowledge on wood types, furniture styles, and design trends. As a busy mother of two, Beth understands the value of furniture in helping create a welcoming home for family and friends, and often writes on the ways our furniture can help support that. Beth is a published author with a gift for identifying the special moments in everyday life. Most recently, she had a short story included in Chicken Soup for the Soul's "My Amazing Mom" edition. Since 2012, the DutchCrafters Timber to Table blog has been providing customers and other readers with furniture and interior design tips, information about the Amish, and woodworkers’ stories.
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