The Complete Handbook of Armoires & Wardrobes
A professional's field guide to selecting, installing, maintaining, and profiting from armoires and wardrobes.
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
A rigorous reference covering construction, materials, restoration, and the business of buying and selling armoires and wardrobes.
About this book
Most people buy an armoire or wardrobe on looks alone, then discover too late that the back panel is cardboard, the drawer joints are stapled, or the unit cannot fit through the client's stairwell. This handbook is the corrective. It treats the armoire as a precision system of structural panels, hanging rods, drawer hardware, and finish materials. It explains how to inspect a dovetail joint for tightness, the difference between kiln-dried and green lumber in frame-and-panel doors, and the load rating you need on a closet rod for a heavy winter coat collection.
Beyond the purchase, the book covers installation and safe anchoring to stud walls, the specific tools for leveling on uneven floors, and the maintenance routines that prevent drawer sag, door misalignment, and finish failure. It includes diagnostic troubleshooting for common problems like sticking runners, separating miter joints, and broken cam locks. A dedicated chapter addresses the business side: how to assess the resale value of vintage pieces, structure a white-glove delivery service, or rent pieces for film and hospitality sets.
With a forward-looking chapter on materials trends, environmental finishes, and smart storage accessories, this is not a decorating book. It is a working manual for anyone who specifies, handles, or profits from these large-case goods.
Reader Reviews
Shirley Sanchez
★★★★★It's a solid reference, and I did learn a lot about joinery and why the back panel matters so much. The chapter on construction specs was genuinely useful for a custom piece I'm building. But I have to say, I felt the book could have used more photos or diagrams. The text describes things like a French dovetail very precisely, but a few images would have made it click for me faster. It's a book I'll keep on the shelf, just not one I'd read cover-to-cover for pleasure.