Understanding Chifforobe
The chifforobe was invented in the early 1900s as a space-saving solution for homes that lacked built-in closets — which was common in American houses built before the 1950s. The name is a portmanteau of "chiffonier" (a tall, narrow chest of drawers) and "wardrobe" (a freestanding closet). The design was brilliantly practical: rather than buying both a wardrobe and a dresser, a family could purchase one chifforobe that served both functions. Chifforobes were widely advertised in Sears Roebuck catalogs from the 1910s through the 1940s, making them accessible to middle-class American households. They were particularly popular in Southern states, where many older homes lacked closets well into the mid-20th century. The term entered literary fame in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," where a chifforobe plays a key role in the trial scene.
Chifforobe in Interior Design
Chifforobes are experiencing renewed appreciation as both functional furniture and decorative statement pieces. In bedrooms without adequate closet space — including apartments, guest rooms, and historic homes — a chifforobe provides essential clothing storage without renovating. Antique and vintage chifforobes, particularly those from the 1920s-1940s in Art Deco or waterfall styles, are prized by collectors and vintage design enthusiasts. A refinished antique chifforobe can serve as a stunning focal piece in a bedroom, guest room, or even a dining room (repurposed as a bar or linen cabinet). Modern reproductions are available in farmhouse, rustic, and traditional styles. The key styling approach is to let a chifforobe stand as a feature piece — its substantial size and dual-function design makes it a natural room anchor.
