Armoire
A word of French origin, armoire is derived from the Latin ‘armarium’, which translates into cupboard. This tall freestanding cupboard has two doors and may have a drawer or two set beneath the doors for extra storage.
Use in: Bedrooms to store clothes or other items
Bombe chest
The structure differs considerably from the regular chest. The sides and front bulge outwards and then curve inwards at the base. Most of them have two to three drawers and showcase ornamental hardware. Modern ones are often brightly coloured.
Use in: The study
Sideboard
Also called a buffet, a sideboard has been synonymous with dining rooms for centuries. Once used to lay down food in a buffet setting it’s surface is now used as display area while the drawers help tuck away crockery, tablecloths and napkins.
Use in: The dining room
Bookshelf
There won’t be — or shouldn’t be — a home that does not have a book shelf. Made of wood or metal, it has horizontal shelves where you can place your books and other décor accents.
Bookcases, on the other hand, have glass-paned doors to shield books.
Use in: Any room
Chest of drawers
Also known as a bureau, this ubiquitous piece of furniture can be used in any room. Rectangular in shape, it typically comprises multiple horizontal drawers stacked on top of each other. It may or may not have legs and usually has three, five or seven drawers.
Use in: The bedroom as your lingerie cabinet
Breakfront chest
This cabinet is divided into three vertical sections and the central segment projects outwards to ‘break the front’ of the chest. It’s a multitasking piece of furniture and can be used as a sideboard, chest of drawers or dresser.
Use in: Top it with a mirror and use as a dresser
Bachelor’s chest
A scaled-down version of the chest of drawers, this one’s ideal for all the little things that never seem to find a home. They usually have three drawers and took a masculine name due to the use of solid wood and dark colours.
Use in: The bedroom as a nightstand
China cabinet
History reveals that Queen Mary (1689-1702) loved her China and ordered a cabinet be made to display her collection. Since then, these tall cabinets with glass doors have been used to store and display china.
Use in: The dining room or kitchen
