Thinking about an armoire cabinet or wardrobe armoire to elevate your storage while keeping your home looking refined? Here’s a practical, design-led guide from Joyce Kitchens, trusted by Perth and WA homeowners for custom cabinetry, kitchen renovations and wardrobe solutions since 1996.
What is an armoire cabinet?
An armoire cabinet is a tall, freestanding or built-in storage piece with doors that conceal shelving, drawers or hanging rails. While traditionally used as a wardrobe armoire in bedrooms, today’s armoires are versatile heroes in kitchens, sculleries, bathrooms and laundries—hiding appliances, linen, pantry items and even home office setups behind beautiful doors.
A tall cabinet with doors, often custom-built to house clothing, pantry goods, small appliances or linens. Can be freestanding or integrated into custom cabinetry.
A style of armoire optimised for clothing: hanging space, adjustable shelving, shoe drawers and accessories trays—ideal for bedrooms or guest rooms without built-in robes.
Why choose an armoire for modern Australian homes
Clutter-free living without a renovation blowout
Armoires deliver substantial storage without moving walls. In kitchens and laundries, they can hide the microwave, coffee station or broom cupboard. In bathrooms, they become elegant linen presses. In bedrooms, a wardrobe armoire can replace or supplement a walk-in robe.
Flexible design to match your interior style
- Hampton style or Shaker kitchen doors for a timeless look
- Sleek, contemporary kitchen fronts with integrated finger-pull or push-to-open hardware
- VJ panelling or glass inserts for display sections
- LED strip lighting inside shelves for visibility
Excellent for open-plan homes
Perth homes increasingly favour open-plan living. An armoire cabinet lets you include a “hidden” scullery or mini pantry in a galley kitchen or L-shaped kitchen without a full room. Close the doors, and the space looks calm.
Our WA design and renovation process
- Consultation: A Joyce designer measures onsite across Perth and surrounds. We discuss daily routines, appliance sizes (e.g., 600 mm or 900 mm ovens), and which items the armoire must store.
- Design and selections: Choose layouts, materials and finishes—from moisture-resistant melamine to two-pack polyurethane and solid timber. We’ll model the armoire as part of your kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe plan.
- Quotation: Transparent pricing with options. We’ll note compliance requirements (e.g., clearances, ventilation for appliances) and recommend durable hardware like Blum soft-close hinges and drawer systems.
- Manufacture: Precision-built in WA using quality substrates like MR MDF and plywood where appropriate.
- Installation: Managed by experienced trades and coordinated to minimise downtime—especially valuable in kitchen renovations Perth homeowners rely on.
- Aftercare: Advice on cleaning and warranty support.
Materials and finishes that work in WA
Western Australian conditions (heat, coastal air, high UV) demand well-chosen materials. We recommend moisture-resistant substrates and durable finishes suited to kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
Common materials for armoire cabinets
- Melamine (MR board): Cost-effective, hardwearing, huge colour range from Laminex and Polytec.
- Two-pack polyurethane: Painted finish in any colour, smooth or shaker profiles; excellent for Hampton style and contemporary kitchen designs.
- Timber veneer or solid timber accents: Warmth and character; seal properly for humid zones.
- Plywood internals: Light, strong and premium—great for drawers and shelving.
- Hardware: Quality runners and hinges (e.g., Blum soft-close) increase lifespan and feel.
A factory-applied polyurethane paint system (colour + hardener) that cures to a durable, smooth finish—ideal for detailed Shaker doors and colour-matched panels.
Benchtops and surrounds for armoire-integrated kitchens
If your armoire integrates with a pantry or appliance nook and meets a benchtop, consider the pros and cons below.
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Highly durable but check current state regulations; excellent scratch resistance | Good everyday durability; avoid direct heat and cutting |
| Heat/UV | Better heat resistance than laminate; avoid extreme thermal shock | Can discolour or blister with excessive heat; use trivets |
| Regulation/Availability | Subject to Australian regulatory changes regarding crystalline silica. Consider porcelain/sintered alternatives. | Widely available (Laminex, Polytec) with realistic stone-look options |
| Approx. Cost (installed) | $$$ — varies by compliant product; porcelain/sintered often $$$$ | $$ — budget friendly, fast to install |
| Look & Feel | Premium stone aesthetics; seamless undermount sink options | Huge decor range; square edges and modern profiles available |
Note: Australia has introduced significant changes affecting engineered stone products. Speak with your designer for compliant options such as porcelain/sintered surfaces or natural stone, and review guidance from Safe Work Australia. Safe Work Australia
Layouts and styles (from Shaker to contemporary)
Kitchen armoires: where they shine
- Appliance garage: Hide toasters and coffee machines behind pocket or bi-fold doors, with a stone or laminate work surface inside.
- Pull-out pantry: Full-height pull-outs keep galley kitchen footprints slim while boosting capacity.
- Dish- and glass-ware armoire: Glass-fronted upper doors and timber shelves for a stylish breakfast bar zone.
- Integrated fridge housing: Create a unified front in an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen with tall doors and ventilation.
Wardrobe armoire features
- Hanging rails, adjustable shelving, shoe drawers and jewellery trays
- Soft-close drawers and felt-lined compartments
- Mirrored doors to enhance light in bedrooms
- LED sensor lighting for visibility
Finish ideas
- Classic Shaker kitchen doors in two-pack with matte brass or black handles
- Flush, contemporary kitchen doors with finger-pull or push-to-open
- VJ profiled doors for coastal WA homes
- Timber accents to warm up white and grey palettes
Costs and timelines in Perth and WA
Pricing varies by size, materials and internal fittings. Typical guide (incl. design, manufacture and installation):
- Kitchen armoire / tall pantry cabinet: $3,000–$8,000+ depending on width, pocket doors, internal power, lighting and pull-outs.
- Wardrobe armoire (bedroom): $3,500–$10,000+ depending on doors, internal drawers and mirrors.
- Bathroom or laundry linen armoire: $2,500–$7,000+ depending on moisture-sealing and hardware.
Timeline: Design and selections 1–3 weeks. Manufacture typically 3–6 weeks. Installation 1–3 days for a single armoire, longer when part of full kitchen renovations Perth homeowners undertake. Lead times fluctuate with season and material availability.
Planning checklist
- List what the armoire must store (appliances, clothing, linens, cleaning gear).
- Measure appliance sizes (e.g., 600 mm/900 mm ovens, 600 mm microwaves, fridge cavity).
- Decide freestanding vs built-in integration with existing cabinetry.
- Choose door style (Shaker, VJ, flat) and hardware (handles, push-to-open).
- Confirm power points, lighting and ventilation if housing appliances.
- Select finish: melamine, two-pack, veneer—and a benchtop if applicable.
- Consider child-safety latches where needed.
- Discuss budget tiers and any future-proofing (adjustable shelves, modular inserts).
WA case examples
Case 1: Subiaco appliance armoire in a Shaker kitchen
Brief: Hide bench-top clutter in a compact galley kitchen. Solution: A full-height Shaker armoire with pocket doors, internal engineered-stone-compatible work surface, LED lighting and power for coffee gear. Outcome: Breakfast setup disappears behind doors—clean lines for open-plan living.
Case 2: Cottesloe wardrobe armoire for guest suite
Brief: No built-in robe, but needed flexible storage. Solution: Freestanding wardrobe armoire with hanging rail, adjustable shelves and mirrored doors in a soft white two-pack. Outcome: Adds function without structural work, matching the home’s coastal aesthetic.
Compliance, durability and aftercare
- Standards: We design and build to relevant Australian Standards for domestic cabinetry (e.g., AS/NZS 4386) and clearances around cooking appliances. Review or purchase standards through Standards Australia.
- Best practice: Joyce Kitchens follows industry guidance from HIA and Master Builders WA.
- Moisture protection: We specify MR boards and seal edges—especially for bathrooms and laundries.
- Care: Use a microfibre cloth and pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh abrasives on two-pack and laminate surfaces.
Considering a custom armoire cabinet for your kitchen, bathroom, laundry or bedroom? Book a free design consultation with Joyce Kitchens—custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust.
FAQ
What is an armoire cabinet and how is it used in modern Australian homes?
An armoire cabinet is a tall storage piece with doors that hide shelving, drawers or hanging rails. Beyond bedrooms, Australians now use armoires in kitchens as appliance garages or pantries, in laundries as broom or linen cupboards, and in bathrooms as elegant towel and toiletry storage.
Is a wardrobe armoire better as freestanding or built-in?
Both work well. A freestanding wardrobe armoire is flexible and perfect for rentals or heritage homes. A built-in armoire integrates with skirting, cornice and adjacent cabinetry for a seamless look—ideal when you want maximum capacity and a custom finish.
How much does a custom armoire cabinet cost in Perth and WA?
As a guide, kitchen or linen armoires start around $2,500–$3,000 and can exceed $8,000 depending on size, doors, internal hardware, lighting and finishes. A wardrobe armoire with mirrors and drawers typically ranges from $3,500 to $10,000+ installed.
What materials are best for armoire cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries?
Moisture-resistant melamine or MR MDF with a durable finish (e.g., two-pack polyurethane) is reliable. Add quality hardware like soft-close Blum hinges. In wet zones, seal edges thoroughly and consider plywood internals for extra durability.
How long does design to installation take with Joyce Kitchens?
Most armoire projects take 1–3 weeks for design and selections, 3–6 weeks for manufacture, and 1–3 days for installation. Timelines vary with materials, season and whether the armoire is part of a full kitchen renovation.